Presence as Absence, Post-Glacial Landscapes in Minnesota: New Works by Betsy Byers

November 14 - 29, 2026

Opening reception, Saturday, November 21st, 7-9pm

My studio practice explores how we collectively perceive landscapes through our senses, focusing on the connections between subjectivity and the natural world. Through my paintings, I aim to inspire curiosity, wonder, and a deep respect for the environment. I depict glacial and water landscapes purposely to tap into the sublime—both in nature and art. As a Minnesotan, I am also keenly aware of the personal connection we all share with ice and water, elements that intimately shape our surroundings.

This exhibition explores Minnesota’s glacial history through a series of diptych paintings. Each diptych pairs a current day landscape painted plein air, with an imagined version of the same location during a period of glaciation or glacial retreat. Together, the paintings create a visual dialogue narrating the region’s geologic history through the lens of visual cues, landscape transformation, and geologic remnants. The imagined landscapes are informed by research into Minnesota’s glacial history, geology, and the processes that shaped each location. By pairing direct observation with geologic reconstruction, the work considers how traces of the past, such as erratics, kettle lakes and potholes remain embedded in the landscapes we encounter today. The exhibition will be accompanied by a downloadable guide that provides additional context for each location, including its geographic setting, glacial history, and the processes that contributed to the formation of its present-day landscape.

Byers work in process, painting Kettle Lakes at Glacial Lakes State Park 2026

I am deeply grateful to Dr. Laura Triplett and Dr. Andrew Wickert for sharing their expertise on Minnesota’s geologic history and their time generously spent in conversation with me.

Betsy Byers holds an MFA in Visual Studies with an emphasis in painting from MCAD. She received her B.A. from St. Olaf College. Byers is currently a Professor of Art at Gustavus Adolphus College. She has exhibited at the National Gallery of Scotland, MMAA, De Vos Art Museum, Hillstrom Museum of Art, University of Connecticut, Guilford Art Center, The Soap Factory, Burnet, Augsburg College, and University of MN Morris. Byers was awarded a 2021 Kolman & Pryor Project Space Grant, a 2018 Mcknight Mid-Career Artist Grant, 2026, 2015 and 2009 Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant. She is represented by the Kolman & Reeb Gallery and Rosalux Gallery.

Byers work in process, painting potholes at Interstate Park

Betsy Ruth Byers is a fiscal year 2026 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature; and by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Rosalux Gallery hours are 12-4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

The gallery is located at 315 W 48th Street in Minneapolis. Rosalux is always free and open to the public.