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Conn Gallery

Plymouth believes the arts are an avenue to the sacred. The Conn Gallery, located just outside the Conn Theatre, presents rotating exhibitions of visual art by local and regional artists throughout the program year — work that challenges, comforts, and inspires.


The gallery is free and open to visitors during church hours and events. It is also available as an event space for gatherings that benefit from a distinctive, art-filled setting.


Plymouth's permanent collection includes significant works displayed throughout the building, including a stunning series of large-format embroideries designed by British artist Pauline Baynes and created by The Needlers, a multigenerational fellowship group active at Plymouth for more than 40 years.

Current Exhibition

Two fluffy dogs sleeping curled together on a patterned rug next to a person’s shoe.

Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet
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Orange-red abstract painting with layered handwritten words and symbols scattered across the canvas

Faces of Humanity

Portraits of people from around the globe
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Two figures flank a tall red-and-pink pole with starbursts above on a black background.

Sands of Time

Stark beauty of desolate dunes
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The Passion of Art: Creating and Collecting. | July 12-October 31, 2026


From universal abstraction to intriguing artifacts of African culture and the hyperrealism of scenes in everyday life, this exhibition offers a feast for the heart and mind.

Upcoming Exhibition

Generational Healing: A Future With Hope

November 22 - February 28, 2027 | Conn Gallery

This intergenerational exhibition promotes healing and hope through nature and sharing stories. Sam St. John is an indigenous multimedia artist who uses her art to start conversations about mental health, recovery, identity, healing, and trauma in hopes of inspiring others. Peggy Thompson, an ordained UCC minister, Spiritual Director, and artist, shares two bodies of work: paintings of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area paired with Blessings from Grandmothers and portraits of beloved children, paired with quotes from each child.

Opening Events

Please join us on November 22 at 10 AM in the Conn Gallery for a group discussion about the exhibition, followed by the opening reception from 11 am to 1 PM.

Sam St. John


Sam St. John (she/her) is an indigenous multimedia artist from Hastings, Minnesota. Sam has an Associate degree in Fine Arts from Inver Hills Community College and is a member of Art To Change The World, a social justice art nonprofit. Sam has a studio and gallery in the Northrup King Building, Studio 404.


Sam is passionate about art transforming lives. Sam’s art is grounded in the essence of storytelling, resilience, authenticity, and vulnerability. Rooted in the soul, art evokes emotions, fosters connections, and builds community. Sam believes that creating art, in any form, is a means of self-healing.

She paints with expressive bright colors that narrate her story, recognizing the power embedded in our narratives. Sam uses her art to start conversations about mental health, identity, queerness, race, healing, and trauma, hoping to inspire others.



Peggy Thompson

This exhibit is about the importance of giving youth hope for the future through connection with nature, specifically the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Each nature painting is paired with a blessing from grandmothers, taken from a Legacy workshop facilitated by Rachael Freed during a climate change/ hope for the future exhibit during Art A Whirl in 2024.

 

The portraits are of beloved children who are family members and very close friends. Each portrait is paired with a quote from the child. The exhibit is dedicated to “E” who is five years old and one of the most courageous and loving human beings I have ever met.


Peggy received her BFA and MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, taught art in Australia and the USA before going to seminary, earned an MDiv, and served as a chaplain for 35 years. She received certification in Spiritual Direction from the Cenacle Retreat Center in 1997 and continues that work.

Peggy is ordained in the United Church of Christ. Peggy has found that spirituality and creativity are two sides of the same coin.

Past Exhibitions

Grid of colorful portrait sketches featuring varied faces, including a rabbit mask and winter hats

Drawing Nigh Portraits of My Mother by Amy Warner | January 11 - March 31, 2026


Amy Warner is an artist who lives with her 97-year-old mother, Ann Warner. Several years ago, she asked Ann if she’d start posing for her. Ann replied, “ My daughter is forcing me to be a person."


In the course of drawing Ann, Amy has discovered that her mother’s contemplative nature, gratitude, curiosity, and sense of humor are intact. The focused attention has added meaning and enjoyment to their time together. This exhibition of portraits reflects their loving collaboration.

Beaded turquoise-and-red earrings displayed on fur with a red fabric background

Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet
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Decorated black cloth figurine with white feathers and beaded necklace on a tabletop

Faces of Humanity

Portraits of people from around the globe
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Abstract painting of a figure in a yellow dress above dark vertical strokes with white cloud shapes and a green sprout below

Sands of Time

Stark beauty of desolate dunes
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Colorful hand-drawn floral emblem in green and blue with three small figures inside

Beyond Boundaries

Visual odyssey across continents
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Indigenous Water Protectors Exhibition | November 2 - February 28, 2026

We are privileged to present a portrait exhibition by John Kaul that honors twenty-one indigenous women water protectors and features art by five of these women. It was born out of a friendship between John and Sharon Day, the spiritual leader of the Nibi Walk movement. The Nibi (Water) Walks are indigenous-led, extended ceremonies to pray for the water. Every step is taken in prayer and gratitude for water, our life-giving force.