In 1976, the Gallery partnered with the Minnesota Motor Transport Association and the Vocational-Technical Institute #916 Truck Driver Training program to secure transportation for the traveling component of, “ A Bicentennial Exhibition of Minnesota Art and Architecture.”
Student truck drivers completed their practical road training. Residents of greater MN experienced real works of art without having to travel to the Twin Cities.
Green light for the creation of a “Touring Exhibitions Program.”
“People wanted and asked us to continue, so we have on a smaller scale,” a quote from Lyndel King, then ‘University Gallery’ director, in a May 9, 1978 UM News Release, “U of M Gallery Brings Art to Communities,” (Digital Conservancy).
The news release provides a simple overview of the program:
“Trucks, vans and drivers were donated, brochures were developed, and a speaker traveled with the exhibit. Each community provided space for the exhibit… The Gallery has now developed seven other, smaller traveling exhibits which are available to communities along with brochures and information about the art, the artists and the time period.”
A flier described the services of the touring program as well as the exhibitions available, to include, “Cass Gilbert: Minnesota Master Architect” and “Francis Lee Jaques: Minnesota Artist-Naturalist” :
Listen to current Weisman Art Museum Director, Lyndel King, describe the relationship with the student truck drivers and instructors that transported the touring exhibitions: