Small Things Become Big Things: An Exhibition of Works Inspired By Jody Williams | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Small Things Become Big Things: An Exhibition of Works Inspired By Jody Williams

Concourse Gallery
Gallery Exhibition
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Opening Reception: Friday, January 24, 6:00–8:00 p.m., with Celebration of Life remarks at 7:00–7:30 p.m. in the Emeritus Conference room

This exhibition brings together a selection of work from MCAD alumni to pay homage to Jody Williams, their teacher and mentor. Jody’s passing last year summoned a widespread response, a testament to the profound effect she had on our community. Former students were invited to celebrate her legacy by contributing artists’ books, print, and paper based works that speak to the impact Jody Williams had on their artistic journey.

Participating Artists:

Two Columns

Tim Abel ’08
Christopher Alday ’23, MFA
Juliana Belmont ’16
Jennifer Bowman ’14
Sarah Evenson ’16
Payton Felper ’24
Kara Faye Gregory ’23, MFA
Jessica Henderson ’11, MFA
Emily Hoisington ’08
Jamie Kubat ’20
Emilee Lund ’18

Benjamin Merritt ’19
Jessica Meuninck-Ganger ’04
Sara Parr ’06
Jon Renzella ’06
Kerri Sandve ’19
Zander Skelton ’23
Lindsay Splichal ’12
Kate Thomas ’13, MFA
LaToya Varpness ’17
Melissa Wagner-Lawler ’07, MFA
Alexis Weber ’16

Please see the companion exhibition honoring the life and work of Jody Williams in MCAD's Suitcase gallery.

Jody Williams: A Life Dedicated to Artmaking and Teaching
MCAD Main Building, 4th Floor Suitcase Gallery
January 13–March 1, 2025

Jody Williams was a much-beloved member of the MCAD community for over thirty-five years. She taught in the Print, Paper, Book department and mentored undergraduate and graduate students. Jody also taught workshops and presented lectures at museums and colleges across the United States and in Europe. She also published artists' books under the name Flying Paper Press. Her work is in the collections of the Walker Art Center, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Minnesota Historical Society, and numerous other museums, universities, and libraries. Her honors include Jerome Foundati on fellowships and grants and awards from the Minnesota Craft Council, the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and MCAD.

Jody was an impassioned and impactful mentor to multiple generations of art and design students. These pieces are from Jody’s years of teaching at MCAD in the Printshop and publishing books under the name “Out of Hand Press.” Over the years, Jody taught her students all forms of printmaking, bookmaking and papermaking. Her classes would often create a collaborative book based on one word or theme where each student would have a print in the book.

Gallery Visitor Policy

The MCAD Gallery is open to the public the following hours:
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m–7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

All visitors must enter through the north (main) entrance, sign in at the welcome desk in the main lobby, and stay in designated gallery areas.

Accessibility Information

The gallery has limited padded and non-padded seating. Some artworks contain light, projections, sound, screens, and scent.

The Main Gallery is on the first floor of the building, at the main entrance off Stevens Avenue and 25th Street. The Concourse Gallery is on the second floor and can be accessed via elevator or stairs. The building is equipped with wheelchair-accessible and gender-neutral bathrooms and accessible entrances from the main and parking lot entrances.

MCAD is committed to providing students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities equitable access to MCAD-sponsored programs and events. For more information or any disability accommodations, please contact MCAD Gallery staff at 612.874.3667 or gallery@mcad.edu.

Transportation and Parking

There is disability-accessible parking at two locations: the main entrance off Stevens Avenue and 25th Street and the MCAD parking lot off 26th Street and Second Avenue South. General event parking can be found in the MCAD parking lot off 26th Street and Second Avenue South, street parking along Stevens Avenue, or the Mia parking ramp.

For more information on how to find us and where to park. Event parking is free in the MCAD lot for the opening reception.