FALL 2025
When I arrived at Mia on a recent Wednesday, ready to plan an upcoming tour, I was immediately
struck by the tremendous vitality. A throng was gathered near the visitors’ desk, waiting for a book
tour to begin. A stationed guide stood in the “Timber” exhibit, talking with a group of women.
Every table in the café was occupied. On the second floor, a group of young students hovered
over the art cart situated outside the Africa gallery, excited to actually touch the assembled objects.
And I was stunned by the just installed entrance to the soon-to-open “Royal Bronzes” exhibit.
Its drama and beauty will surely entice our visitors, just as it did me.
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When I made my way to the guide lounge, a party was underway. Guides and staff were
drinking nonalcoholic champagne, sampling delicious cakes (some created by our own Lyn Mierswa)
and toasting the upcoming wedding of Christine Fleming. I left the museum that day
so happy to be a part of this great museum.
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Cara Richardson, Marne Zafar, and I hope this Fall Issue of Insight captures Mia’s vitality.
You will learn about Lori Williamson, the supervisor of the Herschel V. Jones Print Study room, and her enthusiasm for our print collection. You will have an opportunity to study well-researched articles about The Great Gatsby dustjacket, Jose Maria Velasco, and the Royal Cambodian Bronzes, all written by your guide colleagues. And to learn about the remarkable life of Jean Ann Durades, who served as a
Mia guide for more than twenty-five years. The energy of the guide programs extends beyond our museum’s walls: read about the recent field trip to ArtOrg in Cambridge and about the Friends’
arranged visit to Milwaukee, which many guides joined. And discover what the Honorary Guides
have been doing this summer and fall.
Enjoy Insight’s fall, 2025 edition.
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A Scene on the Tohickon Creek: Autumn 1868 • Thomas Moran
Oil on canvas
Gift of The Frances E. Andrews Wilderness Fund, In Memory of her mother, Mary Hunt Andrews • 68.82
Credit: Minneapolis Institute of Art
We fall into Autumn
We are in the midst of autumn and as we greet the falling leaves
and anticipate cozy evenings, we turn our attention to the new exhibitions at Mia. From “Timber! Art and Woodwork at the Fall
of the Austro-Hungarian Empire” in the in the Cargill Gallery to
“Jose Marie Valasco: A View of Mexico" with 19th Century Mexican Landscapes in the Bell Family Decorative Arts Court and on to the newly opened “Royal Bronzes: Cambodian Art of the Divine” in the Target Galleries, Mia has always looked to enlighten and delight
our visitors. We, as guides, embrace the wonderful opportunity to share our knowledge and learn from others, as we offer tours throughout the museum.
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As we seek to further our education, there are also expanding opportunities to give book tours (sign up now for these fun interactions with our visitors!) and be sure to attend our monthly lecture series, presented by the Mia Friends. I look forward to seeing you in the galleries and at our many fun events.
Lisa Mayotte
Co-Chair, Mia Guides Council
