In February 1959, the front page of the Kalamazoo Gazette announced, “The city is to have a new art center,” with costs of construction paid by Mr. and Mrs. Donald S. Gilmore. In addition to their extraordinary philanthropy, the Gilmores were KIA board members, art collectors, and skilled artists. Mrs. Gilmore’s bequest to the KIA…
Reginald Dwayne Betts's latest poetry collection, Doggerel, explores themes of Blackness, masculinity, vulnerability, and intimacy in a unique way--through the lens of dogs. This philosophical examination of everyday life, combined with Betts personal experiences with incarceration and life after, integrates the political with the personal. Join us as we discuss Doggerel with Betts in the…
Enjoy free admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays, thanks to generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.
During this talk, Reginald Dwayne Betts will explore Felon: An American Washi Tale, a solo show that confronts the weight and legitimacy of the word "felon" through poetry, visual art, and performance. Drawing from his own story—sent to prison at 16, discovering poetry behind bars—Betts will offer an immersive meditation on incarceration, identity, and the…
Escape the November chill and warm up with a sampling of Japanese sake! During this special event, Keiko Nakajima and Jingran Wang will offer a brief presentation on the history and cultural significance of sake in Japan, followed by a guided tasting of a variety of sakes. Light hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and ticket…
Reginald Dwayne Betts tackles the complexities of life after incarceration through powerful poetry. Navigating themes of redemption, fatherhood, and identity, his poems offer a deeply personal reflection on justice, hope, and the long road to healing. This collection informs Betts's solo show Felon: An American Washi Tale in which Betts collaborated with artist Kyoko Ibe…
Enjoy free admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays, thanks to generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.
Join us for a special Meet & Greet with the Gallery Shop team and a few local artists featured in the shop. This event is an opportunity to explore a wide variety of unique, handcrafted gifts, including jewelry, ceramics, and more. Each piece reflects the creativity of our community, making the Gallery Shop an inspiring…
Join us for a special night dedicated to teachers! This is a free event for educators of all grade levels and subject areas. Enjoy food and drinks and learn about KIA resources for you and your students. Explore Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper and then get creative with drop-in art making activities. Gift…
Enjoy free admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays, thanks to generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.
Come celebrate the 52nd annual Holiday Art Sale at the KIA, featuring artworks from the more than 160 faculty and students of the Kirk Newman Art School. This unique, three-day shopping experience will help you find the perfect gifts for everyone this holiday season, and help support both area artists and KNAS programs.
Come along for a guided stroll of Taekyeom Lee: Designed, Printed & Fired Discover how the artist uses unusual materials and digital tools such as 3D printers to create letters, graphics, and objects that invite visitors to engage with design through touch, sight, and play.