KALAMAZOO—October 22, 2024
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) and Kirk Newman Art School (KNAS) are pleased to announce the 51st Annual Holiday Art Sale on December 5-7 featuring one-of-a-kind artworks available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting the KIA’s Kirk Newman Art School and KNAS students and faculty.
More than 150 KNAS students and faculty are expected to display as many as 3,000 handmade art pieces, gifts, home decor, and wearables throughout the KIA and in the KNAS studios. Works will include functional and decorative ceramics, hand-crafted jewelry, fused glass ornaments, small metal sculptures and garden ornaments, limited edition prints and gifts, hand-woven scarves and fiber accessories, original photographs and paintings, holiday-inspired items, and much more.
“I’m thrilled for our 51st Annual Holiday Art Sale. This beloved three-day event showcases the creativity and artistic excellence happening every day at the KNAS. Your support ensures that Kirk Newman’s legacy lives on by providing high-quality arts education to students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.” – Michelle Hargrave, Executive Director
“The Holiday Art Sale showcases the exceptional talent represented by our faculty and students, highlighting the wide array of artforms and artistic skills that are uniquely developed in the KNAS. Sale proceeds support our local creative community and enables the KNAS to purchase needed equipment and supplies that benefit thousands of youth and adults in the School each year.” – Leslie Donaldson, Director of the Kirk Newman Art School
During the week of December 1-7, get $5 off when you renew your KIA membership or become a member. This special offer applies to all membership levels! KIA Members will also receive exclusive early access to the Holiday Art Sale on Thursday, December 5 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, where you can enjoy complimentary beverages and light fare during this special Members’ Night.
The Holiday Art Sale will be open to the public on Friday, December 6 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 7 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Light refreshments will be available and, thanks to the generous support from Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program, admission to the museum galleries will be free throughout the event. Visitors will have an opportunity to explore Legendary Voices: Art for the Next Century, Powerful Forces: Legends, Rituals, and Warriors in East Asian Art, and our permanent collection, visit the Gallery Shop, and enjoy pop-up performances. The Gallery Shop will also offer 10% off artwork made by local artists during the Holiday Art Sale. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to support the arts, enjoy exclusive benefits, and find unique gifts for the holiday season!
2024 Holiday Art Sale Dates and Times:
Thursday, December 5: 5:00-8:00pm – MEMBERS’ NIGHT
Friday, December 6: 5:00-8:00pm – Open to the public
Saturday, December 7: 9:00am-3:00pm – Open to the public
About the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Since 1924, the KIA has offered its visitors the opportunity to enjoy and create art. The KIA’s permanent collection holds more than 4,600 objects across a wide spectrum of media, and the museum presents 10-15 exhibitions annually in its ten galleries. In addition to its exhibition spaces, the museum houses the KIA Gallery Shop, which sells pieces by international artisans and local and regional artists, a multi-media auditorium, a publicly accessible library, an interactive children’s gallery, and the Kirk Newman Art School (KNAS). KNAS 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.
Expanded offerings, collaborations, and outreach will celebrate 100 years of excellence in the arts and bring the KIA’s unparalleled resources to a wider audience than ever before. These special initiatives will give back to the community in appreciation for 100 years of growth, and deepen the ability of all Kalamazooans to find joy, learn from one another, and grow. Through close listening and renewed creativity, the anniversary will illuminate the pathway for the Institute’s next 100 years. For more information, visit kiarts.org.