Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) is a non-profit art museum and school that was established in 1924. It is located in downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. The museum was founded by members of the Kalamazoo Chapter of the American Federation of Arts with the aim of promoting interest and education in various arts.

Exhibitions at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts hosts 10 to 15 temporary exhibitions each year in its ten galleries. These exhibitions include recurring shows such as the West Michigan Area Show, High School Area Show, and Young Artists of Kalamazoo County. The museum also features exhibitions built around works lent from museums, galleries, corporations, or private collections.

Permanent Collection at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts boasts a permanent collection of more than 4,600 original works. The collection primarily emphasizes on 20th-century American art, featuring works by renowned artists such as Ansel Adams, Mary Cassatt, Alexander Calder, and many others. The collection also includes a number of 18th- and 19th-century American works, 20th-century European works, as well as African, Chinese, Japanese, and pre-Columbian and Oceanic works.

The KIA Art Fair

The KIA Art Fair, which began in 1952 as the Clothesline Art Show, provides an opportunity for local and regional artists to sell their works. Held the first Saturday of June in nearby Bronson Park, the KIA Art Fair is now the second oldest continuously running art fair in the United States. Each year, thousands of visitors join 200 artists in Bronson Park to view and purchase paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, jewelry, ceramics, fiber ware, sculpture, and more.