When representatives from the MPCA, Department of Health, and Department of Commerce found dangerous amounts of toxic lead and cadmium in inexpensive toys and jewelry, the Minnesota legislature decided to crack down on a large number of consumer products containing these metals. As of July 1, 2023 it is illegal for a person or business to "import, manufacture, sell, hold for sale, distribute, or offer products in certain categories containing lead at more than 0.009 percent by total weight (90 parts per million) or cadmium at more than 0.0075 percent by total weight (75 parts per million)" (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency).

Unfortunately, this list also includes art supplies that professional artists rely on.

I write this petition as a dedicated figurative and portrait artist, who relies on the unique qualities of cadmium and lead-based oil paints to create my craft. Cadmium paints are integral to my work as they enable the creation of realistic flesh tones whose colors are not fugitive as are other pigments in the red to yellow spectrum, while lead paints provide the ability to depict texture in the three-dimensional style of the 17th century artist Rembrandt.

Shortly before the legislature's decision, I had begun studying Rembrandt's work closely in order to learn from the old master. The painting on this petition required three types of lead white to complete: Williamsburg Flake White for the foundation or grisaille layer, Rublev Underpainting Lead White for the thick underpainting that Rembrandt used to lend dimension to his portraits, and Rublev Lead White oil paint to complete the several layers of color typical of Rembrandt.

These painting techniques aren't just an artist's indulgence; the Minnesota regulation hampers our ability not only to learn from many old master painters, but also to compete in national master copy competitions, limiting our creative growth and ambition.

Unfortunately, the legislative landscape in Minnesota currently disregards the specific needs of artists. The state's ban on the sale and import of art supplies containing lead or cadmium is troubling. The restrictions, in place to protect public health, fail to consider safe practices in which artists generally engage,

It's essential to note that artists are educated about the risks of these materials and take appropriate precautions when working with them. Research indicates such professional conduct among artists. This question was already addressed in 2013 when the Swedish chemical control agency (KEMI) and European Chemical Agency (ECHA) asked Golden Artist Colors, Inc. (GAC) to conduct research into the use of cadmium paints and the precautions that artists take. GAC's extensive research resulted in the conclusion by both KEMI and ECHA that, at least in the case of cadmium, artist paints were not worth regulating. GAC republished their findings in the publication Just Paint in 2022.

We can safely conclude that artists who are conscientious about the handling of cadmium paints take similar precautions when using paints containing lead.

We respectively call upon lawmakers in Minnesota to reconsider the ban, to actively consult with artists and their representative bodies for a more nuanced solution that acknowledges the specific and critical use of these materials within artistic practices, without compromising the objective of public safety. Your signature can help create a more creative and inclusive Minnesota. Please sign our petition.