Michael and Laurie Snow | Lake Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach

The Snows like to refer to their collection of art gathered serendipitously over the years as "accidental"—they had no intention of becoming collectors.

On this sprawling porch, complete with an antique metal swinging bed, white wicker furniture, and an enviable lakefront view, you might feel transported to one of Newport, Rhode Island’s Gilded Age mansions. Fittingly, the Greco-Roman/Victorian revival, circa 1890, is one of Lake Minnetonka’s original summer homes and owners Michael and Laurie Snow have dedicated more than twenty years to restoring the house to its original state. The couple moved from their “supermodernist” digs in Independence to this place and quickly uncovered pieces and stories from its past. “Careful to maintain the history and style of the home,” the Snows worked on the home’s interior and exterior and built several additions, all while raising their kids, Zachary, Kara, and Britni, and minding a clan of dogs, cats, and more pets. Along the way, they never intended to become art collectors—it just sort of happened.

Draped over the shoulders of Rebecca, a life-sized glass figure by Nicolas Africano, is a shawl of braided orchids and stems that originally served as a ceremonial bridal skirt from the Dani tribe. The Snows were lucky to pick up the sacred item on a trip to Papua New Guinea.

Michael, a lawyer, is on the board of trustees of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, which, he says, has helped the couple learn about, verify, and authenticate some of their art. The “very eclectic” collection—displayed throughout the two-story home—reflects their journeys through all seven continents. Pieces range from a five-foot alabaster “smiling Buddha” from Burma to pre–Columbian pottery and Chinese porcelain to Biedermeier furniture and Degas bronzes. The “accidental” art collection includes works by Luis Gonzalez Palma, Ferdinand Andri, Marc Chagall, and countless other top-notch artists and is what Michael calls their “own little Antiques Roadshow.”

Overflow Art
The Snows rotate their collection among their homes in Minnesota, Colorado, Mexico, and Florida, and when they get too crowded, the couple lends pieces to friends, nephews, and nieces. “Sometimes you get tired of a piece or run out of wall space—we’d much rather have someone else enjoy it,” Michael says.

Stylish Souvenirs

Past family trips include sleeping in tribal huts in Central and South America and Indonesia, scuba diving in the South Pacific, and trekking in Antarctica. Immersing themselves in local culture has created a greater appreciation of art.

Childhood Chagall
Most kids dream of ponies or trucks, but Michael always wanted a Chagall—which was even more unusual for a small-town kid whose family  had only one or two paintings. Though Chagall continued painting well into the 1980s, when Michael was finally able to purchase a Chagall, he chose a piece from the ’60s, because it resonated with his youth.

The void of furnishings in the entry hallway draws the eye to the dramatic architectural elements of this Greco-Roman/ Victorian revival home.

Party House

The Snows make frequent use of their spacious rooms by hosting various functions and dinner parties. When food isn’t catered (Michael and his partners had several franchises, including an Applebee’s—which was a big crowd-pleaser when the kids were young), Laurie plays chef. “Laurie’s the best cook I know,” says Michael, adding that the only restaurant in town that rivals her cooking is D’Amico Cucina.

Gallery Guy
Not all the pieces come from abroad. Friend and former MIA trustee Martin Weinstein provides counsel and advice. He also lets them know about exciting work that comes through his eponymous gallery in southwest Minneapolis.