Serious Whimsy: Adam Swanson @ the Great Lakes Aquarium

Yesterday I grabbed an opportunity to see the Adam Swanson exhibition at the Great Lakes Aquarium. A lot of people are unaware of the GLA as a place where local artists have been showing their work, and the theme of Adams collection of painting here dovetails nicely with the vision and mission of the GLA.

This isn't Swanson's first show at the Aquarium. In May 2015 I attended an opening there in which singer/songwriter Mary Bue performed. (Read about MB's new album release here.) Whereas Swanson's distinctive style is colorful and uplifting, his content is serious as in this specific set of paintings which feature Minnesota's endangered species. Birds, bats, aquatic creatures, pollinators and more are all at risk in this region.

The Slender Madtom feasts on small insects and little boys. (Just kidding)

I believe the Great Lakes Aquarium is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. If you have not been to the aquarium in a while, there's plenty new. If you are only there to see Adam's work you can park in the lot over by Playfront Park and walk over, or pay the $5 to the parking attendant and support a local tourist attraction of note.

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"Personal"

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"Ebb and Flow"

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Northern Long Eared Bat

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"The Museum"

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"Skipper"

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"Test"

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"Crystal Darter"

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This exhibit will be on display through the end of August.

(If I have my facts straight.) Check it out.

Related Links
Ten Minutes with Painter Adam Swanson (2010)
Adam Swanson at the Magnolia Cafe (2019)
Adam Swanson Art
BE SURE TO READ PROF. CRICKET'S Environmental Blog on Adam Swanson's show:
A Delightful Way to be Introduced to Endangered Species