Carole Fisher. (Rik Sefra)
Carole Fisher (1942–2024) was a distinguished multimedia artist, educator and feminist whose work profoundly influenced the Twin Cities art community and the evolution of the California Building as a creative hub.
Born in 1942, Fisher earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) in 1964 and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts from Pennsylvania State University. Her career was marked by a commitment to addressing pressing social issues through art, particularly those affecting women and the environment.
Fisher’s artistic journey began with traditional mediums such as drawing, painting, and printmaking. Over time, she transitioned into large-scale, site-specific installations that delved into themes of feminism, environmental degradation and societal violence. Her dedication to feminist causes was evident in her role as a founding member of the Women’s Art Registry of Minnesota (WARM) in 1976. WARM was instrumental in promoting women artists and operated the influential WARM Gallery in downtown Minneapolis until 1991.
In 1975, Carole Fisher played a pivotal role in establishing the Women Art Corps at St. Catherine University in St. Paul. This innovative program was designed to provide women artists with opportunities to create and exhibit their work, challenging the traditionally male-dominated art scene. The Women Art Corps was known for its experimental and sometimes controversial approach, fostering a dynamic environment that encouraged artistic risk-taking and discourse. Fisher’s involvement in this initiative underscored her commitment to feminist principles and her dedication to creating platforms that amplified women’s voices in the arts.
One of Fisher’s most notable projects was “Sticks in the Mind: Alaska Oil Spill Project, 1989–2010,” a comprehensive artistic investigation into the long-term impacts of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Over two decades, she conducted interviews with over 50 individuals affected by the disaster, culminating in an exhibition at MCAD in 2011. This work underscored her commitment to environmental activism and her belief in art as a medium for social commentary.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Fisher was a dedicated educator at MCAD from 1979 to 2010. She served in various capacities, including Chair of the Fine Arts Division and Director of the MFA and Post-Baccalaureate Programs. Her mentorship nurtured a generation of artists, many of whom have made significant contributions to the art world.
Fisher’s influence extended to the California Building in Northeast Minneapolis, a historic structure that has become a vibrant artist community. Her pioneering spirit and dedication to collaborative art spaces inspired the establishment of galleries like On2Gallery on the building’s second floor, fostering a supportive environment for artists to showcase their work and engage with the public.
Carole Fisher’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to art as a tool for social change. Her work continues to inspire and challenge, leaving an indelible mark on the Twin Cities art scene and beyond.