The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is bringing the Art Detectives to your local library. Best for ages 4-8, Arty Mouse will read Blob by Anne Appert. Arty will also share some of his favorite works from the KIA's collection and help you make your own work of art. Together, we will discover that Blob -…
Art Detectives will read Shaped by her Hands: Potter Maria Martinez by Anna Harber Freeman and Barbara Gonzalez, before making a craft with Arty Mouse. The most renowned Native American Indian potter of her time, Maria Povika Martinez learned pottery as a child under the guiding hands of her ko-ōo, her aunt. She grew up to…
Have you ever been afraid of something familiar changing into something new? Arty Mouse and the Art Detectives will explore this idea with special guest author Emmy Kastner. Kastner, author of the beloved Nerdy Babies books, will join us at this very cool Art Detectives to launch her newest book, A Very Big Fall. Reserve…
Ghosts don’t have to be spooky — they can be nice or your friend. Arty will read There’s a Ghost in this House by Oliver Jeffers, create a ghost-like artwork inspired by the museum, and then go on a spooky hunt for art through the galleries. Reserve Your In-person Ticket
The Art Detectives will be doing something new today! Instead of reading a story, we will create the story together, using the wordless picture book Lines by Suzy Lee. We will create accordion books and practice our storytelling skills using the exhibition What Is Going On In This Picture? Reserve Your In-person Ticket
Two friends enjoy making paper airplanes together and feel unable to keep creating when a move separates them. Arty Mouse will learn how they get their creative spark back. We will make paper airplanes inspired by two artworks in the galleries. Then we’ll have a flying test — whose paper plane can fly the farthest?…
Let’s think outside the square! The perfect square is torn up, has holes poked through it, or crumbled, but it always transforms into something new. Let’s create our own perfect square and look for fun shapes in the galleries. Reserve Your In-person Ticket
Arty Mouse and his Art Detectives will learn all about the artist Alma Thomas. We’ll create a masterpiece inspired by Thomas’ vibrant works and explore color in the KIA galleries.
Let’s discover the life and sculpture of Ruth Asawa. Art Detectives will learn all about Asawa’s life and then see one of her amazing sculptures in person. Can you create a hanging sculpture too? Come to Art Detectives and find out!
Let’s kick off Spring Break with a Secret Pizza Party! Shhh… don’t tell anyone about it. The raccoon will find out that the KIA is filled with pizza, and he’ll want to come too! At this VSPP (that’s Very Secret Pizza Party), we’ll read all about that pizza-loving raccoon, make pizzarific art, and learn to…
Arty Mouse wants to learn all about Georgia O’Keeffe, one of America’s most famous female artists. After all, one of her artworks is on display at the KIA! After being inspired by her artwork, Art Detectives will create something magical.
What is the difference between a line and a scribble, and how do they both help us make art? This is the question the Art Detectives will explore this month! We’ll be inspired by artworks on display in Lines That… and create our own line-y, scribble-y artworks.