FREE 45th Annual Noel Night 12/2 5-10pm in Midtown Detroit

Don't miss the 45th annual Noel Night event...

Noel Night is scheduled for Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 5:00-10:00 p.m.

Over 100 participating venues, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Public Library, will open their doors to the public FREE OF CHARGE during this Cultural Center-wide holiday open house. 

Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 200 area music, theatre, and dance groups, and other special performances.

Noel Night headlining performers include: Afro Blue, Cantus, Sidewalk Chalk, The Cactus Blossoms, Les Nubians, Etienne Charles’ Creole Christmas, The Main Squeeze, The Tartan Terrors, the Rhythm Society Orchestra with Paul King, and Thornetta Davis.

PLEASE NOTE: The location for the community sing-along led by the Salvation Army has changed. It will now take place on Wayne State University's campus at the southwest corner of Woodward and Warren Avenues.

Noel Night is produced by Midtown Detroit, Inc., a nonprofit community development organization that supports economic growth in Detroit's Midtown district.

Call 313-420-6000 or visit http://www.noelnight.org for additional information.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ENTIRE 2017 NOEL NIGHT EVENT SCHEDULE


For more information, follow Noel Night on Facebook.


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FREE Intermural Family Day at the Ann Arbor Art Center 8/26 11am-2pm

FREE Intermural Family Day is coming...

Intermural is a special pop-up exhibition featuring unique murals by Michigan based artists. From August 15 to September 7, artists will take over the entire 2nd floor of the Art Center, using the gallery walls as their canvas to create process-focused works in collaboration with the audience.

Families are invited to come hang out at the Ann Arbor Art Center on Saturday, August 26 from 11AM to 2PM for an interactive day of Family Activities!

You will get the chance to help the Intermural artists complete their murals on the second floor and then create your own Mural Monsters in our 3rd floor studios.

All supplies will be provided for this free all-ages event!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS FREE EVENT


Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104


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FREE Japanese Art in the Afternoon Community Event at Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center 4/9

April 9th FREE Drop-In  Japanese Art Event includes Demonstrations and Hands-On Activities...

The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC) will host its second annual Japanese Art in the Afternoon, with support from the Japan Business Society of Detroit Foundation, a free, all-ages workshop featuring Japanese-themed art activities and celebration of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

The community event will take place Sunday, April 9, 2017 from 1-3:30pm and will include multiple interactive and hands-on art activities and demonstrations, including koto musicians (“koto” is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument), Japanese calligraphy, woodcuts and origami, plus other Japanese-related projects suitable for all ages.

Japanese Art in the Afternoon is free of charge and open to the public.
All ages are welcomed (children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult).

For more information on the BBAC and all its events and activities, visit www.BBArtCenter.org

The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center
1516 S. Cranbrook Road
Birmingham, Mich.



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FREE Admission to 2017 Italian Film Festival USA of Metro Detroit 4/5 4/7-8 4/14-15 4/21-22 4/28-29

Opening night on April 5th at Detroit Film Theatre precedes 4 weekends of FREE film screenings at 5 metro Detroit locations plus special guest appearances...

Celebrating its tenth year as part of the nationwide festival, Metro Detroit’s 2017 edition of the Italian Film Festival USA brings the best modern-day Italian cinema offerings to Detroit area audiences, April 5 – 30, with films from award-winning directors as well as debut films from exciting new talent.

There will be 13 screenings in all, with 11 films making local premieres and a NEW short film program featuring seven titles from which the audience will get to choose a favorite, and special guest appearances. 

Admission is FREE and open to the public.

“It is an honor to be part of this national event, and we are proud to have provided the opportunity for Detroit film enthusiasts to enjoy award-winning, contemporary Italian films for a decade,” said Elena Past, festival organizing committee member. “The popularity and sustainability of our festival testify to the program’s vibrancy. We are excited to continue into the future with the selection of high-quality, diverse films audiences have come to expect. We’re excited to expand our lineup with the new shorts program and are committed to bringing more sessions with film professionals.”

Now in its 13th year nationwide, the Italian Film Festival USA offers 95 screenings of recent Italian films -- captivating dramas, hilarious comedies, and interesting documentaries -- to audiences across the country. In addition to Detroit, festival cities are Boulder, Chicago, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Memphis, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland and St. Louis. Last year’s event in Metro Detroit drew more than 3,500 people and was the most highly attended of all participating cities and in its own history.

The multi-award winning film, “Like Crazy” opens the Italian Film Festival USA of Metro Detroit on Wednesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Detroit Film Theatre. Weekend screenings will then continue throughout the month at various locations, including Wayne State University (Detroit), University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), Henry Ford College (Dearborn) and Chippewa Valley High School (Clinton Township).

“The Stuff of Dreams” will close the festival on Sunday, April 30 at 4:30 p.m. at the Detroit Film Theatre and features a special appearance by director Gianfranco Cabbidu. Additionally, a discussion will follow the screening of “Andrea Doria: Are the Passengers Saved?” on Friday, April 14, with Detroit scriptwriter and survivor Pierette Domenica Simpson. A full schedule is below.

All films will be shown in original language with English subtitles.

The 2017 Italian Film Festival USA of Metro Detroit is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Minigrant program, administered by the Anton Art Center.


Opening Night, Wednesday, April 5 (Detroit Institute of Arts’ Detroit Film Theatre, Detroit)

Wednesday, April 5

7:00 p.m. “Like Crazy”
2016 - Director, Paolo Virzi, Comedy, 118 min.

Beatrice and Donatella are patients of a women’s mental institution. Their friendship brings them to a hilarious escape and the search for a little happiness in the world of the sane. A modern day Thelma and Louise!

Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8 (Chippewa Valley High School, Clinton Township)

Friday, April 7

7:00 p.m. “An Almost Perfect Town”
2015 – Director, Massimo Gaudioso, Comedy, 92 min.

The residents of a mountain village are desperate to save their small town. Will their wacky plan succeed?


Saturday, April 8

7:00 p.m. “Where the Clouds Go”

2016 – Director, Massimo Ferrari,, Documentary, 75 min.

The stories of Italians who have opened their homes to immigrants from all over the world with positive results.

Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15 (Henry Ford College, Forfa Auditorium at the Andrew Mazzara Center, Dearborn)


Friday, April 14

7:00 p.m. “Andrea Doria: Are the Passengers Saved?”
2016 – Director, Luca Guardabascio, Docu-drama, 77 min.
(Not a local premiere)

On July 25, 1956, the Italian passenger liner Andrea Doria was broadsided by the ship Stockholm. Pierette, then a 9 year-old immigrant, now recounts the harrowing experience and the truth surrounding the tragedy.

* Special appearance by scriptwriter and survivor Pierette Domenica Simpson


Saturday, April 15

5:00 p.m. “Italo”
2014 – Director, Alessia Scarso, Drama, 100 min.

Based upon the heart-warming true story of Italo, a stray dog that wandered into a small Sicilian town.

7:30 p.m. “Italian Race”
2016 – Director, Matteo Rovere, Drama, 2016, 110 min.

The passion for racecars has always flowed in the veins of Giulia De Martino. She comes from a family that churned out racecar champions, but now it is up to her to save the family. Can she bring home the victory?


Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22 (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor)

Friday, April 21 – Screening will take place in Rackham Auditorium.

7:00 p.m. “The Last Will Be The Last”
2015 - Director, Massimiliano Bruno, Drama, 103 min.

Luciana is leading the quiet life she’s always desired with her husband, Stefano. But shortly after finding out she’s pregnant, Luciana gets fired and her world starts falling apart. Will she find justice?


Saturday, April 22 – Screenings will take place in Lorch Hall, Askwith Auditorium

5:00 p.m. Short Film Program
2016 – Comedy, Drama, Stop Motion, 90 min.

Seven recent short films are in competition for your vote for best short film. They are: “Beautiful,” “Black Comedy,” “Candie Boy,” “Dear Martin,” “Our Hebrews,” “Toilets,” “Where Water Comes Together with Other Water.”

7:30 p.m. “Feather”
2016 - Director, Roan Johnson, Comedy, 98 min.

Ferro and Cate have just nine months to prepare themselves, as well as their parents, for the arrival of a baby! Will they be ready?


Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29 (Wayne State University, 100 General Lectures Hall, Detroit)

Friday, April 28

7:00 p.m. “The Confessions”
2016 - Director, Roberto Andò, Drama, 100 min.

The director of the International Monetary Fund invites an Italian monk to hear his confession at a G8 meeting. Following a tragic and unexpected incident, the G8 ministers and the monk engage in an intensifying struggle.

Saturday, April 29

5:00 p.m. “On The Trail of My Father”
2016, Director Marco Segato, Drama, 92 min.

A teenage boy and his father have a strained relationship. When a bear threatens their small Dolomite village, the father accepts a bet to search for the bear. Will he succeed in saving the village and his son?

7:30 p.m. “They Call Me Jeeg”
2015, Director Gabriele Mainetti, Drama, 112 min.

Enzo comes into contact with a radioactive substance and discovers he has superpowers. Then he meets Alessia who is convinced Enzo is the hero from the famous Japanese comic strip Steel Jeeg Robot.


Closing Night, Sunday, April 30 (Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Film Theatre, Detroit)

4:30 p.m. “The Stuff of Dreams”
2015 - Director, Gianfranco Cabbidu, Drama, 101 min.

A boat carrying a small acting company, together with a group of mobsters, wrecks on the shores of an island prison after WWII. An homage to Shakespeare’s The Tempest and De Filippo’s Art of Comedy.

*Special appearance by director Cabiddu.


For more information about the Italian Film Festival USA of Metro Detroit, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit the festival's website www.italianfilmfests.orgor call 248-917-2352.


Follow Italian Film Festival USA on Facebook at Facebook.com/Italian-Film-Festival-USA and on Twitter at @ItalianFilmFest.


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FREE 44th Annual Noel Night 12/3 5-10pm in Midtown Detroit

Don't miss the 44th annual Noel Night event...

The 44th annual Noel Night will take place on Saturday, December 3rd, from 5:00-10:00 p.m. in Detroit’s Midtown District.

Over 100 institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Public Library, will open their doors to the public FREE of charge during this Cultural Center-wide holiday open house.

Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 200 area music, theatre, and dance groups, and other special performances.

The evening’s festivities culminate with a community sing-along on Woodward Avenue led by the Salvation Army Band—a long-standing Noel Night tradition. Noel Night activities take place in Midtown Detroit, and free shuttle service is offered between participating venues. Convenient parking is available in area lots.

Noel Night is produced by Midtown Detroit, Inc., a nonprofit community development organization that supports economic growth in Detroit's Midtown district.

Call 313-420-6000 or visit http://www.noelnight.org for additional information.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ENTIRE 2016 NOEL NIGHT EVENT SCHEDULE


For more information, follow Noel Night on Facebook.


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FREE Admission to 30 Americans Exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts 12/28 - 1/3

Don't miss FREE ADMISSION WEEK for 30 AMERICANS at the DIA....

Identity, triumph, tragedy, pride, prejudice, humor and wit. 30 Americans: An exhibition bound by one nation and divided by 30 experiences.

30 Americans is a dynamic showcase of contemporary art by African American artists, that explores issues of racial, political, historical and gender identity in contemporary culture.

See more than 50 paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and video drawn from the Rubell Family Collection, created by many of the most important African American artists working over the past 30 years, including Kerry James Marshall, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kara Walker, Nick Cave, Kehinde Wiley, Carrie Mae Weems, Robert Colescott, Glenn Ligon and Lorna Simpson.

The Detroit Institute of Arts is offering FREE Admission to 30 Americans from December 28th to January 3rd

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a diverse range of contemporary artists in one show, from Basquiat to Kara Walker and Nick Cave to Kehinde Wiley, only on view at the Detroit Institute of Arts until January 18.

Special Extended Hours:
Monday, December 28: 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Tuesday, December 29: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, December 30: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday, December 31: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday, January 1: Museum Closed
Saturday, January 2: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, January 3: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

So go and see 30 Americans for Free from December 28th, 2015 to January 3rd, 2016 at the DIA.

Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202


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DIA offers Tri-county residents FREE Admission to Animated Movies during Holiday Break 12/26 -31

Photo courtesy of GKids

Detroit Film Theatre’s “When Marnie Was There” and “Boy and the World” will delight all ages

Two animated features being shown at the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Detroit Film Theatre are FREE for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties between the holidays. The museum, which is usually closed on Mondays, will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, December. 28th. The movies are offered free as one of the benefits of tri-county support.

“When Marnie Was There”
Saturday–Monday, December 26–28th, 3 and 7 p.m.
When shy, artistic Anna moves to the seaside to live with her aunt and uncle, she stumbles upon an old mansion inhabited by a mysterious girl named Marnie. The two form a unique connection, and Anna begins to learn the truth surrounding her strange new friend. Voices includes Hailee Steinfeld, Geena Davis, John C. Reilly and Vanessa Williams.

“Boy and the World”
Tuesday and Wednesday, December 29 and 30th, 3 and 7 p.m.; Thursday, December 31st, 3 p.m.
Cuca lives a life of quiet wonder, exploring all that the countryside has to offer. But his cozy life is shattered when his father leaves for the city, prompting the boy to embark on a quest to reunite his family. His journey unfolds like a tapestry, and this wonderful new film’s animation takes on greater complexity and variety as his small world expands.

Museum Hours and Admission
9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesdays–Thursdays, 9 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. General admission (excludes ticketed exhibitions) is FREE for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents and DIA members. For all others, $12.50 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 62+, $6 for ages 6–17. For membership information, call 313-833-7971.


Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202


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FREE 43rd Annual Noel Night 12/5 5-10pm in Midtown Detroit

Don't miss the 43rd annual Noel Night event...

The 43rd annual Noel Night will take place on Saturday, December 5th, from 5:00-10:00 p.m. in Detroit’s Midtown District.

Over 70 institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and the Detroit Public Library, will open their doors to the public FREE OF CHARGE during this Cultural Center-wide holiday open house.

Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 200 area music, theatre, and dance groups, and other special performances by Madeleine Peyroux, Bronze Radio Return, The Diving Bell, Imani Winds, Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys and Thornetta Davis.

The evening’s festivities culminate with a community sing-along on Woodward Avenue led by the Salvation Army Band—a long-standing Noel Night tradition. Noel Night activities take place in Midtown Detroit, and free shuttle service is offered between participating venues.

Call 313-420-6000 or visit http://www.noelnight.org for additional information.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ENTIRE 2015 NOEL NIGHT EVENT SCHEDULE


For more information, follow Noel Night on Facebook.


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FREE Poetry Workshops on 12/12 at DIA for Metro Detroit High School students - RSVP REQUIRED

Detroit Institute of Arts hosts FREE poetry workshops presented by InsideOut Literary Arts Project for tri-county high school students...

Students will write poetry inspired by museum’s “30 Americans” exhibition

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is hosting “See What I Say,” FREE poetry workshops presented by InsideOut Literary Arts Project for high school students in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties on Saturday, Dec. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. 

The workshops will guide students in writing original poetry inspired by works featured in the DIA’s “30 Americans” exhibition, a dynamic show of contemporary art by African American artists, on view through Jan. 18, 2016.

There will be two sessions featuring simultaneous workshops focusing on different artworks in the exhibition, followed by a performance workshop for budding spoken-word performers in Rivera Court. The day will conclude with a poetry performance by InsideOut Literary Arts Project poets inspired by “30 Americans.” The schedule is:

11:30 a.m.: Arrival and registration

Noon: Session 1
Workshop A: “Whore in the Church House” by Mark Bradford
Workshop B: “Exhibit A: Cardinal Francis Arinze” by Jeff Sonhouse

1:30 p.m.: Session 2
Workshop C: “Portraits of Quanika” by Mickalene Thomas and “Untitled” by Rodney McMillian
Workshop D: “Class of 2007” by Nina Chanel Abney

3:30 p.m.: Spoken word performance mini-workshop

4 p.m.: InsideOut Literary Arts Project “30 Americans” poetry performance

Though the workshops are FREE, reservations are required. To register, call 313.833.4005 or visit bit.ly/SeeWhatISay

Aspiring poets can also sample the talent of InsideOut Literary Arts poets on Noel Night, Saturday, Dec. 5, when members will perform original poetry inspired by “30 Americans” from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Detroit Public Library, located across Woodward Ave. from the DIA. The event is free and open to the public.

About InsideOut Literary Arts Project
InsideOut Literary Arts Project (iO) is a nationally recognized hub of creative opportunities for K–12 students in Detroit who are curious about exploring their worlds through the power of poetry. Since 1995, iO has helped to amplify the voices of thousands of students by dispatching established and emerging poets and writers into classrooms.

Museum Hours and Admission
9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesdays–Thursdays, 9 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

General admission (excludes ticketed exhibitions) is free for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents and DIA members. For all others, $12.50 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 62+, $6 for ages 6–17. For membership information, call 313-833-7971.


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A Night of Fashion, Art and Luxury with Nigel Barker at Royal Oak Shuptrine Interiors 4/30 at 6:30pm - RSVP

Be one on the 1st 200 to register for this FREE event to receive a complimentary copy of Nigel Barker’s Models of Influence ($40)...

You are cordially invited to a celebration of art, fashion and luxury design, featuring Nigel Barker – fashion authority, photographer, and former judge on America’s Next Top Model.

See the latest summer trends from Scott Shuptrine Interior's most luxurious brands, including its new private label, Century, Bernhardt, and Celerie Kemble for Lane Venture. The Thursday, April 30 event will also feature a haute couture fashion show by Katerina Bocci and Tapper’s, a live painting demonstration by fine artist Tony Roko, and Life Chest by Donna Yost.

Barker will sign his brand-new New York Times best-selling book, Models of Influence – the inspiration for the event.

Bryan Pope will perform and refreshments and light fare will be served at the celebration, which takes place at Scott Shuptrine Interiors in Royal Oak from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30.

The event is free of charge

Shopping proceeds and donations will benefit The Suite Dreams Project.

RSVP
If you are among the first 200 to register, you will receive a complimentary copy of Nigel Barker’s Models of Influence ($40). Please register here: www.scottshuptrine.eventbrite.com

Scott Shuptrine Interiors
32301 Woodward Avenue
Royal Oak, MI 48073
248-549-9105


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FREE Halloween Hoopla at Ann Arbor Art Center 10/31 4-7pm

FREE and Halloween should just go together...

Are you looking to spice things up this Halloween or warm up after an hour or two of trick-or-treating outside in the cold? Swing by and join us for Halloween Hoopla this Friday October 31st from 4-7pm in the Ann Arbor Art Center.

Get ready for all sorts of “Hoopla” including lots of family-friendly activities, a scavenger hunt, FREE give-aways, and of course, CANDY!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE ANN ARBOR ART CENTER HALLOWEEN HOOPLA!

Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W. Liberty St.,
Ann Arbor, MI. 48104


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TEACHERS: FREE "DIA AWAY" Educator Open House at the Detroit Institute of Arts 10/16 - RSVP

"DIA AWAY" PREVIEW EDUCATOR OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, October 16, 2014
DIA Student Lunchroom
4:30-7:00 p.m.

Celebrate the beginning of a new school year with DIA staff and your fellow educators and get an exclusive, educators-only preview experience of a brand-new DIA program, DIA Away.

DIA Away is a free, mobile interactive classroom that brings educational, hands-on art experiences to schools throughout Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. The design of the creative exploration space and selection of artists and activities were made with students and teachers in mind as a key audience. DIA Away is designed to coordinate with school curriculum standards; elementary, middle and high school teachers will find direct links to both the National Visual Arts Standards and Common Core Standards for English/Language Arts.

- Explore the galleries with a DIA gallery teacher who will model the school field trip experience. Tours start at 4:30pm and will be offered throughout the event.

- Learn about new developments in DIA school resources and education programs.

- Enjoy light refreshments and conversations with colleagues.

- Enter a drawing for a Detroit staycation!

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR THE "DIA AWAY" PREVIEW EDUCATOR OPEN HOUSE - RSVP ENDS 10/10

Admission is FREE for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. All other educators can sign up for a DIA Educator Pass to receive free general admission to the museum. (Please note that your pass may take 1-2 weeks to arrive via e-mail.)


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EDUCATION: FREE Summer Art Classes at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) on 7/24 8/14 8/21

Learn to create clay masks, acrylic paintings, and prints for FREE from professional artists...

Indulge your creative side at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) by taking FREE art-making classes taught by professional artists. The DIA is offering three FREE classes in different media—clay, acrylic and prints—for ages five and older (under age 12 must be with an adult) for all experience levels.

Clay Masks - Thursday, July 24, 1–2:30 p.m.
Explore the expressive possibilities of making a mask out of clay. Projects will be fired and ready for pick-up at a later date. Instructors: Byron Nemela & Soh Suzuki


Acrylic Painting- Thursday, August 14, 10:30 a.m. –noon
Use acrylic paints to explore color mixing and expressive brushwork techniques, then create your own painting. Projects will require drying time and can be picked up later. Instructors: Kathleen Rashid & Vito Valdez


Printmaking – Relief Prints- Thursday, August 21, 1–2:30 p.m.
Using a simple relief-printing method, plan and create an image, then print it on paper to make multiple copies. Instructors: Soh Suzuki & Byron Nemela

Registration is on-site the day of the class on a first-come, first-served basis. Classes begin promptly at the scheduled times.

Hours and Admission

Museum hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesdays–Thursdays, 9 a.m.–10 p.m. Fridays, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission to the DIA (excluding ticketed exhibitions) is FREE for Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents and DIA members. 

For all others, $8 for adults, $6 for seniors ages 62+, $4 for ages 6–17.

For more information visit www.dia.org or call 313-833-4005.

Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI


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EMPLOYMENT: Open Management & Administrative Positions at Cranbrook in Bloomfield, MI

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!!!

Cranbook in Bloomfield, MI has a number of open Management and Administrative positions available.

Please send applications and nominations to the attention of -
Sarah James and Becky Klein at Cranbrook@phillipsoppenheim.com.

Education Assistant
The Education Assistant develops and presents educational programs in the topics of art, architecture, and design for a variety of constituents. This may include researching new programs or demonstrations, writing up protocols, or being responsible for the development and delivery of certain programs. Daily duties may also include presenting demonstrations in the museum and delivering educational programs to the general public or school groups. Schedules for Education Assistants will vary and may require weekend or evening assignment. Requirements: Positive experience working with children and adults in a public setting. Enthusiasm for the subject and an eagerness to share that enthusiasm with learners of all ages. College level studio art, art history or art education courses required (a Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred). Minimum of one year of experience teaching a variety of ages, either formal or informal required. Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Customer service experience and the ability to positively and effectively work with varied constituents including the public, school personnel, students, and volunteers. Requires a Michigan driver’s license with satisfactory driving record, and access to a vehicle for travel related to educational outreach programs. This is a part-time position working less than 20 hours per week.

Program Presenter
The Program Presenter facilitates programs and tours in the topics of art, architecture, and design for a variety of constituents. Program Presenters are expected to demonstrate excellent presentation and large group management skills. Schedules for Program Presenters will vary and may require weekend or evening assignment. Requirements: Enthusiasm for the subject and an eagerness to share that enthusiasm with learners of all ages. College level art history, architectural history, or other relevant courses required (a Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred). Minimum of one year of experience teaching a variety of ages, either formal or informal required. Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Customer service experience and the ability to positively and effectively work with the public, school personnel, students, and volunteers required. This is a part-time position working less than 20 hours per week.

Schools Executive Assistant
Provides administrative support and assists in the administration and coordination of the office of the Head of the Boys Middle School. Acts as a liaison between faculty, parents, students, parent organizations, Dean and the Head. Requirements: High School Diploma with appropriate courses in secretarial science including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, word processing, database, spreadsheet and bookkeeping (Associate’s Degree in business administration or secretarial science preferred). 5 years experience providing administrative support at a senior management level, preferably in a school setting with knowledge of a larger-than-single school operation. Love of children, school setting, teachers, staff, parents, and the educational process. Precision typing of letters, documents, and other materials which require accuracy, speed, and clarity. Excellent grammar, writing and diction skills for frequent formulation and proofreading of letters, memos, and written parent and teacher communication. A pleasant manner with well-modulated voice for effective phone and in-person communication with children, teachers, parents, and guests. An ability to work effectively and skillfully with a multitude of people and in an environment with frequent interruptions. Flexibility, patience, sense of humor, confidence, and the ability to be pleasantly firm in a lively, dynamic and multifaceted office that is the focal point for the school. An ability to perform responsibilities with appropriate discretion and independent judgment.

Administrative Assistant
Needed to provide general clerical and administrative support to the Human Resources department. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Process and follow up on employment paperwork; conduct background checks; conduct new hire orientations; input and maintenance of records in the HR/Payroll database; maintenance of personnel files; produce reports as requested; process employment verifications; answer telephone calls and field questions about job openings and other general inquiries; order office supplies; sort and distribute department mail. In addition, the Administrative Assistant acts as the Cranbrook House receptionist during morning hours and provides backup to the afternoon receptionist. Requirements: High school diploma or GED required (Associate Degree preferred). A minimum of four years administrative experience, preferably in a Human Resources Department required. Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel are required. Database experience preferred. The ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks is required. Must have excellent, accurate data-entry skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required with a focus on excellent customer/constituent service.

Administrative Assistant
Provides administrative assistance for the Communications department relative to performing arts ticketing, program productions, event registrations, and web-based content. This position will also work closely with BRAVO, and other volunteer organization, staff. Requirements: Requires high school diploma and a minimum of two years administrative experience. In depth knowledge of Senior Systems and Crannet preferred. Strong proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher. Broad organizational management skills, with a keen ability to prioritizing multiple tasks. Effective problem solving and people skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong data management skills, with emphasis on accuracy and efficiency. This is a part-time position working 15 hours per week during school year.

Director of Development
The Director of Development will be directly responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individual major donors, alumni, and corporate, government and foundation prospects for Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum. Support will be sought for exhibit and program sponsorship, endowment and scholarship programs, capital projects, and high-end annual fund gifts. The Director will also manage a team responsible for raising annual fund, membership and unrestricted support for the Academy and Art Museum and for implementing a strong alumni relations program for the Academy. Will provide leadership and oversight of fund raising events and staff in support of all areas of development. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required, along with a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible development experience, preferably with a museum, cultural or educational institution; excellent interpersonal skills and high level organizational skills; capability of working with major donors, high level volunteers and major administrators; computer proficiency necessary; knowledge of government grants and governmental processes; solid interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse constituencies and high level volunteers and donors, including corporate and foundation officers at all levels.

Desktop Administrator/Application Packager
The Desktop Administrator/Application Packager will be responsible for the definition, configuration, testing, deployment and maintenance of operating system images using SCCM 2007/2012. Candidates will have experience with building, testing and distributing software packages for core and specialty applications; must have experience using AdminStudio or similar tools. Position requires the ability to implement, administer and troubleshoot Microsoft Active Directory (AD) and Group Policy Objects (GPO) as they relate to desktop configurations. The Desktop Admin/Application Packager will advise in the selection of computing equipment and software and be responsible for inventory. The Desktop Administrator/Application Packager works on both short-term/tactical assignments and longer-term projects and functions as a second-tier of support for the Central IT Team. In addition, the Administrator will report directly to the Director of IT Services and provide direct problem resolution support to tech­nology users throughout Cranbrook in areas such as: infrastructure, PC hardware and software problems, basic Internet and network problems, OS issues, telecommunications and uses a variety of diagnostic and trouble-shooting tools and skills. Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in an Information Technology related area or equivalent education/experience. Requires demonstrated ability to take ownership of projects and activities and ensure completion; knowing when to request assistance. Project management experience is a plus. Requires the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, pay attention to detail, retain information, and resolve issues. This individual must be a self-starter with strong technical, communication, documentation, and resolution skills. Requires a valid Michigan driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. The Administrator must possess 3 to 5 years of demonstrated ability and experience in: Client-server technology; SCCM/SCOM management tools; PC / desktop administration (image design, creation, deployment, and support, operating systems, interoperability, application packaging and deployment); networking concepts, internet security, system testing; software troubleshooting; Microsoft Windows, (some Mac OS experience a plus).

Director, Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum

BACKGROUND

Cranbrook Educational Community
One of the world’s leading and most respected centers of education, science, and art, Cranbrook was founded in 1904 by George and Ellen Scripps Booth.  Today, the Cranbrook Educational Community comprises the Academy of Art and Art Museum, the Center for Collections and Research, the Institute of Science, Cranbrook Schools, and Cranbrook House and Gardens.  Its campus, a National Historic Landmark, is graced by architecturally important buildings, outdoor sculptures, and stunning natural and tended landscapes.  The Cranbrook community welcomes more than 300,000 visitors annually, engaging learners of all ages and interests in unique educational programs and experiences. Cranbrook develops individuals who live with purpose and integrity, create with passion, explore with curiosity, and strive for excellence. http://www.cranbrook.edu/
Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum
The Cranbrook Academy of Art is the country’s top-ranked, graduate-only program in architecture, craft, fine art, and design.  Students, artists, and designers study and live on a renowned campus with state-of-the-art workshops and studios, a world-class art museum with important permanent collections, and over 300 acres of forests, lakes, and streams.  Since its first years with Eliel Saarinen as founding President, the Cranbrook Academy of Art has blazed a bold trail through art and design and today offers education through a studio practice in one of ten disciplines: Architecture, 2D and 3D Design, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, and Sculpture.  The list of those who have taught or studied at Cranbrook is a virtual who’s who of the country’s most renowned artists and designers, including Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, Harry Bertoia, Maija Grottell, Niels Diffrient, Harry Weese, Tony Rosenthal, Duane Hanson, Jun Kaneko, Michael and Kathy McCoy, Daniel Libeskind, Nick Cave, Masamichi Udegawa, Anne Wilson, Joan Livingstone, Hani Rasid, Peter Bohlin, Donald Lipski, and many more.
The Academy enrolls approximately 150 graduate students each year (incoming class of about 75 students annually) who pursue independent study under the guidance of artists-in-residence who are masters in their field.  The Academy’s unique approach to graduate education is focused on hands-on immersive studio work, 24-hour access to individual studios, a rich and varied calendar of visiting lecturers and critics, and the absence of a routine, standardized curriculum in favor of individually tailored mentorship from the artists-in-residence. Cranbrook Academy of Art is accredited by the North Central Association of Academies and Schools and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
The Cranbrook Art Museum is an integral partner with the Academy and provides Academy students and the public at large with a direct experience into modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design, and promotes an understanding of their relevance and contribution to society.  The 50,000 square-foot museum is housed in one of Eliel and Eero Saarinen’s most noted buildings and has an outstanding collection of Modern and Contemporary art and design. As a partner of Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum is a window to the Academy and the Academy’s window to the world.
REGION
Detroit and Southeastern Michigan
Located twenty miles north of Detroit, the Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham area offers the cultural activities of a metropolitan area and the serenity of an escape to the country.  The Cranbrook campus is within less than an hour’s driving distance of downtown Detroit, rural Michigan farmland and the University of Michigan, one of the country’s premier public universities.  The Detroit metropolitan area is the eleventh largest in the country with more than 4.5 million residents. Although the city dominates the national image of Michigan, the region is far more vibrant and diverse than that image suggests, with a rich mix of cultures and demographics.  In addition to its white, African-American, and Hispanic populations, the region has the one of the largest Arabic population outside the Middle East.  In addition, the Detroit metropolitan area’s importance as a hub of the global auto industry and as a growing center of technology has drawn large populations of residents from Asia, South Asia, and Europe to the region.
The Detroit metropolitan area boasts more than twenty institutions of higher learning; fourteen museums and cultural centers; a symphony, opera, jazz festival, and arts festival; a wide range of arenas; professional sports teams in football, hockey, baseball, and basketball; and more theater seats than any  city east of the Mississippi River other than New York City.  Economists recently noted that Michigan has moved into the early stages of a sustained recovery and are predicting net job growth for the state for the next three years.  In addition, planners around the world have become captivated by the idea of Detroit as a laboratory for ideas to “right-size” older cities.
In addition, a renewed creative community is taking hold in the city, exemplified by the many art studios, cooperative spaces, galleries, and creative businesses.  Many of Cranbrook’s graduates are a part of this new wave of artist-led enterprise which is attracting national and international attention to the role of the creative community in revitalizing Detroit.
The State of Michigan enjoys a glorious natural landscape, especially the vast lakes that give it the nickname The Third Coast.  In 2011, the Sleeping Bear Dunes in Northern Lower Michigan were chosen in a nationwide poll as “the most beautiful place in America” over other locations on the coasts and in Hawaii.  With an average annual temperature of just under fifty degrees Fahrenheit, Detroit boasts a relatively temperate climate.

BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRIORITIES

The Director of Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum will be a passionate ambassador for excellence in arts and design and for Cranbrook’s unique approach to graduate and lifelong education.  He or she will be motivated by Cranbrook’s international reputation and history of innovation to set a course for an equally dynamic and forward-focused future.  The Director will be aided by a recently completed and truly well-crafted strategic plan that allows for important contributions by the Director.
The Director reports to the President of the Cranbrook Educational Community.  He or she collaborates closely with a dedicated Board of 36 Governors and a supportive senior peer group comprised of the directors of the Cranbrook Schools and Institute of Science and Cranbrook’s Chief Operating Officer.  A recently bolstered administrative team adds key talent to the Director’s office.  In addition to supervising all academic programs and business personnel, the Director has direct supervision of the artists-in-residence, Dean of the Academy, Director of the Cranbrook Art Museum, Chief Advancement Officer, Director of Communications, Business Officer, and Executive Assistant.
Among the opportunities awaiting the new Director:

• Providing strategic leadership and management for the next phase of the Academy’s and Museum’s development;
• Preserving and capitalizing on its mission and unique educational model while adhering to its culture of innovation, collaboration and intense individual development;
• Strengthening and promoting the Academy’s reputation for creative excellence;
• Extending the Academy’s reach within the region and raising its profile in the United States and abroad; and
• Developing the human and financial resources needed to achieve the Academy’s goals and aspirations.

These challenges require a Director who will:

• Lead a highly participatory community in the ongoing development and articulation of its mission and shared values, reflecting both Cranbrook’s strong design and arts tradition and its ambitions for the future;
• Lead fundraising to attain strategic objectives by identifying, cultivating and stewarding established and new funding sources from individuals, institutions, foundations, governments, and corporations with the key goal of providing levels of financial aid that will attract the best students to Cranbrook and retain them;
• Assure that multiyear strategic planning leads to effective resource allocation and management  within planning processes that respect both the collaborative nature of Cranbrook decision making and the need for bold institutional vision and leadership;
• Be the Academy’s principal external spokesperson and ambassador; link and connect the Academy with other leading peer institutions regionally and globally; and engage with a wide range of external constituencies, notably a dynamic and creative alumni body, in advancing all aspects of the Academy;
• Collaborate in the identification and implementation of successful cross-divisional educational activities and programs, and assist and support community-wide planning initiatives in order to help further Cranbrook's vision, mission, goals and objectives;
• Oversee and guide a non-hierarchical team of outstanding artists-in-residence and administrative officers responsible for the Academy’s teaching and programs, operations, business and financial affairs, institutional advancement, and student life;
• Work closely with a dedicated Board of Governors committed to the Academy, Museum and the Cranbrook Educational Community.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Leading candidates will have the ability to articulate an institutional vision with passion and clarity, to focus on strategic priorities, and to mobilize support from all Academy constituencies.  Leading candidates must be fair and decisive and possess an accessible, open personal style that underlines an intense sense of purpose.  They should be active, versatile, energetic, well organized and appreciative of the special mission, culture and unique history of Cranbrook.
The ideal candidate will be or provide the following:

• A recognized leader with a terminal degree in the visual arts, architecture, or design or the equivalent combination of education and experience is required; a minimum of ten years related experience preferably in a graduate art education program or art museum environment with an understanding of professional museum standards is expected;
• Leadership and direction to implement the new strategic plan for the Academy; provide overall leadership for the Cranbrook Art Museum; a demonstrated ability to accomplish broad, visionary assignments as well as complex detailed projects;
• Lead the Academy of Art and Art Museum in the identification, solicitation and stewardship of public and private funding, and foster/support relationships with alumni; substantial experience in fundraising for non-profit organizations is desirable;
• Along with the Dean of the Academy, plan, develop, direct and administer the operational activities supporting the Academy's academic initiatives; review and assess existing and proposed programs and disciplines including the humanities curriculum and the library;
• Serve as liaison, advocate and spokesperson for art education and higher education at a state, national and international level; lead and engage the National Advisory Committee; serve as liaison to the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) on accreditation issues affecting the Academy:
• Must possess the presence, intelligence, demeanor, and verbal and written communication skills to represent Cranbrook effectively; oversee outreach activities directed at broadening Cranbrook’s exposure and reputation in the arts, including outreach to currently underserved communities;
• Familiarity, comfort and “savvy” is required regarding emerging technologies and their influence on art and design, education, and on leadership of organizations;
• Support the policies and objectives set forth by  Cranbrook leadership; provide timely and informed advice and support to the Academy of Art’s Board of Governors; demonstrated success working with a volunteer board is required;
• Provide leadership and direction in connection with significant repair, restoration, renovation and capital construction initiatives affecting the Academy and Art Museum in conjunction with Cranbrook’s  Chief Operating Officer;
• Recruit, train, develop, evaluate, and supervise professional and support staff and demonstrate a strong commitment to attaining and retaining a diverse and representative work force;
• A comfort with and enthusiasm for community will further enhance the required residency in a beautiful and significant home on campus.

Good Luck!


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Detroit Institute of Arts offers FREE Admission to ALL visitors on 5/18 for Art Museum Day

Sunday, May 18th is also last day to use Samurai: Beyond the Sword coupon...

If you live in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb county, then you know that residents in those counties already get FREE admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). But for one special day, the DIA is offering FREE general admission to ALL visitors on Sunday, May 18, in honor of Art Museum Day.

For the fifth year, the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) is uniting its membership to celebrate Art Museum Day. Many AAMD members will offer free or reduced admission, educational programs, and/or discounts on or around May 18. AAMD also encourages museum visitors to use social media to share their Art Museum Day experiences with their museum and with their social networks.

AAMD’s Art Museum Day coincides with International Museum Day, organized annually around the world by the International Council of Museums. Art Museum Day is an opportunity to focus attention on the role of art museums in North America as part of a larger worldwide initiative.

Sunday May 18th is also the last day to use a $4-off coupon for adult tickets to the DIA exhibit "Samurai: Beyond the Sword", available at http://bit.ly/SamuraiCoupon. The exhibition explores artworks that project the image of the samurai not only as fierce warriors but also as patrons of the arts and sophisticated artists and scholars. This is a ticketed exhibition. For more information, visit www.dia.org.

Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI


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FREE "Beauty Inspired" Apple IOS Apps courtesy of beauty company Sephora

The "Beauty" of FREE downloads…

I have seen my fair share of FREE app downloads from tech companies, but don't think I have seen any from a beauty company.

Beauty company Sephora thinks that "sharing is beautiful" and who can disagree with that thinking.  So they are giving ways FREE songs, playlists, magazines, books and apps to iPhone, iPad, and iPod users - HOLLA TO THE FREE!

This curated "Beauty Inspired" content is only available for a limited time and will change out often so you need to bookmark this post so you can come back and get more free apps in the future.

Right now, the FREE content from Sephora includes an eight song holiday play list, and the apps "Day One" for beautiful journaling, "dJay 2" to get the party started, "Slik" for creating beautiful art, and a "Beautiful Mess" for taking beautiful selfies.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE SEPHORA APPLE APP FREEBIES

Enjoy!


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FREE Historic Pewabic Pottery 110th Birthday Celebration 3/16 with FREE Food, Art Demos, Tours

Historic Pewabic Pottery will celebrate 110 years of service to Metro Detroit with a celebration on Saturday, March 16th from 10 am to 3 pm

Guests at this Saturday's Pewabic Pottery birthday celebration will enjoy giveaways, birthday cake, refreshments and demonstrations from talented ceramic artists. Guided tours of Pewabic’s museum and fabrication studio will also be given at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.

This event is FREE and open to the public. 

“At Pewabic Pottery, we are humbled to be part of Detroit’s history for the past 110 years,” said Barbara Sido, executive director of Pewabic Pottery. “It’s an honor to work in such a vibrant city and we’d like to say ‘thank you’ to the metro Detroiters that continue to visit our museum, tour our pottery, join our classes and help continue the tradition.”

Founded in 1903, Pewabic Pottery quickly established itself as a fixture in Detroit’s arts & crafts scene and through the years has evolved into a respected, cultural and educational institution.

Some Pewabic Pottery 110 year milestones include:
-Founded in 1903 by Mary Chase Perry Stratton and Horace Caulkins and produces first commission for Burley and Company in Chicago.
-In 1907 moved to its current East Jefferson location, designed by architect William Buck Stratton.
-In 1909 introduced signature iridescent glazes.
-In 1928, Pewabic’s Saarinen house fireplace is featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
-In 1937 featured in an exhibition of ceramic art at the Whitney Museum of Art in New York City.
-In 1947, founder Mary Stratton is awarded the coveted Charles Fergus Binns medal, the nation’s highest award in the field of ceramics. Pewabic wins this prestigious award again 1993.
-In 1971, Pewabic Pottery is named to the National Register of Historic Places.
-In 1991 the pottery and its contents were recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
-In 1999 created murals for Comerica Park, the new home of the Detroit Tigers.
-In 2012 launched Copper & Clay: Pewabic’s New Leadership Initiative, a committee of engaged, young professionals providing skills and experience in support of the nonprofit’s mission.

Pewabic’s handcrafted installations and collections can be found in churches, schools and buildings throughout Detroit, including the Guardian Building, Comerica Park, Detroit People Mover Stations, the Detroit Institute of Art, and the Scott Fountain on Belle Isle. Pewabic ceramics can also be found nationally at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Rice University in Houson, Texas, the Nebraska State Capitol Building in Lincoln, Neb. and at the Freer Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C

FREE Historic Pewabic Pottery Birthday Celebration
Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
10125 E. Jefferson Ave.
Detroit, MI


Enjoy!


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