“Adelaide Magner …landscape, portrait, ashcan artist” exhibit includes many original pieces by Adelaide as well as digital reproductions and sketches from throughout her life.

About the artist

Adelaide Anne Magner, born on May 28th, 1872, on a farm near Nicollet to John and Mary (Donahue) Magner, discovered her passion for art at a very young age. She received her education in the parochial schools of Nicollet County and later attended St. Peter High School. After graduation, she furthered her artistic abilities by becoming a student of Robert Koehler at the Minneapolis School of Fine Arts (now known as the Minneapolis College of Art and Design).

In 1901, Adelaide left her home to study at the Chase School of Art in New York City, where she learned the new “ashcan” style of art from Robert Henri for portraiture and landscape painting instruction from Douglas John Connah. Her talent for art was recognized with awards and prizes, which led her to travel for further studies.

Adelaide went on to become a respected professor of art and lecturer but always remained connected to her roots. She frequently returned to her home to paint, often in the ashcan style she had learned in New York City.