Statement Pieces: Fashioning the Self & Society brings contemporary fashion objects from the Barrett Barrera Projects collection together with selections from the KIA's permanent collection. Placed in conversation with one another, fashion and visual art present a powerful commentary on identity, self-expression, and social constructions both embraced and contested. During this program, Kelly Peck, exhibition…
Statement Pieces: Fashioning the Self & Society juxtaposes works from the KIA’s collection with contemporary fashion from the Barrett Barrera Projects collection to examine how self-presentation and identity have been shaped and reimagined over the last 200 years. Fashion and portraiture address more than appearance—they can present ideas, status, and even offer visibility. They can…
During this ArtBreak, Iris Carney Cooper will discuss concepts of art, history, and fashion that allow designers to manipulate the human form for storytelling purposes. How does clothing define a person? What elements are used in garment construction to tell a larger story? This glimpse into the craft will show how to spot clues in…
Join us for College Night at the KIA! This free event for all college students which includes games, food, music, raffles, and interactive activities. Just bring your College ID & connect with students from WMU, K College, KVCC, and more! Come explore the museum, and enjoy a night of fun, creativity, and networking. Don’t miss…
Join us for an evening of creativity, connection, and inspiration! Educators of all grade levels and subject areas are invited to enjoy a free night at the KIA. Explore museum resources for your students, engage in fun gallery activities, create art, and enjoy food and drinks while connecting with colleagues. The gallery shop will be…
Get ready for some glitz and glamour! In November, Art Detectives will read a book about a stylish vampire and his passion for fashion before exploring Statement Pieces: Fashioning the Self & Society. We'll discover amazing outfits created by famous designers alongside artworks from the KIA's permanent collection. We'll also create a fashion inspired art…
Get ready for some fashion fun! In November, our youngest art lovers can explore Statement Pieces: Fashioning the Self & Society. Come and see how works from the permanent collection have been paired with outfits by world famous designers. This relaxed gallery experience is designed especially for young children and their caregivers. Statement Pieces is…
Venture offsite with us as we visit our neighbors at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre! While the Statement Pieces exhibition encourages us to consider the relationship between fashion and self-expression, this program will explore the ways in which clothing is used to establish vital aspects of dramatic characters onstage. Resident Costume Designer Elaine Kauffman will offer…
How do elements of both fashion and fine art come together to tell a story? How can choices in color, shape, texture, and more serve as commentary on personal, social, and cultural identities and values? Join in the conversation as we discuss select fashion pieces and artworks featured in the Statement Pieces exhibition! Statement Pieces…
Fashion critic and curator Charlie Porter explores the fascinating connections between artists and their clothing. Highlighting a wide range of artists and styles from Basquiat to Warhol, Porter creates a sweeping narrative. Whether curating personal identity, extending their artistry, or influencing public perception, this collection of essays, reflections, and interviews is an interesting take on…
Using a variety of templates, create your own clothing silhouette. Choose from unique collage paper and book pages to create patterns and contrasts to style your clothing template! Take inspiration from the works on view in Statement Pieces. Statement Pieces is organized in conjunction with Barrett Barrera Projects. Made possible by generous support from Diane…
Movement in the Museum returns as company members from Wellspring offer an interpretive exploration of Statement Pieces! During this program, dancers will respond to the exhibition with improvisational movement inspired by the ways in which clothing moves and shapes the body, offering freedom or restriction. Kalamazoo holds the unique distinction of being home to one…