New 2026 literary arts exhibition at MMAM features Geo Rutherford: Spooky Waters of the World

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) in Winona recently opened a new exhibition titled, Geo Rutherford: Spooky Waters of the World. This exhibition is on view through February 14, 2027 in MMAM’s literary arts gallery.

Geo Rutherford is a Sauk City, Wisconsin-based artist, author, educator and social media creator with a keen interest in science, natural history and telling stories about water. The exhibition features original illustrations from her New York Times bestselling book, Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes That Dot Our Planet (2024), published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, as well as illustrations from her forthcoming book, Spooky Rivers (2026).

Rutherford’s illustrations explore fascinating, quirky and sometimes eerie stories about the Great Lakes and other bodies of water around the world. Educational and entertaining, her work has helped her build an audience of more than 2 million followers on TikTok and Instagram.

The exhibition also features mixed-media works that explore environmental issues and threats facing the delicate ecosystems of the Great Lakes. These works include prints, collages, sculptures and collections of natural and manufactured found objects gathered while exploring the shores of Lake Michigan.

Rutherford will be in Winona, at MMAM’s Fall New Look Weekend on Oct. 2-3, 2026. The weekend invites visitors to celebrate a season of mystery, transformation and creativity as part of MMAM’s 20th anniversary celebration and 2026 theme, Making Waves.

The museum will welcome three featured artists during the weekend, including Geo Rutherford (Spooky Waters of the World), Andy DuCett (Home(town)), and Barbara McIlrath (LandSkyWater.)

The weekend begins with a Masquerade Party on Friday evening, with all three artists in attendance. Tickets are $20 for general admission. On Saturday, Oct. 3, Rutherford will present an author talk in partnership with the Winona Public Library. The event is free, but space is limited and advance tickets are required. A book signing with Rutherford will follow in the museum’s atrium. The book signing is free and does not require registration.

For more information about Geo Rutherford: Spooky Waters of the World and upcoming events, visit mmam.org/geo-rutherford.

MMAM acknowledges sustaining support from generous contributions from foundations, corporations, individuals, members and volunteers, including ongoing support from our Board of Directors, the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation, and the Morgan Family Foundation. MMAM would like to extend special thanks to the lead sponsor for the exhibition, Sanborn Canoe Company; media partner, Minnesota Public Radio; and presenting partner, Red Balloon Bookshop.

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, 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. From historic works of art to contemporary exhibitions, MMAM is not only describing what marine art is, but pushing the boundaries of what marine art can be.