The Detroit Institute of Arts: Collection, Interaction, and Variety.

(The Nut Gatherers by William Adolphe Bougereau)

My best friend, Natalie Gregorarz, treated me to a journey to the Detroit Institute of Arts.  Located on Woodward Avenue. The DIA is surrounded by The Detroit Public Library, MoCAD, and other noteworthy Midwestern cultural centers. The DIA's collection ranks in the Top Six in the United States. Originally known for their unbeatable American Art collection, the D.I.A. now features comprehensive selections which range from Egyptian, puppetry, Islamic, American, European, African, Native American, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Impressionism, Photography, Modern, and Contemporary (basically, they got it on lock-down).

I had been to The DIA about a year ago - previous to my internship at MASS MoCA. My appreciation for this Detroit treasure was heightened after working in a museum for a semester. I am amazed with the level of interaction and information that is provided to the visitors of the D.I.A.  (i.e. The Eye Spy games throughout the collections give clues to find a specific element of a piece in the gallery. It forces you to look around and usually draws attention to something you may have overlooked!) I've visited over a dozen museums in the past year - and no one does it quite like the D.I.A.

(Blood Sweat and Tears by Alison Saar)

The DIA does not take itself too seriously and does not require attendees to have any prior knowledgeof art before they enter the galleries. Each exhibition includes an ample amount of information about the era, artist, and selected pieces. 

(Bank of the Oise at Auvers by Vincent Van Gogh)

Several works by Van Gogh are featured at the D.I.A.  My best friend worships this genius and we gazed in awe at his raw techniques. This particular piece struck me on this visit to the D.I.A.  Van Gogh's manic brushwork emulated despair while composing a work that is undeniably beautiful. (Other Van Gogh's include Portrait of a Postman, [The Yellow Hat] Self Portrait, and The Diggers.)

(Judith and the Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi)

Surely, there is something everyone can enjoy at the D.I.A. If you're a good ol' Michigander or just passing through - I highly suggest you stop on by as the weather is becoming increasingly and bitterly cold.