Join us for a formal, fun, fabulous evening as we honor Jim and Carol Carter and raise vital funds for the KIA!
With your support we can continue to ensure that art is for everyone.
$300 Per Ticket
Includes welcome drink, access to the live and silent auctions, and open bar and dinner for 1 guest. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Tax Deductible Amount: $50
About our Honorees
Our honorees for the evening are Jim & Carol Carter.
The Carters met as undergraduates at Michigan State University and married in 1971 during Jim’s medical school training. Carol began her elementary school teaching career before they moved to Kalamazoo in 1977. While Jim began his clinical practice, Carol was active raising two energetic boys, and volunteering at school, church, and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra league. She also spent 22 years administering the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s large scholarship program.
Jim had a clinical practice of Internal Medicine in Kalamazoo for 36 years, also serving as an Associate Professor and Program Director. His involvement with the KIA began shortly after returning to Kalamazoo, where he took photography, printing, and encaustic technique classes. He served on the Board of Directors of the KIA for 13 years, including as the board president. He began docent training at the KIA in 2013, has led numerous tours for KIA visitors, and presented ArtBreaks on topics ranging from the KIA’s centennial to Humor in Art.
The KIA has been an integral part of the Carter family for three generations. This has included KNAS youth camps and adult classes, Art Detectives, ArtBreaks, docent training, exhibition openings, and annual events. Jim and Carol understand the importance of art to the health of a community. Therefore, they gladly support the KIA with their time, talent, and resources.
What to Expect
UNFRAMED: Soirée format • October 17, 2026:
5:00pm: Red Carpet & Welcome Bubbly, Open Bar & Silent Auction
6:15pm: Seated Dinner & Walking Dessert
7:45pm: Honoree Remarks & Recognition, Live Auction
9:00pm: Late Night Savory Bites
Formal attire and black tie encouraged. Find inspiration on our Pinterest board.
Dinner provided by:
Auction Preview
The evening will include a live and silent auction, with opportunities to bid on stunning artwork, exciting experiences, and more. Below, view a small sample of the auction items that will be available.
Silent Auction
Silent auction bidding opens online to the public Saturday, October 10 at 8am.
Live Auction
Live auction bidding is in-person only and begins in the KIA Auditorium Saturday, October 17 at 7:50pm.
Italian Countryside Vacation Home
Treat yourself to a 7-night stay in this countryside vacation home located in Rinco, Italy, in the Monferrato region. The home sleeps 8+ guests in three bedrooms and a loft with sleeper sofa. Also features three full baths, fully equipped kitchen, dining and living room and a large garden. Located at the perfect jumping off point for wine, food, truffles, cycling, and hiking.
Toronto Woman with Package by Kirk Newman
Original bronze sculpture by American Artist Kirk Newman (1926-2017), founder of the KIA’s Kirk Newman Art School. Artwork is unnumbered and engraved with the artist’s initials, KN. Created in the late 20th century.
Saugatuck Sunset Cruise & Wine Tasting
Experience the Art Coast of Michigan with a sunset cruise and wine tasting in Saugatuck for six people on a private chartered boat, complete with a captain and Wine Sellers of Saugatuck’s wine sommelier. Includes your choice of bubbly, white, or red wine and light bites.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Patron Sponsors
Friends of the KIA – Gifts Made in Honor of Jim & Carol Carter
Jerry VanderVeen & Amy Preston
A. John Todd III & Jane Todd
Judy Jolliffe
Bill & Melinda Scott
Schupan Inc.
Mary Klenow
Special Thanks to our Host Committee:
Erin Visscher and Lynn Chen-Zhang, Co-chairs
Kristen Aguirre, Sonya Bernard-Hollins, Judy Jolliffe, Jason Machnik, India Manns, Paul Quinn, Laura Vincek
Kristen Aguirre, Sonya Bernard-Hollins, Judy Jolliffe, Jason Machnik, India Manns, Paul Quinn, Laura Vincek
Gallery Closure
All KIA galleries will be closed to the public on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to support new exhibition installations and preparation for UNFRAMED: Soirée. The Kirk Newman Art School will remain open.
Photo Credits
Photos by Dan Selvidge, Elliot VerLee, and KIA staff.