by Nell Painter About this book: Celebrated historian Dr. Nell Painter shares her story of returning to art school at the age of 64. Painter illustrates her unique perspective by offering insights on the intersection of art and sexism, ageism, and racism throughout her personal journey to earning a BFA and MFA. This memoir will…
Join us on a journey through the KIA’s permanent collection, discovering pieces that reflect real life and others that stretch the boundaries of imagination.
Step into a unique digital world created by artist Leo Villareal during this Gallery Gathering. Using technology to explore the realms of both the cosmic and the human, Villareal invites guests to wonder and reflect on our places in the universe and the journeys we share. Together we will explore this innovative exhibition where light…
Looking for a space to share your music, poetry, or spoken word? Or just want to enjoy a night of local talent, creativity, and community? Summer Jams is a three-part summer series at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), designed to bring people together through live performances and artistic expression. Each night will feature a…
Join us for an inspiring evening with acclaimed Detroit artist Dr. Hubert Massey, the 2025 juror for the West Michigan Area Show. Massey is renowned for his large-scale public murals and frescoes, which often celebrate the rich cultural history of Michigan and its people. Massey will share insights from his distinguished career, exploring his creative…
by Jennifer Murphy At 15 years old, Blue is ready to leave a life spent on the run with her eccentric artist mother, Scarlet. For too long, Blue and Scarlet have been hiding from HIM, a shadow man Blue has never actually seen. Landing in South Haven, Michigan, they find a welcoming community, but Scarlet’s…
Let’s explore Leo Villareal’s exhibition to see how he brings his artwork to life with light and movement.
Artist Holly Roberts will speak about her body of work created over the past 40 years, tracing her development as a pioneer in the world of altered photography. Mary Statzer, Curator of Prints and Photographs at the University of New Mexico Art Museum, has written, “Holly Roberts’ contribution to the field of photography is without…
Bring the whole family for an exciting evening of art exploration and creativity! Discover JooYoung Choi’s vibrant exhibition, An Infinite Constellation of Love, where her imaginative world and playful characters celebrate diversity and the power of community connections. Start the night off with a family-friendly Gallery Gathering from 5:30 to 6:00pm. From 6:00 to 8:00pm…
Explore the magical world of JooYoung Choi’s immersive installation, An Infinite Constellation of Love, on view in the Joy Light Gallery. This special Gallery Gathering is designed especially for young museumgoers and their caregivers. Gallery stools will be available. After the Gallery Gathering, stay for Family Night activities, and make your own artwork inspired by…
Join us for an evening of laughter, learning, and local pride! This interactive event is inspired by the KIA’s Sourced from the ’Zoo exhibition, which celebrates the people, places, and stories that make Kalamazoo unique. We’re teaming up with Crawlspace Comedy Theatre, one of Kalamazoo’s most beloved performance groups, to deliver an entertaining and high-energy…
by Elisa Gabbert Every life is a unique experience but what commonalities unite us? How can our personal stories be relatable? Books, music, art—we may view these differently, yet we relate to common themes. Gabbert considers how these perceptions influence our understanding in regard to artforms. These 16 essays look at who we are when…