SPRING 2013

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director’s message

Kia 2012/2013 board of directorsNancy Springgate, PresidentLinda Dunn, First Vice PresidentWilliam DeNooyer, Second Vice PresidentBrian Hudson, TreasurerSharon Anderson, SecretaryCourtenay VanderMolen, Past PresidentSusan Bowers, At LargeRon Kitchens, At Large

Larry Bell, Sydney Ellis, Michele Fabi, Curt Hartman, Cynthia Kole, Pam Mansager, Harvey Myers, Peggy Napier, Mike Ouding, Priscilla Pedraza, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Jr., Frank Sardone, Janet Scherzinger, Julie Sullivan, Phillip Torrence, Michelle Tombro Tracy, Billee Lightvoet Ward, Janet Wolf, N. Perry Wolfe

Since our inception in 1924, one of the key missions of the KIA has been to make art accessible to the public. This meant providing a beautiful, inviting space where anyone could enjoy the works of both local and prominent artists for free. We have honored this commitment to our mission and have remained one of the few art museums in the country that does not charge admission. Annually, the KIA hosts more than 15 exhibitions. Despite significant costs associated with these ser-vices, we have continued to offer

them at no charge despite a depressed economy. However, unrelenting fiscal challenges and rising costs have made it difficult for the KIA to continue to bring the quality array of artwork you have come to expect. We have spent the last year focused on a strategic plan that will enable the KIA to continue to fulfill our mission. After much discussion and study, we believe an admission fee policy will help sustain our efforts to bring fine-quality art exhibitions to Southwest Michigan. Beginning January 2, 2013, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts began charging admission for the general public. Admission fees are: • Adults: $5 • Middle School/High School/College Students with valid ID: $2 • KIA Members, youth 12 and under, K-12 students with school groups

and active military personnel: free The new admission policy brings us in line with most other art museums, including eight of Michigan’s nine other non-university art museums. The policy also increases the value of a KIA membership, which yields many other benefits such as: free admission to most KIA programs, Gallery Shop discounts, reduced tuition on Art School classes, plus the opportunity to invest in a cultural resource that makes our community better. While disappointed that we have to begin charging admission, we are confident that our decision will further enable the KIA to continue our mission and invest in our lasting legacy in the community. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we embark on a new year.

Sincerely,Jim BridenstineExecutive Director

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10-5Sunday: noon-5 Closed Monday and holidays

This publication is supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

cover photo: Ansel Adams, Vernal Fall, Yosemite Valley, California, 1920, gelatin silver print,.Collection of Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; gift of Wm. John Upjohn. 1995/6.27.6 ©2013 The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust.

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- $165,000

KIA 2013 Annual Fund

news and notes

Glam Slam! March 21, 6 p.m.$50 VIP/$40 general admissionSee and be seen at Glam Slam, the KIA’s new celebration of wearable art. A madeover, edgier version of the institute’s past fashion shows, it shines the spotlight on unique designs found only at top local boutiques. The evening entails an entertaining runway show with models strutting their stuff, dressed in fashions from Kalamazoo’s top boutiques, wearing provocative hair and makeup creations, plus a cocktail hour with salons providing demonstrations. Limited VIP tickets are avail-able for $50, General Admission, $40. Both are available by calling (269) 349-7775, ext. 3111 or purchasing online at kiarts.org.

Co-Sponsor: THOMAS TURNER JEWELRY

Art & All That JazzMarch 15 & April 26, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Free KIA Members/$4 general admissionSponsored by:

It’s baaaack! Join us for music, art and fun. Beer and wine will be available for purchase from Bell’s Brewery, and the galleries will be open. Musical guests are Big Blues Band (March 15) and Susan Harrison (April 26).

Garage SaleMay 30-31 & June 1Don’t throw out unwanted household items. Donate them to the 2013 KIA Garage Sale! Starting March 18, the KIA will be collecting donated items. Please bring all donations to the semitrailer located in the parking lot facing Lovell Street. Proceeds from the sale will support free programming at the KIA. All donations are tax deductible and incredibly appreciated!

Annual FundContributions from people like you started the KIA in 1924, and they’ve sustained it ever since. Today, individuals fund 35¢ of every dollar needed to keep the institute open and operating.An Annual Fund contribution is a true civic investment. That’s because it helps the KIA make our community better by presenting exciting programs, classes, exhibitions, and services for all to enjoy. Please donate by visiting www.kiarts.org/annualfund. Contributions are tax-deductible.

$110,500

help Us reach our goal!

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Reflections: African American Life from the Myrna Colley-Lee Collection March 2 – May 26 Reflections tells a highly personal story of community and place through selected works from the collection of costume designer and arts patron Myrna Colley-Lee. Featuring 50 paintings, works on paper, collages and fabric works, Reflections presents the lives, traditions and environments of African Americans in the 20th century. The exhibition focuses largely on the figurative and representational, presenting pieces by such noted artists as Romare Bearden, James VanDerZee, Elizabeth Catlett, Eudora Welty and Betye Saar.

The exhibition focuses on two themes: narrative or genre subjects from everyday life and the landscape of the American South. Reflections encourages viewers to connect the strong African American tradition of storytelling with the sense of place that is largely unique to Southerners. Colley-Lee’s collection reflects, in part, her personal appreciation of the two traditions and the way in which they intertwine. Reflections is organized by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C., in collaboration withthe office of Myrna Colley-Lee.

Sponsors:

Randy Hayes, Rodney, Mississippi #2 (Road), 2004, oil on photographs with pushpins. Image courtesy of the artist

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CONTINUING…

The Arts of China and Japan: Selections from the Collection through June 9

Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and Claythrough April 7

Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams through May 19

Young Artists of Kalamazoo County April 20 – May 8

Each year, the KIA’s galleries are filled with creative, colorful, whimsical art by young artists from kindergar-ten through eighth grade. Art teachers in the Kalamazoo County schools (private, public and charter schools) submit a selection of works produced by their students, resulting in an exhibition that is a delight to behold.

Submissions due April 22 for West Michigan Area Show 2013

Calls for entries will be available by mid-March. To receive an entry form (paper, electronic PDF, or link to online form) as soon as they are available, contact Karla at karlan@kiarts.org or (269) 349-7775, x3131. For more information, visit “Upcoming Exhibitions” on the KIA website.

Young Artists of Kalamazoo County, 2012

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collection highlight

Both title and structure of Brian O’Doherty’s installation for the KIA lobby command the viewer to promenade—to step slowly and purposefully forward, then side-to-side. Three ropes are suspended horizontally to bracket the space in front of each painted rectangle. Approaching the work from a frontal perspective rewards the viewer with the illusion of the rope lines rising and perfectly outlining each corresponding, diminishing rectangle, in succession. Walking from side to side provides a view of the ropes that restores dimension to the minimalist, aerial monument. For O’Doherty, Promenade references the power of ancient monuments, like ziggurats and labyrinths, to direct an individual’s movement and experience of a space. In his book, Inside the White Cube (1976), he argues that our experience of a painting or sculpture is similarly directed by the “white cube” architecture common to museum galleries today. His numerous “rope draw-ings,” including Promenade, wrest control from the “cube” and manipulate the viewer’s movement directly. O’Doherty draws our attention to the performative aspect of viewing, through transitory works of art that become meaningful when the viewer moves through time and space. In a 1998 letter prior to installation, O’Doherty wrote, “There is, I hope, a sense of ascension, of (conceptually, at least) climbing a mountain, as it were, while experiencing the mysterious but undeniable satis-

Brian O’Doherty (active as Patrick Ireland, 1972-2008), Promenade, 1998, acrylic paint and rope. Art Auction Fund Purchase. 1999.25

faction of things clicking into place (which they rarely do in life) sequentially.” Promenade is a rare extant example of this series of largely temporary installations that so perfectly incorporated O’Doherty’s contributions as a visual and conceptual artist. The detailed drawing of the work was rendered in 2002, four years after O’Doherty installed Promenade. Work on ceiling panels in 2000 necessitated disassembly of the ropes. KIA staff members were able to rehang the ropes precisely as before, but requested a detailed drawing from the artist as a guide and precaution for the future. Karla Niehus, Assistant Curator of Exhibitions and Collections

Brian O’Doherty (active as Patrick Ireland, 1972-2008), Promenade, 2002, ink on paper. Art Auction Fund Purchase. 2002.51

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programs

ARTbreak Tuesdays at noon. Brown bag lunches welcome! Find full program descriptions at kiarts.org/events.

Sponsor:

February 5: The Gift: Al LaVerne’s Nigerian Project

February 12: The Highwaymen Florida’s Outsider Artists

February 19: The Eloquent Light with photographer David Curl

February 26 and March 5: Ansel Adams

March 12 and 19: Maya Lin — A Strong Clear Vision

March 26: Cultivated: Pastels and Prints by Laurel Kuehl

April 2: Paul Flickinger: Japanese Tea Ceremony

April 9 and 16: Wasteland

April 23: The Fountain of the Pioneers with Dr. David Brose

April 30: Ice-age Art — Please Touch with Gregg Miklashek

Paleolithic Lion Goddess Statue from the collection of Dr. Gregg Miklashek

10th Annual Teen Filmmaker FestivalFebruary 24, 2:30 p.m.

Marking its 10th year, the Teen Filmmaker Festival will again bring the best in teen films to West Michigan. Join us at the State Theatre in downtown Kalamazoo for an afternoon of laughter, exciting visual effects and imaginative storytelling. Admission is free. Sponsors: KIA, Kalamazoo Public Library, Public Media Network,

Campaign Pictures, State Theatre

Up Close: Exploring the Collection

Join Greg Waskowsky, Curator of Special Programs, to learn more about works in the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts’ outstanding collection. Register in advance online at kiarts.org/events, in person or by calling (269) 349-7775

A Different Gaze: Artists Crossing the Color LineFebruary 14 & 21, 6:30-7:45 p.m.$20 KIA Members/$30 Non-Members

Many African American artists choose to depict images of race and historical racism in their work in order to provoke reflection and discussion. There are also Caucasian artists who have featured race and people of color in their art. When juxtaposed, how do these depictions differ? Do Caucasion artists’ images break down racial stereotypes or simply reinforce them? How accurate or inaccurate would African Americans find Caucasian artists’ depiction of racism? This program focuses on artists whose works raise these questions by crossing the color line. Among those featured will be Robert Gwathmey, Colleen Browning and Stephen Scott Young. Sponsor:

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programs

Sunday Funday: Reflecting on African American StoriesMarch 24, 2-4 p.m.KIA members and children under 12 free; $5 Adults; $2 students 13 & up with ID, includes gallery admission Reflect on the stories told by African American artists during this fun, family-oriented program. Guests including Sid Ellis and others will share stories told by artists featured in the exhibition Reflections: African American Life from the Myrna Colley-Lee Collection. Participants will share their own unique stories through collage and other art techniques. The KIA thanks the Black Arts and Cultural Center for being our partner for this event.

Richard Pousette-Dart, American (1916-1992), By the Sea, 1958, oil on canvas, Gift of Pfizer, Inc., 2008.19

Get the Picture! Gallery Series Free with gallery admission

Discuss one or two works of art from the KIA permanent collection with our curators. Experience a different work of art each month. Registration is required, as space is limited. Call (269) 349-7775 or register online at kiarts.org/events.

Topics: February 21, 12 p.m.: Richard Pousette-Dart’s By the Sea

March 21, 12 p.m.: Robert Arneson’s Up Against It vs. Chuck Close’s Phil-Fingerprint April 18, 12 p.m.: Deborah Butterfield’s Hoku

Ernest Crichlow, Window, 1987, oil on canvas. Image courtesy of the artist.

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KIA LibraryBook DiscussionsCall (269) 349-7775, ext. 3165 to register in advance. Free and open to the public.

The Submission by Amy Waldman February 20, 2-4 p.m.Participate in the Kalamazoo’s Public Library’s Reading Together program and join us for a discussion.

The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund De Waal May 15, 2-4 p.m. Ceramicist and curator Edmund de Waal inherited a collection of Japanese carvings known as netsuke. For de Waal, these small carved figures became a symbol of hope, and the thread by which he would discover his family’s amazing history. Join us to discuss this compelling chronicle and see examples of the KIA’s netsuke carvings.

Story Time or Short Films for Kids Saturdays at 11:15 a.m.

Kalamazoo Art League Free for Art League Members $10 KIA Members$12 Non-members$3 students with ID

Lecture: Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and Clay Matthew Welch, PhD, Deputy Director for Cultural Affairs, Minneapolis Institute of Arts February 13, 10 a.m.

Matthew Welch is uniquely qualified to speak about the Stoked exhibition now installed in the KIA galleries. He is the exhibition’s curator and author of its accompa-nying catalog. In addition, he has written Body of Clay,

Soul of Fire: Richard Bresnahan and the Saint John’s Pottery, a book about the artists and studio it features. In the lecture, Dr. Welch will discuss works in the exhibition and his relationship with the artists.

Lecture: The Visitation Returns to the KIA Anna Marley, PhD, Curator of Historical American Art, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts April 10, 10 a.m.

Anna Marley curated the recent touring exhibition Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit, which delved into the life and career of African American artist Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859–1937). Dr. Marley joins us to speak about the KIA’s loan of The Visitation to the Modern Spirit exhibition. The Visitation will be reinstalled once the exhibition has closed.

depARTure Trip: Hot in Cleveland - Treasures of Wade Oval May 15-17$466 Art League Members $486 KIA Members $516 Non-MembersDuring this three-day, two-night trip, guests will experience docent-led tours of great art, an introduction to Cleveland’s history and art, and access to a private collection or gallery. Tours will include the Cleveland Museum of Art’s permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions, including Ai Weiwei’s Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads. Jenifer Neils, PhD, will lead a tour of The Last Days of Pompeii: Decadence Apocalypse exhibition and join us for lunch. Later the group will have a private tour of the stunning new Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland. Guests will stay at the charming Glidden House, an elegant 1910 mansion and boutique hotel just a two-minute walk from Cleveland’s cultural institutions.This depARTure includes transportation by luxury coach, admissions, tours, lectures and all meals except dinner after the welcome cocktail party. It is limited to 26 persons. A $75, non-refundable deposit secures your space. Deadline for RSVP and final payment is April 2. Application forms are available at the KIA’s Reception Desk.

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sUpport

Volunteer SpotlightIn anticipation of National Volunteer Month (April), we turn our spotlight on the KIA’s whole volunteer corps and thank them for their collective efforts to help extend the institute’s mission. In a typical year, about 375 individuals generously donate about 7,000 volunteer hours to the institute. Some serve as board

members, docents, library aides, teacher aides or Gallery Shop clerks. Others prepare mailings, deliver art to our Corporate members, serve food or tend bar at special events, or sit on committees. A number of them assist at museum programs or support exhibitions by greeting patrons, taking tickets, selling

memberships, or administering surveys. Some ring up purchases at the Holiday Sale, paint faces or sell balloons at the KIA Fair. If you’re a KIA volunteer, thank you! If you’re not but would like to be, contact Sandy Linabury at sandyL@kiarts.org or (269) 349-7775, ext. 3114.

March Madness!

If the KIA collection were a basketball team, which artwork would be considered MVP? It’s time to find out with our version of March Madness! This tournament’s round-up has eight artworks pitted against each other to determine the crowd favorite. Vote for your favorite! For each game, there will be a poll available for public voting. The poll will be available through Facebook, Twitter and the KIA website. There will also be ballot boxes at the KIA. The winning piece will be recognized at the March 15 Art & All That Jazz.

Left, from top: Roger Brown, Americana, 1988, oil on canvas. Art Auction Fund and Blanche Hull Fund Purchase, 1996/7.21 / Andy Warhol, Gerald Ford, 1975, synthetic polymer and silkscreen inks on canvas. Elisabeth Claire Lahti Fund Purchase, 2003.1 / William Bailey, Still Life with Egg Cup, Eggs, and Bowl, 1968-69, oil on canvas. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Donald S. Gilmore, 1972/3.6 / Alfred Juergens, Twilight, ca. 1890-92, oil on canvas. Gift of the Dryer Family Foundation and Permanent Collection Fund Purchase, 1995/6.12

Right, from top: Eastman Johnson, The Boy Lincoln, 1867, oil on panel. Purchase: Acquired through the generosity of an anonymous donor, 2009.109 / Dwight William Tryon, Sunset, 1919, oil on board. Elisabeth Claire Lahti Fund Purchase in honor of Susan VanArendonk’s 24 years of service, 2006.67 / Richard Diebenkorn, Sleeping Woman, 1961, oil on canvas. Director’s Fund Purchase, 1968/9.86 / Victor Schreckengost, Egyptian Blue Jazz Bowl with Flared Rim, 1931, glazed earthenware with engobe, sgraffito design. Purchase made possible by Ronda Stryker and William Johnston, 2007.38