KALAMAZOO—November 11, 2025
Holiday Art Sale Hours
- Thursday, December 4, 4-8pm–Members’ Night
- Friday, December 5, 4-8pm–Open to the Public
- Saturday, December 6, 9am-3pm–Open to the Public
Come celebrate the 52nd annual Holiday Art Sale at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), featuring one-of-a-kind artworks from more than 160 faculty and students of the Kirk Newman Art School (KNAS). This unique, three-day shopping experience will help you find the perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season, and help support both area artists and KNAS programs. You’ll find wearable fiber art and jewelry pieces; handmade original prints, photos, and paintings; functional and decorative home goods; cards, stationary and holiday ornaments; decorative glass, sculpture, ceramics, and more!
“The Holiday Art Sale is a beloved annual tradition that features the exceptional talent of our faculty and students in the Kirk Newman Art School. Visitors will experience thousands of handmade artworks in a range of media representing the capabilities of our 12 artistic studios. Sale proceeds support our local creative community and enable the School to purchase needed equipment and supplies to benefit hands-on arts education for thousands of youth and adults in the School each year.” – Leslie Donaldson, Director of the Kirk Newman Art School
The first Holiday Art Sale was launched in December 1973 as the “Pottery Sale” by Tom Kendall, head of the Ceramics Department at the school. Kendall, who was hired by Kirk Newman only months earlier, immediately saw the need for a new kiln. He received the blessing of Newman to organize a fundraiser for the department in which the faculty and students would make unique ceramics pieces for sale, helping to raise the needed funds for the purchase of the kiln.
The first Pottery Sale was an overwhelming success. Individuals from the community learned about the effort and excitedly waited in line–in the cold–for the KIA doors to open on the first day of the sale. The funds raised through the first sale was so successful that the School was able to purchase its new kiln in a matter of weeks, benefiting thousands of students of all ages enjoying classes at the School.
“The Holiday Art Sale is one of the most fun times to visit the KIA. You can meet the artists, discover something truly one-of-a-kind, make new friends, and know your purchase helps support local creativity and the Kirk Newman Art School. It’s a great way to do your holiday shopping and give back at the same time.” – Michelle Hargrave, Executive Director, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.
The success of the Pottery Sale soon expanded beyond ceramics to include works from all the disciplines represented in the school including: painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, glass, jewelry, photography, and fiber. The Pottery Sale was officially renamed as the Holiday Art Sale a few years later, aiding each participating department in raising the funds needed for discipline specific equipment and supplies.
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is located at 314 S. Park Street, Kalamazoo MI 49007. Free parking is available on South and Lovell Streets.
About the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Since 1924, the KIA has offered its visitors the opportunity to enjoy and create art. The KIA’s permanent collection holds more than 4,600 objects across a wide spectrum of media, and the museum presents 10-15 exhibitions annually in its ten galleries. In addition to its exhibition spaces, the museum houses the KIA Gallery Shop, which sells pieces by international artisans and local and regional artists, a multi-media auditorium, a publicly accessible library, an interactive children’s gallery, and the Kirk Newman Art School (KNAS). KNAS has nurtured the creative passions of tens of thousands of students around the region, state, and beyond, annually welcoming more than 3,400 enrollments. Students of all ages engage with our talented and committed faculty as a part of an exciting fine arts curriculum that includes ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, drawing/painting, printmaking, fiber, photography, glass fusing and enrichment program.
Expanded offerings, collaborations, and outreach will celebrate 100 years of excellence in the arts and bring the KIA’s unparalleled resources to a wider audience than ever before. These special initiatives will give back to the community in appreciation for 100 years of growth, and deepen the ability of all Kalamazooans to find joy, learn from one another, and grow. Through close listening and renewed creativity, the anniversary will illuminate the pathway for the Institute’s next 100 years. For more information, visit www.kiarts.org.