Originally published in 1893 and 1901, Simon Pokagon’s birch bark stories were printed on thinly peeled and elegantly bound birch bark. In Dr. Blaire Morseau’s 2023 book, As Sacred to Us: Simon Pokagon’s Birch Bark Stories in Their Contexts, these rare booklets are reprinted with new essays that set the stories in cultural, linguistic, historical,…
Michigan photographer Emily J. Gómez will share her work in New Cyanotype, explaining how and why she uses this handmade blueprint process. Through the series Unearthed, she investigates places where Native American towns in the Southeast and Midwest once prospered and considers what they have become. Her latest series, titled Cumberland Island: Land, Water, Wind,…
Join the KIA as we remember Juneteenth, which is a holiday that commemorates the abolishment of slavery in the United States. Free general admission on June 15, 2024. 11:00 am to 5:00 pm: Explore the Museum Use a gallery guide to learn more about African American artists in the KIA’s collection. 11:15 am: Art Detectives…
by Faith Ringgold As Art Detectives and their caregivers commemorate Juneteenth at the KIA, join us at 11:15am for a reading of Tar Beach by multi-disciplinary artist, writer, and activist Faith Ringgold. No registration needed.
Join us for an artist’s talk and live demonstration with Jeffrey Bohl, whose sculpture Ellie is featured in the 2024 West Michigan Area Show! Bohl has been creating bronze sculptures for over 16 years, exhibiting along the way in numerous regional competitions and in several individual shows. He pours most of his bronzes in his own…
by Joy Harjo Joy Harjo, the first native american to be named the United States Poet Laureate, chronicles a sweeping view of ancestry, storytelling, and memory told through her signature lyrical poetry and prose. Harjo cites the teachers that forced her to fight battles throughout her life and surrounds them with compassion and understanding, sometimes…
Reception: 5:00 - 6:00pm Lecture: 6:00 - 7:00pm Light refreshments will be served at the reception. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more about works featured in The Anniversary Show: Promised Gifts from the Joy and Timothy Light Collection with Dr. Mary-Louise Totton. This exhibition delves into the artistic heritage of…
As part of the KIA's mission to cultivate the creation and appreciation of the visual arts in West Michigan, we are proud to be working with Art Bridges Foundation to increase access to museums and foster engagement with local audiences. Enjoy free general admission at the KIA every fourth Thursday of the month, featuring extended…
During this ArtBreak, meet local artists Vicki Nelson and Michael Pfleghaar, whose paintings are featured in the 2024 West Michigan Area Show! Vicki Nelson’s painting The Howards was selected for this year’s Art League Award. As an artist, Nelson is interested in how humans interact with their environments. In her work, she seeks to examine…
Be sure to stop by the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts during Art Hop on Friday, July 12. Discover which artist from the 2024 West Michigan Area Show was elected as the People’s Choice Award winner, sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Join us for refreshments, camaraderie, and take advantage of free Gallery entry! The People's…
by Emmy Kastner Join us at 10:30am to kick off KIA Centennial Community Day with a special Art Detectives! Beloved local children’s book author Emmy Kastner will read her new book and guide participants in a drawing activity. Attendees will also create an animal mask and self-explore the galleries.
The KIA turns 100 years old on July 2! Join us as we continue to celebrate the KIA’s centennial year. Free general admission throughout July is made possible with the generous support of Jim and Carol Carter, the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, PNC Bank, The Santreece Foundation, and Warner Norcross + LLP. 11:00 am to…