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Smallest Museum exhibit opens at the Grand

aStaff photo by Clay Schuldt The first exhibit of The Grand’s Smallest Museum is on display outside the art center. Pedestrians are invited to view items dedicated to letterpress and printmaking.

NEW ULM — The Grand Center of Arts held a small grand opening for possibly the smallest museum in Minnesota, Friday.

The smallest museum is located on downtown Minnesota Street in front of The Grand. Physically, this museum is a firebox the size of a display case. The idea is this case will feature a rotating collection of items.

The premier exhibit is dedicated to Letterpress and Printmaking. The Grand originally planned to celebrate the one year anniversary of the cellar press, but the coronavirus made that impossible. Instead, The Grand is honoring the cellar press by making it the subject of the first exhibit in the smallest museum.

The exhibit features the work artists and teachers: Mary Bruno, Brad Coulter, Bradley Hall, Mark Hofmann, Andy Kahmann, Michelle Kaisersatt, Jyneal McCrea, Maggie Schwab, Pam Stocco and Josh Winkler.

The idea for the smallest museum came from The smallest museum in St. Paul (SMSP). The St. Paul has displayed everything from souvenir plates to Lego mosaics.

The actual cabinet display was created through the efforts of volunteers Kit Kildahl and Larry Mack. The smallest museum is water-proof with shatter resistant glass. It should be able to hold up to Minnesota’s weather.

The smallest museum will feature six exhibits each year. Individuals or groups are invited to apply to curate the micro-museum in two-month increments.

Exhibits in the museum do not have to be from artists. The Grand will consider exhibits from historians or unique collections. Those with questions about potential exhibits may contact Grand Director Anne Makepeace at 507-276-8494. If selected, exhibitors will receive a $50 stipend to present a mini-gallery.

Since the museum is outside, people may view the exhibit walking by on the street and limit exposure to the coronavirus.

The smallest museum was not originally intended for the era of COVID-19, but now it is the only exhibit open at The Grand. The 4 Pillars Gallery had to close and the printing press in The Grand’s cellar was also closed.

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