Erik Jon Olson: Waste Not Opens May 3 at MMAM
May 3 – August 24
Opening Lecture | Thursday, May 8 | 6 pm
Minnesota Marine Art Museum | 800 Riverview Dr
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) is proud to present Erik Jon Olson: Waste Not, a new exhibition on view from May 3 through August 24, 2025. This solo exhibition features the work of Minnesota artist Erik Jon Olson, who transforms plastic waste and industrial castoffs into vibrant, quilted installations that challenge our understanding of beauty, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Olson’s practice, which exclusively uses discarded materials, merges environmental advocacy with contemporary art-making. Through intricate layering and dynamic texture, his works elevate the discarded into the sublime, urging viewers to rethink their relationship to consumerism and the environment. Waste Not embodies Olson’s core philosophy: to create meaningful, powerful art with zero new material and minimal environmental impact.
To mark the opening of Waste Not, MMAM will host a public event featuring Erik Jon Olson on Thursday, May 8 at 6:00 p.m. As part of the popular Thursday Night Series, Olson will present his lecture, “Quilted Plastic Waste: The Medium IS The Message” at 6:00 p.m. in the Oberton Education Room. The talk will explore how discarded materials can become powerful tools for storytelling, activism, and reimagining sustainability.
Following the lecture, from 6:45 to 7:45 pm, guests are invited into the exhibition gallery for a casual Q&A and open conversation with the artist. Visitors are also welcome to arrive at 6:45 pm to meet Olson and explore Waste Not at their own pace. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door, and can be purchased online at MMAM.org. Tickets are free for MMAM members, and they are encouraged to reserve a ticket in advance to ensure a seat is available.
This exhibition project is presented by the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, a nonprofit, mission-driven art museum located on the shores of the Upper Mississippi River. MMAM acknowledges sustaining support from generous contributions from our members, foundations, corporations, and volunteers, including ongoing support from our Board of Directors, the Mardag Foundation, the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation, and the Morgan Family Foundation. Special thanks to our media partner, Minnesota Monthly, and the Minnesota State Arts Board.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a nonprofit art museum that creates meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water. Located in Winona, Minnesota at 800 Riverview Drive, the purpose-built museum is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and boasts six galleries, an educational and events space, and a destination retail shop on its seven acre riverside campus. It is through this surprising diversity that MMAM is not only describing what marine art is, but pushing the boundaries of what marine art can be.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a member of the River Arts Alliance. To learn more about the benefits of membership, please visit: riverartsalliance.org/membership/. River Arts Alliance serves as fiscal sponsor of the Maria W. Faust Sonnet Contest.