Current Events

Arts on Prescription is designed for medical students, residents, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to explore themes of wellness, reflection, and restoration through creative engagement. Hosted by Plains Art Museum and coordinated by Dr. Kasey Johnson from UND’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences, this session features guided prompts, small-group reflections, and contemplative activities inspired by the therapeutic potential of art. Grounded in “social prescribing,” the event highlights how creative practices can foster emotional resilience and community connection. Paired with light refreshments and Anne Labovitz’s transformative exhibition Convergence: Health & Creativity, this gathering offers a restorative space for meaningful dialogue and renewal. Although tailored for medical professionals, this event is open to anyone interested; free with registration.

If you are a physician, resident, or a medical student, please reach out from your institutional email to kasey.johnson.1@und.edu or kmonroe@plainsart.org for a reservation.

Generous support provided by Alex Stern Family Foundation – Trustees – Rondi McGovern & Dan Carey. This project is supported in part by a grant from the North Dakota Council on the Arts, which receives funding from the state legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts

Join us for an in-depth conversation with featured artist Anne Labovitz, hosted by Kelvin Monroe and Danielle Gravon. This Artside Chat explores Labovitz’s visionary exhibition, Convergence: Health & Creativity, delving into her artistic process and the intersection of art and well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with and hear directly from the artist about her inspirations, process, and the transformative power of creativity.

Explore Morphologies, a captivating exhibition that documents the transformation of libraries in the digital age. Free.

Join us for an illuminating conversation with two-spirit Chippewa artist Anna Johnson, hosted in conjunction with her exhibition Gigawaabimin. Johnson’s work integrates culturally significant Ojibwe materials like birch bark, medicinal plants, and ledger paper into contemporary printmaking and collage. This Artside Chat delves into Johnson’s creative energies and her exploration of themes related to loss, systemic discrimination, Native identity, and collective resilience. Johnson’s exhibition embodies the parting sentiment Gigawaabimin—“we’ll see each other again”—celebrating connection, heritage, and healing. Don’t miss this inspiring dialogue with one of North Dakota’s own.

February 13: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

Plains Art Museum invites you to join the seventh (7th) iteration of Critical Grooves Book Lab, where we explore four extraordinary books through the lens of art, culture, and social reflection, and their linkages to the museum’s current exhibitions. Ages 16+ are welcomed, FREE.

We begin with Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns, which chronicles the Great Migration and resonates with Anne Labovitz’s exhibition exploring themes of well-being, resilience, and connection. We then move onto Percival Everett’s So Much Blue—a richly layered novel about an artist navigating memory, secrecy, and creativity—which creates a dynamic dialogue with Don Powell’s A Little Grey for Color, examining the emotional resonance of design and architecture. Gayl Jones’s The Healing, a lyrical tale of reclamation and transformation through a mysterious faith healer, converges with the energy of Jaque Fragua’s Ghost Writing, where layered expressions of history and spirituality unfold. Finally, we close with Richard Wright’s Native Son, a searing exploration of systemic inequality and structuring narratives in mid-20th century America, which powerfully aligns with Mickey Smith’s examination of history, text, and media in shaping public and private identities. Whether you’re new to these authors or revisiting their works, join us at Plains Art Museum for engaging discussions and reflections, with hot tea, hot chocolate, and/or your own snacks and beverages.

To encourage broad participation, you may acquire the selected texts through convenient means, as per your situation. Also note: Critical Grooves Book Lab selections will also be available for purchase from The Store at Plains Art Museum.

For more information and/or participation contact Dr. Kelvin Monroe kmonroe@plainsart.org.

Stop by on Thursday, February 13 from Noon to 1 pm for a free Giving HeARTs Day celebration. Enjoy Valentine-inspired music by Kathie Brekke & The 42nd Street Jazz Band, and purchase lunch from Chef Sara Watson. Your donation supports free admission and affordable art education, including scholarships for community members in need. We invite you to give back on Giving Hearts Day, Thursday, February 13, givingheartsday.org.

Join our curatorial department for an insightful tour of Convergence: Health & Creativity, a transformative exhibition by Anne Labovitz. This immersive experience explores the therapeutic possibilities of art, showcasing site-specific installations and public participatory works that promote healing and connection. Discover how Labovitz integrates community engagement and cutting-edge research into her practice to create art that uplifts and inspires.

Generous support provided by the Alex Stern Family Foundation – Trustees – Rondi McGovern & Dan Carey.

Discover the architectural and artistic legacy of Donald D. Powell in A Little Grey for Color. Join our curatorial department for an in-depth tour showcasing Powell’s collection of modern art, including works by Helen Frankenthaler, Victor Vasarely, and Willem de Kooning. Explore how Powell and his partner Robert Kleinschmidt’s interior architectural vision integrated art to create harmonious, intimate spaces.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Ceremony recognizes all North Dakota winners of the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and celebrates work by visual art winners on display at the Museum’s Starion Gallery. Hosted by Plains Art Museum, NDSU, and the Red River Valley Writing Project.

March 13: So Much Blue by Percival Everett

Plains Art Museum invites you to join the seventh (7th) iteration of Critical Grooves Book Lab, where we explore four extraordinary books through the lens of art, culture, and social reflection, and their linkages to the museum’s current exhibitions. Ages 16+ are welcomed, FREE.

We begin with Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns, which chronicles the Great Migration and resonates with Anne Labovitz’s exhibition exploring themes of well-being, resilience, and connection. We then move onto Percival Everett’s So Much Blue—a richly layered novel about an artist navigating memory, secrecy, and creativity—which creates a dynamic dialogue with Don Powell’s A Little Grey for Color, examining the emotional resonance of design and architecture. Gayl Jones’s The Healing, a lyrical tale of reclamation and transformation through a mysterious faith healer, converges with the energy of Jaque Fragua’s Ghost Writing, where layered expressions of history and spirituality unfold. Finally, we close with Richard Wright’s Native Son, a searing exploration of systemic inequality and structuring narratives in mid-20th century America, which powerfully aligns with Mickey Smith’s examination of history, text, and media in shaping public and private identities. Whether you’re new to these authors or revisiting their works, join us at Plains Art Museum for engaging discussions and reflections, with hot tea, hot chocolate, and/or your own snacks and beverages.

To encourage broad participation, you may acquire the selected texts through convenient means, as per your situation. Also note: Critical Grooves Book Lab selections will also be available for purchase from The Store at Plains Art Museum.

For more information and/or participation contact Dr. Kelvin Monroe kmonroe@plainsart.org.

Join Danielle Gravon and Kelvin Monroe for an engaging discussion on Alfred Conteh’s Malik and Marquis, on loan from Art Bridges and newly reinstalled in a pop up gallery located on the first floor. This Artside Chat explores the layered dialogues between Conteh’s evocative painting and Powell’s architectural legacy, creating an exhibition-within-an-exhibition that examines themes of space, structural dynamics, and the role of architecture shaping the way we experience space. Reflecting on how Conteh’s work transforms the gallery into a contemplative space, this discussion highlights the intersection of art, architecture, and dynamic structural inequalities occurring within the built environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to investigate the dynamic interplay of these powerful works.

April 10: The Healing by Gayl Jones

Plains Art Museum invites you to join the seventh (7th) iteration of Critical Grooves Book Lab, where we explore four extraordinary books through the lens of art, culture, and social reflection, and their linkages to the museum’s current exhibitions. Ages 16+ are welcomed, FREE.

We begin with Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns, which chronicles the Great Migration and resonates with Anne Labovitz’s exhibition exploring themes of well-being, resilience, and connection. We then move onto Percival Everett’s So Much Blue—a richly layered novel about an artist navigating memory, secrecy, and creativity—which creates a dynamic dialogue with Don Powell’s A Little Grey for Color, examining the emotional resonance of design and architecture. Gayl Jones’s The Healing, a lyrical tale of reclamation and transformation through a mysterious faith healer, converges with the energy of Jaque Fragua’s Ghost Writing, where layered expressions of history and spirituality unfold. Finally, we close with Richard Wright’s Native Son, a searing exploration of systemic inequality and structuring narratives in mid-20th century America, which powerfully aligns with Mickey Smith’s examination of history, text, and media in shaping public and private identities. Whether you’re new to these authors or revisiting their works, join us at Plains Art Museum for engaging discussions and reflections, with hot tea, hot chocolate, and/or your own snacks and beverages.

To encourage broad participation, you may acquire the selected texts through convenient means, as per your situation. Also note: Critical Grooves Book Lab selections will also be available for purchase from The Store at Plains Art Museum.

For more information and/or participation contact Dr. Kelvin Monroe kmonroe@plainsart.org.

This exciting event highlights Anne Labovitz’s exhibition, featuring time with the artist, guided tours, and interactive activities. Explore community resources centered on health, wellness, mindfulness, and well-being, enjoy make-and-take art activities, and connect with others through networking opportunities. Food will be available for purchase, and the day will culminate with a dynamic panel discussion featuring Anne Labovitz and notable health professionals, exploring the intersection of creativity and wellness. Stay tuned for more details—don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate the power of art and well-being!

May 8: Native Son by Richard Wright

Plains Art Museum invites you to join the seventh (7th) iteration of Critical Grooves Book Lab, where we explore four extraordinary books through the lens of art, culture, and social reflection, and their linkages to the museum’s current exhibitions. Ages 16+ are welcomed, FREE.

We begin with Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of Other Suns, which chronicles the Great Migration and resonates with Anne Labovitz’s exhibition exploring themes of well-being, resilience, and connection. We then move onto Percival Everett’s So Much Blue—a richly layered novel about an artist navigating memory, secrecy, and creativity—which creates a dynamic dialogue with Don Powell’s A Little Grey for Color, examining the emotional resonance of design and architecture. Gayl Jones’s The Healing, a lyrical tale of reclamation and transformation through a mysterious faith healer, converges with the energy of Jaque Fragua’s Ghost Writing, where layered expressions of history and spirituality unfold. Finally, we close with Richard Wright’s Native Son, a searing exploration of systemic inequality and structuring narratives in mid-20th century America, which powerfully aligns with Mickey Smith’s examination of history, text, and media in shaping public and private identities. Whether you’re new to these authors or revisiting their works, join us at Plains Art Museum for engaging discussions and reflections, with hot tea, hot chocolate, and/or your own snacks and beverages.

To encourage broad participation, you may acquire the selected texts through convenient means, as per your situation. Also note: Critical Grooves Book Lab selections will also be available for purchase from The Store at Plains Art Museum.

For more information and/or participation contact Dr. Kelvin Monroe kmonroe@plainsart.org.