KALAMAZOO—July 30, 2024
The KIA receives $1 Million Gift for the Kirk Newman Art School to invest in studio upgrades, safety, and equipment.
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) is beyond thrilled to announce a $1 million gift from the Kirk and Georgia Newman Family in support of the Kirk Newman Art School (KNAS), honoring Kirk Newman’s profound legacy on shaping the KNAS into the best community-based art school in West Michigan. This incredible gift will help the KIA invest in studio upgrades, safety, and equipment at the KNAS.
“We are incredibly proud of the impact the Kirk Newman Art School (KNAS) has had over the years and are committed to ensuring its continued success and growth. This generous $1 million gift from the Kirk and Georgia Newman Family allows us to honor Kirk Newman’s vision of an exceptional community arts school that thrives and benefits future generations. Investing in the infrastructure of our studios will enable us to enhance the arts education and experience offered and expand our outreach, ensuring KNAS remains a beacon of artistic excellence and a vital part of our community.” – Michelle Hargrave, Executive Director
The growth of the art school at the KIA is the result of one of its most dedicated champions: renowned sculptor, educator, and former art school director Kirk Newman. He came to Kalamazoo in 1949 believing that community arts programs could be just as stimulating and rewarding as those offered at the college level. He also believed that these programs should be affordable and accessible to the community, a key component of the School’s philosophy that remains today. His legacy, along with the support of its talented faculty, long-time staff, generous patrons and thousands of community participants, are the reason the school is so beloved and has received national acclaim. In recognition of Kirk Newman’s remarkable contributions to the program, the School was renamed in his honor in 2006.
“We continue our commitment to honoring Kirk Newman’s artistic legacy and vision to provide high-quality and accessible community arts education. This meaningful gift will enable us to strengthen the School and support our community by ensuring continued investments in studio updates and best art making practices in our next phase of growth.” – Leslie Donaldson, Director of the Kirk Newman Art School
Today, the KNAS is well known for its high-quality instruction and top-notch educational facilities available to students of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels. More than 80 talented faculty present classes in nine different disciplines including: ceramics, sculpture, glass, drawing, painting, printmaking, fiber, jewelry, photography and digital media. A new and growing enrichment division aids those seeking to enhance their creative practice, support holistic well-being, or pursue creative writing and languages. In the last year, the School offered 486 classes and welcomed 3,390 student enrollments.
“I was fortunate to work directly with Kirk and to learn from him as a mentor. His approach to art making and his studio practice profoundly influenced my life as an artist and educator. Although Kirk had a quiet way of teaching, he often left pearls of wisdom for people to discover in their own time. I recall these meaningful interactions every day when I come into the School. All students have a story to tell and it’s the responsibility of a good teacher to help them refine and celebrate the ways that story is told.” – Brent Harris, Head of 3D Media and School Safety
About the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), is located in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan. The mission of the KIA is to promote and cultivate the creation and appreciation of the visual arts in West Michigan. We believe the arts are for everyone; they inspire, fulfill, and transform. As the largest fine art museum and community-based art school in the region, the KIA provides access to art and art making experiences not otherwise available. The KIA holds more than 4,600 fine artworks in its permanent collection; presents touring and collection exhibitions in 10 galleries; offers four terms of art classes at the Kirk Newman Art School; and houses the KIA Gallery Shop, featuring artwork by local artists and international artisans; as well as an Art Library. Our exhibitions and programs are designed to appeal to diverse, intergenerational audiences through broad representation, engaging content, and strong partner collaborations. The Kirk Newman Art School has nurtured the creative passions of tens of thousands of students around the region, state, and beyond, annually welcoming more than 3,400 enrollments. Students of all ages engage with our talented and committed faculty as a part of an exciting fine arts curriculum that includes ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, drawing/painting, printmaking, fiber, photography, glass fusing and enrichment program.
This year, the KIA will begin its centennial celebration with free admission during the entire month of July, various special exhibitions, events, and programs to commemorate its 100th anniversary.