Rooted in Water is an experiential installation combining lanterns, soft sculpture, and paper cut works embodying the interplay and deeply felt connection with the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Lessons of strength, mutualism, resilience, and adaptability are imbued in the flora and fauna inhabiting urban watersheds. With this work, participants are invited into an underwater world, bringing wonder, healing, and transcendence as we explore and honor the power and dynamic energy of water in the river and ourselves. With this witness and resonance, may our relationship with the Mississippi Watershed be enlivened and may we restore and protect what gives us life.
The gallery is open for self-guided visits during regular business hours. In addition, we are hosting public gallery hours on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month from 4–6 p.m. These open hours offer extended access and a shared time to experience the exhibit alongside others, with MWMO staff on site for conversation and questions.
Upcoming Events
Open House
Thursday, June 11, 2026 — 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Join us for the opening of Rooted in Water and meet artist Tara Fahey while exploring an immersive installation featuring lanterns, soft sculpture, and paper-cut works. Enjoy light refreshments as you experience this vibrant exhibition inspired by the Mississippi River and the living systems that shape our watershed.
Rooted in Water Lantern Class
Saturday, July 11 & 18, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lanterns are an ancient art form with live traditions still found in China, Japan, Korea, and across the Asian diaspora. In this workshop, we will create a paper lantern utilizing recycled materials, adding decorative paper cut to celebrate creatures who live in/near the Mississippi River.
Each workshop features a different set of river-inspired designs. On July 11, participants will create lanterns celebrating loons, fish, and water lilies. On July 18, designs will focus on dragonflies, frogs, and bats.
This class is open to youth ages 8 and older, as well as adults. Registration is capped at 30 participants.
This event is free, but registration is required.
Beachside Lantern Pop-Up
Friday, July 31, 2026 — 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Join us for a night of lantern magic at Mississippi Watershed Management Organization on July 31st from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Bring a lantern if you have one. Celebrate summer outside at dusk at the river’s edge. We will have a community song circle, sharing songs about water and celebrating creatures and plants that make the Mississippi home.
This event is free, but registration is required.
Gallery
Artist Bio
Tara Fahey has worked as a solo artist, teacher, and stilt performer with Heart of the Beast, Artstart, Hijinks Stilts, and Barebones Productions for the past 25 years. They share art making residencies in public schools and housing projects, working regularly with immigrant and under-resourced communities.
Public art projects include Illuminated Reef for Northern Spark 2016, and Monarch Migration and Pollinator Shanty for 2018 and 2020 Art Shanty Projects. They are a recipient of a mid-career art grant through Forecast Public Art in 2024, and Creative Individual and Lake Street Lift grants in 2025. In December 2025, they organized the second Solstice Lantern Parade in Powderhorn Park. For more information, please see tarafahey.com.