The Permanent Collection at Plains Art Museum
Learn more about the art, programs, and experiences your support makes possible.
What Is the Permanent Collection?
The Permanent Collection is one of Plains Art Museum’s most valuable resources. It includes more than 6,000 artworks from many different cultures, time periods, and artistic styles. The collection holds paintings, prints, drawings, ceramics, sculptures, and contemporary works.
These artworks come from regional and national artists, as well as Indigenous artists from Africa and North America. Each piece tells a story about creativity, culture, and the world around us.
Why Most of the Collection Isn’t Always on Display
To protect the artworks, many pieces are kept in temperature- and humidity-controlled storage. This helps prevent damage and allows the art to last for many generations. Even though visitors only see part of the collection at a time, the stored works are still used for:
- Exhibitions
- School tours and education programs
- Research and writing
- Community partnerships
- Family programs like Kid Quest
- Lending programs with other museums across the country.
We are also working on creating a new public viewing area so visitors can see even more of the collection in person.
How the Collection Supports Learning and Creativity
The Permanent Collection is used throughout the Museum. It helps us create:
- Exhibitions that show a wide range of ideas and cultures
- Learning experiences for students and teachers
- Hands-on art activities for visitors of all ages
- Programs that connect art to community issues
Because the collection is so large and diverse, it helps us share many different stories and viewpoints.
Kid Quest: Helping Kids Connect With Art
One of the important ways we use the Permanent Collection is through Kid Quest, our FREE monthly family program. Kid Quest turns selected artworks into fun, creative projects for kids and families.
Kid Quest helps children:
- See artworks they might not normally get to explore
- Learn new art techniques
- Build observation and problem-solving skills
- Connect with art in a personal and meaningful way
Every month features a new theme and a project inspired by pieces from the collection.
This Year’s Kid Quest Theme: Empathy
This year, Kid Quest focuses on empathy—understanding how others feel and see the world.
December’s project is inspired by Pippi by Jill Levine, a work in our Permanent Collection now featured in the exhibition Women Artists: Four Centuries of Creativity. Families can:
- See Pippi in the gallery
- Learn about women artists across history
- Discuss how art expresses emotion
- Create their own artwork based on imagination and understanding
Student Research and Fresh Perspectives
The exhibition also includes research and writing by students from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Their work gives visitors new insights into the artworks and helps deepen our understanding of the collection. These student partnerships support learning and help develop future artists, writers, and museum professionals.
Your Support Makes a Difference
Plains Art Museum depends on the support of members, donors, and community partners. Your contributions help us:
- Care for the Permanent Collection
- Offer free programs like Kid Quest
- Provide free admission to exhibitions
- Expand public access to the artwork
- Support arts education in the region
Every gift helps keep art accessible, encourages creativity, and strengthens our community.