Artists explore the Mighty Mississippi in the Weisman exhibit 'Silver River'

Ongoing: Minnesota claims bragging rights as the source of the world's fourth longest river, the Mighty Mississippi. Rushing through Minneapolis and St. Paul, the "Silver River," as sculptor Maya Lin dubbed it, boosted the state's economic might by powering its legendary logging and flour mills. Over the centuries, though, the river has been dammed, polluted and exploited by industries eager to extract wealth from its shimmering potential. Featuring sculpture, photos, installations and other work by more than a dozen artists, "Silver River" explores the past and present effects of industrialization on the Mississippi in Minnesota. Luke Ericson's 2003 inkjet print, "Throwing Stones, Mississippi River, Minneapolis, Minnesota," is shown here. (Ends Feb. 12, free. Weisman Art Museum, 333 E. River Pkwy., University of Minnesota, Mpls. 612-625-9494 or wam.umn.edu)