Opening Spring 2020

Every year, art teachers in the Kalamazoo County schools (private, public, and charter schools) submit a selection of works produced by their students, featured in an exhibition that is a delight to behold. In one of our most popular shows each year, the KIA's galleries are filled with the most creative, colorful, whimsical art by young artists from kindergarten through eighth grades.

This annual exhibition showcases the work of artists from 14 Michigan counties. A guest juror selects roughly 100 works for the show, from hundreds of submissions. More than $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded at an opening reception for the exhibition on Thursday, April 9. The public is invited to vote for their favorite work during the summer, and the Peoples' Choice Award, sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, will be awarded in August.

This annual juried exhibition celebrates the work of high school artists in Southwest Michigan. Students who qualify may concurrently enter the 6th District Congressional Art Competition, and the winner will receive a trip to Washington DC to see their art on view in the U.S. Capitol

This reimagining of the KIA permanent collection will illuminate the ingenuity and innovation that arise from all corners of American society. Unveiling American Genius demonstrates our commitment to an increasingly more inclusive and diverse representation of American artists within our holdings. The exhibition will explore key stories that women, African Americans, Latinx and other artists have told about our culture, art, and history.

After viewing Unveiling American Genius, continue your exploration of our permanent collection in the Joy Light Gallery for East Asian Art. Featuring works representing the arts of East Asia, and ranging in media and subject matter, this exhibition will reflect another aspect of our collecting focus. Viewers will see how the story of art continues to expand, presents new perspectives, and inspires us to connect with one another.