In May, Art Detectives will be on the case, searching for how artists show people in their artwork. We’ll read a book about different artistic styles, hunt for faces and figures in the permanent collection, and finish by creating our own portrait masterpiece to take home. Arty will be on vacation in June, July, and…
Explore the artwork of Edward Hopper in this lecture by Dr. James Denison, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and Kalamazoo College. Denison's presentation will consider the use of fashion in Edward Hopper’s paintings of urban American life, interpreting his simplified representations of clothes as a strategy crucial to the sense of isolation…
Immerse yourself in shades of blue as we explore selected works from the exhibition From Cobalt to Indigo: The Power of Blue in East Asia, on view in the Joy Light Gallery through July 12. Together we will learn more about the cultural significance and wide-reaching influence of the color blue in the art of…
Spring is creeping closer, and we’re ready to get outside. Until it warms up, join us for a stroll through the permanent collection to enjoy some sunny landscapes and think ahead to brighter days. We'll discover how artists represent the natural world and have fun with a few gallery activities along the way.
As we celebrate the future of shoes, it can be fascinating to look back to see where we have already been. During this ArtBreak talk, fashion historian and professor Iris Carney Cooper will offer an overview of notable and special shoe designs throughout time, discussing history, significance, function, and design. Cooper is a fashion historian,…
Meet a living legend in the world of shoe design! During this Artful Evening, Wilson W. Smith III will speak about his prolific career in the athletic footwear industry. The first Black designer for Nike, Smith has created shoes for Michael Jordan, Andre Agassi, Serena Williams, and many more. After a 41-year career with the…
When ten year old Mona experiences a sudden, brief loss of sight, her grandfather Henry decides to give her a gallery of artworks to visit in her mind as she faces potential permanent blindness. Through fifty-two weekly trips to museums in Paris, Mona receives an emotional art history education. Art lessons become tied to life…
Homeschool families are invited to learn, create, and explore at the KIA and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum (KVM). This collaborative event offers interactive activities designed to promote interdisciplinary learning, creativity, and an appreciation for art, history, and science. This event highlights the Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks exhibit. Bring your creativity and wear…
Get ready to explore the color blue with Art Detectives this April! We’ll read a book that shows how artists discovered and used blue throughout history. Then we’ll explore the exhibition From Cobalt to Indigo: The Power of Blue in East Asia to see how East Asian artists use blue in their creations. After our…
The Great KIA Book Swap returns! Bring up to 10 gently-used books to the KIA to trade for new-to-you titles! Music and refreshments will be provided. Enter a raffle for great prizes from our sponsors! Receive one raffle ticket per book, with a limit of 10 tickets per person. You must be present at the…
During this virtual ArtBreak, learn more about Nick La Marca, the multimedia artist whose Sole Lines installation is on view in the KIA lobby. La Marca is an artist and documentarian working across photography and installation. Born and raised in the Bronx, his practice is deeply informed by the city’s cultural vibrancy and diversity. La…
This April, we’re taking a blue adventure through From Cobalt to Indigo: The Power of Blue in East Asia! From prints to pottery, we’ll find out how artists from East Asia create beautiful blues and use them in their amazing artworks.