Treasures from Kalamazoo Collections

Kalamazoo has a proud history of being a community invested in the arts. Among its cultural riches are the works of art to be found in local private collections. The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts visited 30 private collections (only a portion of the many collections in the area) to cull together works of art – from a broad range of cultures, time periods, and artistic styles.

Treasures reflects the range and diversity of local collections. Other cultures are represented by objects of African, East Asian, and Native American origin. Fine examples of decorative arts include objects by Tiffany, Gallé and Chihuly. Paintings by Frederick Schafer and Charles Russell represent 19th-century American art, while the 20th century is signified with works by Red Grooms, Elizabeth Catlett, Jim Dine, James Rosenquist and Robert Rauschenberg. Other works are by European artists–Giovanni Piranesi, Francoise Gilot and László Moholy-Nagy. Kalamazoo region’s talented artistic community is represented with works by Bernard Palchick, Stephen Hansen, Kate Demke and Barbara Buysse.

Although Treasures from Kalamazoo Collections represents a small portion of the many fine works of art in private hands, the KIA is pleased to present this snapshot of local collections. Purchasing and caring for works of art is both a passion and commitment. This exhibition recognizes–and applauds–those who make fine works of art part of their everyday lives.