Plains Art Museum Announces the Convergence Expo: Art. Health. Community.
Press Release
For Immediate Release (April 2025)
Fargo, North Dakota – Plains Art Museum is proud to present the Convergence Expo on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM—a one-day, community-driven event that highlights the intersection of art, public health, and social well-being.
Inspired by Convergence: Health & Creativity – New Work by Anne Labovitz, the Expo serves as the culminating event of the Museum’s Convergence Initiative, a strategic effort aligned with the American Alliance of Museums’ national emphasis on health and well-being. Museum Director | CEO Erin Shapiro wants the community to know that “Plains Art Museum is proud to be a strong regional voice in the larger national conversation around the positive impact the arts have on health and wellbeing. The Expo is a phenomenal platform for us to share the museum’s work in the field while also highlighting Anne Labovitz’ stunning exhibition and the incredible work of Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo’s non-profits. We welcome everyone, of all ages, to join us for this unique event!”
The Expo will feature nationally recognized speakers Elysian Koglmeier (Artwork Archive – Denver, and National Organization for Arts in Health) and Katie Lee (Penn Medicine / Philadelphia Museum of Art). They will be joined by regional guests Erin Shapiro, Anne Labovitz, Dallas Tusty, Siri Thaden, Alicia Hauff, and Dr. Kasey Johnson for a dynamic panel discussion.
Attendees will enjoy interactive art-making, wellness resources, and community-based programming rooted in the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)—a CDC framework that includes healthcare access, education, economic stability, social context, and neighborhood environment.
Confirmed partners include:
• The Ridge (formerly Midwest Mental Health)
• BCBSND
• FirstLink
• Red River Women’s Clinic
• Vanna Adventure Vans (Mobile Medical Unit)
• The Jeremiah Program (Fargo-Moorhead)
• NDSU Public Health Association
• Red River Children’s Advocacy Center pop-up exhibition
• Letters of Love Global (Concordia and NDSU chapters)
• Maia Kim, Therapeutic Art Facilitator
• Unglued Market (Interactive Art: Pillow Spray Stations)
• Sanford Health
This free event is open to the public and will feature food for sale by Maria’s Homestyle, hands-on activities, and opportunities to connect with organizations and individuals working at the intersection of art, health, and community care. Organizations interested in participating, tabling, or sharing resources can contact convergenceexpo@plainsart.org.
For full event details, visit: https://givebutter.com/convergence25
Plains Art Museum is the largest and only accredited art museum in North Dakota and Western Minnesota. General admission is free thanks to strong and growing support from over 800 households and businesses. The Museum manages a permanent collection of over 4,000 objects, organizes and presents dozens of exhibitions annually, facilitates public art projects, and leads over 200 educational programs and experiences for all ages every year. The Museum, and its Katherine Kilbourne Burgum Center for Creativity, are located at 704 First Avenue North in downtown Fargo. For more information about visiting or supporting your art museum, visit plainsart.org.
Plains Art Museum presents Spring Gala 2025: Color Flings
Press Release
For Immediate Release (April 2025)
Fargo, ND – On Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 7 pm – midnight, Plains Art Museum and its board of directors invite you to the Museum’s 28th annual Spring Gala, 2025: Color Flings. Spring Gala 2025: Color Flings will feature world-class event production by Livewire, hors d’oeuvres from VIP Catering, libations from Chef’s Table, desserts from Nichole’s Fine Pastry and Café, and a wine tasting by 28-year sponsor, Happy Harry’s Bottle Shops. Guests will dance the night away to music from DJ Star IV and 90’s/2000’s covers and original pop-punk band, Low Standards. The Gala will also feature an interactive art installation by Folkways, the opportunity to see how NDSU Child Development Research uses art in science, a photobooth by Twilight Twist, and more. You are encouraged to bid on high-quality art in a silent auction, and you can also view the art galleries, which are always free and open to the public thanks in part to the Spring Gala.
This year’s theme, Color Flings, was inspired by Anne Labovitz’s art in the Museum’s William and Anna Jane Schlossman Gallery gallery and Ruth Landfield atrium. While there is no dress code for the Gala, many guests use the theme to get creative with their attire. The 2025 theme invites you to color your mood. You may want to emerge from winter in your boldest and brightest colors, or you may choose varying hues of one color only.
Labovitz’s bright, colorful art was inspired by interviews with local healthcare professionals. Donations on Gala night help the Museum maintain the rigorous standards for accreditation, which gives the Museum the ability to showcase recognized artists like Labovitz for all the community to enjoy for free 7 days a week. Anne Labovitz will attend the Spring Gala this year—find her to say hi and chat about her art!
Co-chairs Laura & Austin Morris and Greg & Christy Tehven will greet guests on May 3rd as they gather for an evening that both celebrates and supports local creativity. Laura—who serves on the Plains Art Board of Directors and owns Dakota Clinic Pharmacy—was among the healthcare professionals Anne Labovitz interviewed to explore the connection between health and creativity. Austin’s company, Enclave Development, has been a dedicated supporter of the Museum for nearly a decade. Christy and Greg attended the Gala together on their very first date! Christy’s business, Love Always Floral, has brightened the event for five years, adorning the Museum’s entrance with stunning floral designs. Greg’s nonprofit, Emerging Prairie, has nurtured creative entrepreneurs, many of whom go on to support the Museum.
Tickets are available for purchase for $125 before April 21 and $150 leading up to the event at https://givebutter.com/c/2025-gala. For member discounts, contact Kyla Hoisington at khoisington@plainsart.org.
Spring Gala 2025: Color Flings is presented by Livewire.
Plains Art Museum is your nonprofit art museum and education center, supported by over 800 community members. The Museum is located at 704 First Avenue North in downtown Fargo. For more information, visit plainsart.org.