1. Kalamazoo Institute of Art summer line-up
Sean R. Montera
Now that you’re done with the rigors of finals week, and are getting ready to settle into
Kalamazoo summer life, you may find that you have a lot of free time on your hands and very
little money to spend. Here is a little something to help you, and your wallet, out. The KIA is
hosting a variety of events, from live music to guest artists, and you don’t have to spend a dime
to get in.
“The KIA will of course continue the ARTBreak,” said Susan VanArendonk, curator of
the KIA. ARTBreak is a weekly series of art and art related lectures, presentations and
discussions. Events scheduled for May include speakers Richard Koenig, Dr. Bruce Haight, Jeff
Woods, and Mary-Louise Totton. Topics for June and August have yet to be announced.
The Lorna Simpson exhibit, a 20-year survey on the artist, opens its only Midwest venue
on May 25. Simpson became known for the image and word pieces she began in the mid 80’s
and her unique photography skills.
According to VanArendonk, the exhibit presents an overview of the artist’s works in a
variety of mediums. The approximately 45 piece selection includes image and text works,
several major photographs on felt, six film installations, and a selection of the artist’s recent
photographs and have already been exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Los
Angeles), Miami Art Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art (New York) before coming
here. The exhibit closes August 19 where it will be moved to the Gibbes Museum in South
Carolina.
May 6 also brings to a close the West Michigan Art show. Bringing in a record 787
entries this year, the art show exhibited pieces from artists from fourteen counties throughout
West Michigan.
“We accepted a variety of artwork,” VanArendonk said. “From jewelry to handmade
paper… sculptures and print photography.”
The popular Art & All That Jazz shows which combine art, live music, and in an informal
atmosphere have two shows left in the series. Java Jive plays May 11 to the art of the Kirk
Newman Art School and DJ Chromafeel spins to the art of Lorna Simpson June 8.
The 56 Annual KIA Art Fair takes place June 2 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The fair is
expected to bring around 200 artists and 60,000 visitors to Bronson Park this year and display a
variety of artwork such as paintings, ceramics, fiber wares, sculpture, photography, and mixed
media works available for sale. The Art Fair also provides children oriented activities such as
face painting and the Children’s Art Yard. Food vendors and live entertainment provide a
generally positive atmosphere.

2. Beginning June 18 the KIA’s Children’s Art Camp 2007 will provide children ages 4-11
an opportunity for children to participate in art related activities. Children can attend as early as
9 a.m. continue through the afternoon.
“It’s a good activity for kids; they get to paint, draw, and use clay,” said VanArendonk.
“Parents can drop them off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon.”
At the end of June, G. Daniel Massad will participate in a three day workshop focusing
on pastel artwork. Massad has focused exclusively on pastels since 1981 and has added to the
permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago’s.
His workshop will emphasize a variety of mark-making and layering techniques, and will include
demonstrations.
For further information and a schedule of events, visit The KIA at 314 South Park Street
or www.kiarts.com.