Minneapolis Review

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is currently hosting an exhibition titled "A Generous Outlook: Gifts from Fay Gallus and Richard Sweet," available for viewing until April 13, 2025, in the Perlman Gallery. This exhibition is free to the public and features 25 notable photographs and photographic objects, ranging from a 19th-century souvenir card to works by prominent photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The exhibition celebrates the contributions of Fay Gallus and Richard Sweet, collectors with significant ties to Minnesota who have donated these pieces to Mia's photography collection. Although now residing in California, Gallus and Sweet continue their support for the arts, aligning with Mia's mission to collect, preserve, and make art accessible to the community.

Casey Riley, Mia’s Chair of Global Contemporary Art and Curator of Photography and New Media, remarked on the donation: “This extraordinary gift honors the museum’s existing holdings while building on its strengths in every way.” Riley emphasized that the collection reflects both donors' keen eye for photography and their understanding of its capacity to connect across time and culture.

The exhibition includes iconic works by photographers such as Eugène Atget, Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Walker Evans, Elliott Erwitt, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Irving Penn, Alec Soth, Carleton Watkins, Weegee among others. These pieces enhance Mia's reputation in photographic history while contributing to its goal of maintaining an accessible public collection.

Katie Luber, Mia’s Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director & President commented: “Fay Gallus and Richard Sweet’s generosity is a testament to their passion for photography and their belief in Mia’s mission.” She noted that this gift significantly enriches the museum's collection ensuring future audiences can appreciate photography's impact.

Mia continues its commitment as a leading regional institution by expanding its photography collection reflecting diversity within this medium. The current exhibition invites visitors to explore various photographic techniques while acknowledging donors whose contributions strengthen both museum offerings and community connections. More information can be found at www.artsmia.org.

General admission at Mia remains free though some special exhibitions may incur a small fee. For further details contact +1 612 870 3000 or visit new.artsmia.org.