Alexander Roth, curator of the Wanda Gág House, shares insights on the ‘Many Colors of Wanda’ exhibit

NEW ULM – Thursday, the Wanda Gág House Association hosted the opening reception for The Many Colors of Wanda Gág, a new exhibit that explores the lesser-known color works of the celebrated artist.

The exhibit’s title reflects more than just her use of color–it highlights the many facets of Gág herself. As a pioneering artist, activist, and feminist, she played a significant role in shaping early 20th-century American culture. The exhibit invites visitors to discover the depth and diversity of her contributions beyond her most famous black-and-white illustrations.

“Talking about her as an artist, as a feminist, activist and the renaissance is kind of where she’s kind of gotten a lot more attention from the Whitney and the Whitney Museum and then the Philadelphia Museum of Art,” Alexander Roth, curator of the Wanda Gág House said.

As an artist, Wanda Gág blended traditional folk influences with modernist techniques, using color to showcase a playful yet sophisticated sense of tone and composition, all marked by her signature whimsical charm. As a feminist, she challenged a male-dominated art world, advocating for women’s independence and intellectual freedom. Gág defied societal norms by rejecting traditional roles and living life on her own terms, making her a trailblazer for her era.

As an activist, Wanda Gág supported progressive causes and labor rights, working to make art and literature accessible to all. Through her work, she boldly challenged the restrictive social norms of early 20th-century America.

With a recent resurgence of interest in her work, amplified by media coverage, the Wanda Gág House offers a fresh spotlight on the many colors and dimensions of this remarkable artist’s legacy.

Wanda Gág, born in 1893 and raised in New Ulm, Minnesota, is best known for her iconic black-and-white illustrations, especially in classic children’s books like Millions of Cats. This beloved book remains in print today and is considered a foundational work in American children’s literature.

The Wanda Gag House is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through October and is open year-round by appointment.