The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area has partnered with Art@MSP to create an exhibit showcasing a few pieces from the nearly 25 years’ worth of amazing student art from the Big River Art Contest. The exhibit is called Big River Art: The Mississippi Serves as Habitat and Inspiration. It is located in the South Mall of MSP International Airport, just around the corner from the South security checkpoint and will be on display until the spring of 2023. Only those traveling through the MSP airport can view this special exhibit so we’ve got the sneak peek here. If you find yourself in the airport, please take a photo with your favorite piece and tag us on Instagram @mississippinps.
What is it like to grow up with America’s great river in your backyard? The Big River Art Contest is an annual contest for 3rd through 6th grade students to express their relationship with the Mississippi River. Students are encouraged to learn about, explore, and experience the river. The resulting art shows how the river impacts their lives - they exhault in the river’s wildlife, grapple with themes like pollution, and contemplate the Mississippi’s rich history. Many find inspiration in their experiences during school programs led by rangers from the National Park Service. Every year a handful of pieces are chosen from thousands of submissions and the winning artists’ work is displayed at the Fort Snelling State Park Visitor Center and the Mill City Museum. Enjoy these special pieces from the past 20 years of the Big River Art Contest and learn along with the students what you can see in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
