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.

Art Prize Anyone?

It's pretty clear that ArtPrize is one of the best art projects....ever.

(^that's colored sand by the way^)

What exactly is ArtPrize? It's a $45 thousand competition where nearly 2 thousand artists from all over the world submit ONE PIECE to be displayed around the entire downtown Grand Rapids, MI area.

(^that's ballpoint pen by the way^)

To give you a better idea - let me elaborate. Basically, you drive into Downtown GR and it doesn't matter where you go - THERE IS ART. All kinds. All over.

You could be driving down the street and you'll see a giant sculpture of a praying mantis... 

(^This piece is actually a finalist in the contest.^)

...or you'll wander into a pizza parlor and see wall art made out of bras donated by women who have had breast cancer. 

(See? Literally everywhere you go.)

My Mom and I headed out there for a weekend and discovered so many interesting pieces AND explored the city of Grand Rapids. We were able to walk into any restaurant, bank, store, lounge, or gallery that we wanted because they all were a part of the event.

 (^This piece was in a restaurant and was made out of THOUSANDS of tiny pieces of sequence.^)

We had an amazing lunch at Sanchez - Tapas Bistro. And enjoyed our visit to the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

The best part of the trip for me, was the viewing of Ocean Exodus by Paul Baliker (WHICH IS ALSO IN THE TOP 10!) Whoever decided to put this intricate sculpture on a rotating platform is genius. The disturbingly breathtaking piece is compiled with wood and bronze. The center of the piece features a giant octopus with a single tear streaming down its face. Whales, fish, and other sea creatures are carved into the woodwork - as if they're weaving in and out of the ocean and earth. Viewers are supposed to question their actions regarding the pollution of our oceans. This piece is still a work in progress and is expected to get bigger!

...here is a side image of the sculpture that I was able to snatch...

I encourage you to do your research on ArtPrize. We Michiganders are extremely lucky to have the opportunity to welcome so many contemporary artists and art lovers into our home.

Would you ever go to ArtPrize? Is this something you could do for YOUR community? Stay curious readers. And love art. That's all I ask.

(^Um yea, that's made out of leaves^)

HAPPY FALL

Why Don't People Like Art?

Well Hello.

This would be my first personal blog. But I will say that I've written many-a-blogs in my day. I completed my internship at MASS MoCA in June and now I'm working for Eastern Michigan University Theatre. Both jobs require(d) me to blog blog blog blog blog. So why not start my own eh?

This semester I have finally completed EVERY single gen ed requirement and all of my courses are for my major, which is Arts Management (I also have minors in Marketing and Theatre Communications. Woo!)

As a part of my minor, I decided to take a course called Sports and Events Marketing, taught by Professor Sam Fullerton. I figured, "Why not? We're both selling the same concept - Entertainment as a service." The only difference, I have found, are the numbers. As I'm reading the book for class, I see stats that tell me that sports are the 11th largest industry in the U.S. I realize that they DO have a pretty outstanding merchandise platform and practically built-in loyalty, but how are they able to sell out events on a regular basis? Arts orgs are pretty much happy with any attendance they get!

But why? I asked my beloved Mother and she said, "Well...not everyone can paint or act. But basically anyone can grab a basketball and shoot a couple hoops." My Mom is right. And that is just wrong.

But she brings up a good point.  Do people really think they CAN'T draw? or dance? or craft? I mean...I totally understand feeling a little shown up when you're standing in front of a Renoir or watch a youtube video of Martha Graham, but why does this scare people? Shouldn't it inspire them? But I suppose I understand. Fortunately, my family is fairly athletic so I have an appreciation for sports. However, if I asked my theatre friends to "shoot some hoops" or go to an EMU Football game, they'd look at me like I was insane. (Note: But pretty much anyone would go to a Red Wings or Tigers game...I mean...Let's get real.)

But why does the high school football team - who barely won a third of their season - get a new field and the drama club - who brings home state trophies - not even have a working drinking fountain in the green room? (What? I'm not bitter.)

...I don't have an exact solution for this dilemma, that's why I'm going to school. But sometimes it's good to read let these things out. We all know it. So someone needs to say it. Well here you have it: SPORTS GET MORE ATTENTION THAN THE ARTS. There.


I believe the solution to the problem (if the problem is addressed from an arts administrative stand-point) begins with education. I believe if elementary and secondary education can genuinely excite children and invite them into the arts community - they will beg their parents until - they too are passionate about the arts. Sports can be a huge part of family tradition, and that is where consumer habits form.


Now let me clarify something...Yes. My future job is in the arts. And yes, I most certainly want to earn a living off of my career. But my concerns have nothing to do with the bottom line. My choice in my education is deeply rooted in my belief that our existence could simply not function without the arts.


I will stifle this tangent for a future blog. I have many thoughts and opinions about the arts and I am always searching for the thoughts an opinions of others.


Comments are (obviously) more than welcomed. Keep reading =]