After a year of construction in downtown St. Paul’s Pioneer-Endicott buildings, the Minnesota Museum of American Art (now called “the M”) celebrated its refurbished digs with an exclusive preview party on December 1, 2018. The event doubled as a successful fundraiser in support of the M’s ongoing artistic programs and exhibitions. Nearly 250 donors, patrons, and local arts scene VIPs turned out in their swanky best to get an early look at the freshly renovated, 16,000-square-foot museum. After a champagne toast in the two-story sculpture court and grand reception hall, guests mingled in dramatically lit galleries, sampling savory bites created by the chefs of CRAVE, confections by Legacy Chocolates, art-inspired craft brews by 12welve Eyes Brewing, and signature cocktails by Twin Spirits Distillery. Women’s vocal ensemble Lumina performed high above the crowd listening below in the Pioneer Building’s historic light-well space. With a Warhol-inspired balloon room and a giant paint-by-numbers work in the museum’s collection, the vibe was both playful and elegant.
