Exhibition Dates: November 19 through December 18, 2003

In 1990, Paul Wellstone defeated a well-funded incumbent to win a seat in the U.S. Senate. His victory was considered an incredible upset, but Wellstone won by building a grass roots campaign supported by thousands of Minnesotans. He brought his populist message to the state in his now- famous green bus, proclaiming that "some people are here to fight for the Rockefellers--I’m here to fight for the little fellers." Twelve Years and Thirteen Days, a photographic exhibit, commemorates the Wellstones' commitment to social and economic justice and will be an inspiration to those throughout the country who share their values. The exhibition opens at the Weisman Art Museum on November 19 and runs through December 18, 2003.

Terry Gydesen traveled the campaign trail with Paul Wellstone in 1990 and again in 1996 when he won reelection to the Senate, providing that his victory in 1990 was no fluke. Her remarkable photographs reveal the enthusiasm, love, and energy that Wellstone brought to politics as he greeted people on the street and in cafes, spoke to them at union halls and colleges, and rallied his staff and volunteers. They also show the joy and exuberance of his victory celebrations in 1990 and 1996.

Paul and his wife Sheila, their daughter Marcia Wellstone Markuson, three campaign workers, and two pilots were killed in a plane crash just thirteen days before Wellstone would likely have won a third tern in the U.S. Senate in 2002. Gydesen poignantly captured the outpouring of grief and affection for Paul and Sheila Wellstone at public memorials and in the impromptu shrine outside the Wellstone campaign office in St. Paul. When Walter Mondale stepped in to take Wellstone's place in the ticket, Gydesen photographed the hope and dignity of his campaign and the great disappointment with his loss.

In October, the University of Minnesota Press published Twelve Years and Thirteen Days: Remembering Paul and Sheila Wellstone, a book of seventy-three photographs by Terry Gydesen that will serve as a keepsake for people throughout the country who shared Paul and Sheila Wellstone's commitment to democracy.

The book includes a foreword by Walter F. Mondale and an essay by Wellstone campaign manager Jeff Blodgett.

The Weisman Art Museum will mount an exhibition of forty 16 x 20 and 11 x 14 inch photographs to closely follow publication of the book. Gydesen's photographs provide a record of two of the most dramatic political campaigns in Minnesota history and one of the state's saddest moments. As Paul and Sheila Wellstone's many friends and supporters pause to remember them on the one year anniversary of their deaths, this exhibition will provide a venue to gather together to reflect on their legacy of service to Minnesota and the nation.

OPENING CELEBRATION
The opening celebration for Twelve Years and Thirteen Days is Sunday, November 23 at 2:00 p.m. This event is free. For reservations please call the Weisman events line at 612-626-4747.

GENERAL INFORMATION
The Frederick R. Weisman at the University of Minnesota is a teaching museum that links the educational mission of the University and the cultural life of Minnesota in a dynamic and congenial place, for the discovery, understanding, and enjoyment of art in all its facets. Housed since 1993 in architect Frank Gehry's sculptural stainless steel and brick building, the museum’s 17,000 piece collection is especially rich in 20th century American art by such artists as Georgia O’Keeffe and Marsden Hartley.

The Weisman presents an exciting schedule of temporary exhibitions, lectures, discussions, concerts, performances, and special events. The Weisman is located at 333 East River Road in Minneapolis. Museum hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; weekends, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Mondays. Public parking is available in the museum ramp at a rate of $2.50 per hour or a flat rate of $5.00 on Saturday and Sunday. There is no admission fee to the Weisman. For more information call: 612-625-9494.