“Winter Plein Air” 2026 Gallery Exhibit at JHP

The Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery is excited to announce its upcoming exhibit, Winter Plein Air, an annual show featuring newly created winter landscape paintings. The collection includes works produced by artists participating in the 2026 Winter Plein Air Retreat, a five-day outdoor painting expedition at YMCA Camp Menogyn, hosted by the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota.

During the week leading up to the JHP exhibit, participating artists reside at a wilderness lodge and travel by ski or snowshoe to document the winter environment of the Gunflint Trail and the BWCAW. The resulting artwork is brought directly from the field to the gallery for this exhibit.

Winter Plein Air opens with a public reception on Friday, February 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at JHP. The exhibit runs through March 22nd.

March Local Artist of the Month

In addition to the Winter Plein Air exhibit, JHP is pleased to feature Amber Burns as the March Local Artist of the Month.

Drawing from a background in animal rescue and rehabilitation, Burns explores the connections between humans, wildlife, and the natural world. Her work utilizes visual patterns to capture the distinct personalities and energies of her subjects, encouraging viewers to recognize aspects of their own emotions and relationships reflected in the animal kingdom.

Letters to Our Future

During your visit to the gallery, the Cook County Historical Society (CCHS) invites you to participate in the "Letters to Our Future" project.

This project seeks to document the local impact and personal experiences of all community members during the recent events surrounding "Operation Metro Surge." Paper and pens are provided at the gallery for you to record your thoughts, emotions, and stories for future generations. Letters may be written anonymously or signed, with varying levels of privacy: you may write in a public journal for immediate viewing, submit your letter directly to the museum archives, or place it in a sealed envelope for a 20-year time capsule. (This project is also simultaneously taking place at the Cook County History Museum.)

To see the most up-to-date JHP Gallery hours, click here.

Admission to the gallery is free, with donations graciously accepted.