Come celebrate Black History Month, the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day this February at the Detroit Institute of Arts
Updated Dec 2, 2016
December 2, 2016 (Detroit)—This February, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) presents special programming and tours for Black History month, the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day, along with live music, artist demonstrations, storytelling for the whole family and the 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films at the Detroit Film Theatre.
Programs are free with museum admission and free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties unless otherwise noted. For more information, call (313) 833-7900 or visit www.dia.org.
Exhibitions:
“Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate” on view through March 5
“The Edible Monument: The Art of Food for Festivals” on view through April 16
“Detroit After Dark” on view through April 23
General Guided Tours: Tuesdays–Thursdays, 1 p.m.; Fridays, 1 & 6 p.m.
Enjoy a guided tour of select galleries for an overview of the collection.
General and Family Guided Tours: Saturdays & Sundays, 1 & 3 p.m.
Enjoy a guided tour of select galleries or enjoy family and kid-friendly tours.
55+ Thursdays: 1 p.m.
The first Thursday of the month features a guided gallery tour; the second a talk; the third an art-making activity; and the fourth a film. In months with a fifth Thursday, a second gallery tour will be offered.
Detroit City Chess Club: Fridays, 4–8 p.m.
The club’s mission is to teach area students the game and life lessons. Members have won state, regional and national competitions. People wanting to learn to play chess should show up between 4 and 6 p.m. There will be no teaching between 6 and 8 p.m., but visitors can play chess.
Drawing in the Galleries (for all ages): Fridays, 6–9 p.m.; Sundays, Noon–4 p.m.
Drop-In Workshops (for all ages)
Hours: Fridays, 6–9 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays, Noon–4 p.m.
Chinese Dragon Faces: Friday–Sunday, Feb. 3–5
Write, draw or make a collage about your favorite coffee, tea or chocolate experience. This workshop is offered in conjunction with the exhibition “Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate.”
Collage Portraits: Friday–Sunday, Feb. 10–12
In honor of Black History Month, create a collage inspired by African Americans who are meaningful to you or have influenced your life in a positive way. Collage a portrait using markers, decorative papers, fabric and a polaroid picture taken in the studio.
Senufo Painting: Friday–Sunday, Feb. 17–19
Explore this West African form of painting on fabric.
Coffee, Tea & Chocolate: Friday–Sunday, Feb. 24–26
Write, draw or make a collage about your favorite coffee, tea or chocolate experience using a variety of materials. This workshop is offered in conjunction with the special exhibition, “Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea and Chocolate”.
Thursday, February 2
Detroit Film Theatre: “Coffee and Cigarettes”: 7 p.m.
“Coffee and Cigarettes” is an anthology of shorts by director Jim Jarmusch, of musicians and actors conversing over coffee. The cast includes Bill Murray, Jack and Meg White, Iggy Pop, Cate Blanchett, Cinqué Lee and others. This film is in conjunction with the special exhibition, “Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate.” Tickets: $9.50 for general admission and $7.50 for members, seniors and students.
Friday, February 3
Detroit Film Theatre: “Pioneers of African-American Cinema”: 7 p.m.
A festival of newly restored, rare African American independent feature films and shorts, made between 1915 and 1940, launches Black History Month activities at the DIA. Specific titles and full program content will be available on the DIA website and on the Detroit Film Theatre printed brochure. Tickets: $9.50 for general admission and $7.50 for members, seniors and students.
Saturday, February 4
Detroit Film Theatre: “Pioneers of African-American Cinema”: 3, 7 & 9:30 p.m.
See Feb. 3 for description.
Sunday, February 5
Detroit Institute of Awesome: Ivan Day and the Edible Monument: Noon–4 p.m.
Take a close look at a gingerbread sculpture created by culinary historian Ivan Day, using traditional tools and techniques. While supplies last, a number of participants will be able to create their own small sculpture to take home. This program is in conjunction with the special exhibition “The Edible Monument: The Art of Food for Festivals” on display through April 16, 2017
Sunday Music Bar: Benny Rubin, Jr.: 1 & 3 p.m.
Young saxophonist Benny Rubin, Jr. carries on the Detroit jazz legacy of Wendell Harrison and Marcus Belgrave.
Detroit Film Theatre: “Pioneers of African-American Cinema”: 3 & 6 p.m.
See Feb. 3 for description.
Friday, February 10
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
The 2015 Oscar® Shorts program presents the nominees in both the live-action and animated short film categories, with an intermission between the two. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. Tickets: $9.50 for general admission and $7.50 for members, seniors and students.
Friday Night Live: Lara Downes: “America Again”: 7 & 8:30 p.m.
Pianist Lara Downes explores the meaning of "America" in these turbulent times through the lens of her own mixed African American and Eastern European heritage.
Saturday, February 11
Detroit Institute of Awesome: Chinese New Year Celebration: Noon–4 p.m.
Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rooster at the DIA with performances, demonstrations, displays and hands-on activities. Watch performances of a traditional Lion Dance or modern Chinese yo-yoing, explore examples of Chinese calligraphy and paintings, and craft an art object of your own in these activities sponsored by the Friends of Asian Arts and Culture.
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Sunday, February 12
Detroit Institute of Awesome: Chinese New Year Celebration: Noon–4 p.m.
See Jan. 14 for description.
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 1 & 6 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Arts + Minds: Alison Saar: Conjuring an Africana Aesthetic: 2 p.m.
This talk will connect Saar's work to larger issues of cultural expression potentially disconnected from racial categorization and rooted in culture and experience.
Sunday Music Bar: Ahya Simone: 1–4 p.m.
Harpist Ahya Simone performs classical music in Kresge Court.
Thursday, February 16
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Friday, February 17
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Friday Night Live: TBD
Enjoy a live musical performance.
Saturday, February 18
Detroit Institute of Awesome: Hearts of Donald Calloway: Noon–4 p.m.
Detroit multimedia artist Donald Calloway displays some of his varied work and helps visitors create art of their own using found objects and the heart motif.
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Documentary Shorts: 1 p.m.
Before the Oscars are handed out on Feb. 26, see the nominated short documentary films. The program is recommended for ages 17 and older. Tickets: $9.50 for general admission and $7.50 for members, seniors and students.
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Sunday, February 19
Sunday Music Bar: Ian Finkelstein: 1 & 3 p.m.
Ian Finkelstein is a Detroit jazz pianist, producer, composer and educator.
Arts + Minds: “The Cups that Cheer”: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate in Early America: 2 p.m
The introduction of coffee, tea, and chocolate to 17th century Europe and America revolutionized diet and social customs forever. In this lecture Beth Carver Wees will explore the range of silver vessels used by early Americans.
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 1 & 6 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Detroit Institute of Awesome: Hearts of Donald Calloway: Noon–4 p.m.
See Feb. 18 for description.
Thursday, February 23
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Documentary Shorts: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 18 for description.
Friday, February 24
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Friday Night Live: TBD
Saturday, February 25
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 1 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Detroit Institute of Awesome: La’Ron Williams: 2 p.m.
La’Ron Williams folk tales of African and African-American traditions, as well as stories from his own life that teach important lessons about self-esteem, self-reliance and perseverance.
Sunday, February 26
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 1 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Sunday Music Bar: Chace “Mic Write” Morris: 2 p.m.
Chace "Mic Write" Morris is a writer, performer and educator from Detroit and was listed one of the "Top 5 Poets in Detroit" by the Metro Times.
Detroit Institute of Awesome: La’Ron Williams: 2 p.m.
See Feb. 25 for description.
December 2, 2016 (Detroit)—This February, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) presents special programming and tours for Black History month, the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day, along with live music, artist demonstrations, storytelling for the whole family and the 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films at the Detroit Film Theatre.
Programs are free with museum admission and free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties unless otherwise noted. For more information, call (313) 833-7900 or visit www.dia.org.
Exhibitions:
“Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate” on view through March 5
“The Edible Monument: The Art of Food for Festivals” on view through April 16
“Detroit After Dark” on view through April 23
General Guided Tours: Tuesdays–Thursdays, 1 p.m.; Fridays, 1 & 6 p.m.
Enjoy a guided tour of select galleries for an overview of the collection.
General and Family Guided Tours: Saturdays & Sundays, 1 & 3 p.m.
Enjoy a guided tour of select galleries or enjoy family and kid-friendly tours.
55+ Thursdays: 1 p.m.
The first Thursday of the month features a guided gallery tour; the second a talk; the third an art-making activity; and the fourth a film. In months with a fifth Thursday, a second gallery tour will be offered.
Detroit City Chess Club: Fridays, 4–8 p.m.
The club’s mission is to teach area students the game and life lessons. Members have won state, regional and national competitions. People wanting to learn to play chess should show up between 4 and 6 p.m. There will be no teaching between 6 and 8 p.m., but visitors can play chess.
Drawing in the Galleries (for all ages): Fridays, 6–9 p.m.; Sundays, Noon–4 p.m.
Drop-In Workshops (for all ages)
Hours: Fridays, 6–9 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays, Noon–4 p.m.
Chinese Dragon Faces: Friday–Sunday, Feb. 3–5
Write, draw or make a collage about your favorite coffee, tea or chocolate experience. This workshop is offered in conjunction with the exhibition “Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate.”
Collage Portraits: Friday–Sunday, Feb. 10–12
In honor of Black History Month, create a collage inspired by African Americans who are meaningful to you or have influenced your life in a positive way. Collage a portrait using markers, decorative papers, fabric and a polaroid picture taken in the studio.
Senufo Painting: Friday–Sunday, Feb. 17–19
Explore this West African form of painting on fabric.
Coffee, Tea & Chocolate: Friday–Sunday, Feb. 24–26
Write, draw or make a collage about your favorite coffee, tea or chocolate experience using a variety of materials. This workshop is offered in conjunction with the special exhibition, “Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea and Chocolate”.
Thursday, February 2
Detroit Film Theatre: “Coffee and Cigarettes”: 7 p.m.
“Coffee and Cigarettes” is an anthology of shorts by director Jim Jarmusch, of musicians and actors conversing over coffee. The cast includes Bill Murray, Jack and Meg White, Iggy Pop, Cate Blanchett, Cinqué Lee and others. This film is in conjunction with the special exhibition, “Bitter|Sweet: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate.” Tickets: $9.50 for general admission and $7.50 for members, seniors and students.
Friday, February 3
Detroit Film Theatre: “Pioneers of African-American Cinema”: 7 p.m.
A festival of newly restored, rare African American independent feature films and shorts, made between 1915 and 1940, launches Black History Month activities at the DIA. Specific titles and full program content will be available on the DIA website and on the Detroit Film Theatre printed brochure. Tickets: $9.50 for general admission and $7.50 for members, seniors and students.
Saturday, February 4
Detroit Film Theatre: “Pioneers of African-American Cinema”: 3, 7 & 9:30 p.m.
See Feb. 3 for description.
Sunday, February 5
Detroit Institute of Awesome: Ivan Day and the Edible Monument: Noon–4 p.m.
Take a close look at a gingerbread sculpture created by culinary historian Ivan Day, using traditional tools and techniques. While supplies last, a number of participants will be able to create their own small sculpture to take home. This program is in conjunction with the special exhibition “The Edible Monument: The Art of Food for Festivals” on display through April 16, 2017
Sunday Music Bar: Benny Rubin, Jr.: 1 & 3 p.m.
Young saxophonist Benny Rubin, Jr. carries on the Detroit jazz legacy of Wendell Harrison and Marcus Belgrave.
Detroit Film Theatre: “Pioneers of African-American Cinema”: 3 & 6 p.m.
See Feb. 3 for description.
Friday, February 10
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
The 2015 Oscar® Shorts program presents the nominees in both the live-action and animated short film categories, with an intermission between the two. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. Tickets: $9.50 for general admission and $7.50 for members, seniors and students.
Friday Night Live: Lara Downes: “America Again”: 7 & 8:30 p.m.
Pianist Lara Downes explores the meaning of "America" in these turbulent times through the lens of her own mixed African American and Eastern European heritage.
Saturday, February 11
Detroit Institute of Awesome: Chinese New Year Celebration: Noon–4 p.m.
Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Rooster at the DIA with performances, demonstrations, displays and hands-on activities. Watch performances of a traditional Lion Dance or modern Chinese yo-yoing, explore examples of Chinese calligraphy and paintings, and craft an art object of your own in these activities sponsored by the Friends of Asian Arts and Culture.
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Sunday, February 12
Detroit Institute of Awesome: Chinese New Year Celebration: Noon–4 p.m.
See Jan. 14 for description.
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 1 & 6 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Arts + Minds: Alison Saar: Conjuring an Africana Aesthetic: 2 p.m.
This talk will connect Saar's work to larger issues of cultural expression potentially disconnected from racial categorization and rooted in culture and experience.
Sunday Music Bar: Ahya Simone: 1–4 p.m.
Harpist Ahya Simone performs classical music in Kresge Court.
Thursday, February 16
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Friday, February 17
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Friday Night Live: TBD
Enjoy a live musical performance.
Saturday, February 18
Detroit Institute of Awesome: Hearts of Donald Calloway: Noon–4 p.m.
Detroit multimedia artist Donald Calloway displays some of his varied work and helps visitors create art of their own using found objects and the heart motif.
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Documentary Shorts: 1 p.m.
Before the Oscars are handed out on Feb. 26, see the nominated short documentary films. The program is recommended for ages 17 and older. Tickets: $9.50 for general admission and $7.50 for members, seniors and students.
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Sunday, February 19
Sunday Music Bar: Ian Finkelstein: 1 & 3 p.m.
Ian Finkelstein is a Detroit jazz pianist, producer, composer and educator.
Arts + Minds: “The Cups that Cheer”: Coffee, Tea & Chocolate in Early America: 2 p.m
The introduction of coffee, tea, and chocolate to 17th century Europe and America revolutionized diet and social customs forever. In this lecture Beth Carver Wees will explore the range of silver vessels used by early Americans.
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 1 & 6 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Detroit Institute of Awesome: Hearts of Donald Calloway: Noon–4 p.m.
See Feb. 18 for description.
Thursday, February 23
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Documentary Shorts: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 18 for description.
Friday, February 24
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 7 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Friday Night Live: TBD
Saturday, February 25
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 1 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Detroit Institute of Awesome: La’Ron Williams: 2 p.m.
La’Ron Williams folk tales of African and African-American traditions, as well as stories from his own life that teach important lessons about self-esteem, self-reliance and perseverance.
Sunday, February 26
Detroit Film Theatre: 2017 Academy Award® Nominated Short Films: 1 p.m.
See Feb. 10 for description.
Sunday Music Bar: Chace “Mic Write” Morris: 2 p.m.
Chace "Mic Write" Morris is a writer, performer and educator from Detroit and was listed one of the "Top 5 Poets in Detroit" by the Metro Times.
Detroit Institute of Awesome: La’Ron Williams: 2 p.m.
See Feb. 25 for description.