Detroit Institute of Arts turns into the Detroit Institute of Awesome! especially for kids on Saturdays and Sundays this summer Kids and their adults can enjoy activities geared for ages 3–10 beginning June 4

Updated May 17, 2016

May 17, 2016 (Detroit)—This summer, Saturdays and Sundays become even more kid-friendly at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). The museum is rolling out a new program called “Detroit Institute of Awesome!” beginning June 4 and 5 that features a variety of art and activities tailored to ages 3–10. Activities are free with museum admission, which is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Detroit Institute of Awesome will have Family-friendly tours, art-making, artist demonstrations and a special kid-friendly menu in CaféDIA every Saturday and Sunday, and some weekends will feature animated movies and puppet shows.

“The DIA makes a point of listening to our communities and we heard loud and clear that families are looking for more to do in the art museum, said Jennifer Czajkowski, DIA vice president of Learning, Interpretation and Public Programs. “Families who visit the Detroit Institute of Awesome this summer will have fun, learn, and be inspired through a variety of programs designed specifically for them.”

Here is the schedule for the June.

Saturday, June 4

Artist Demonstration: Hand-Set Printmaking, Noon–3 p.m.

Artists from Signal-Return, a letterpress print studio in Eastern Market, demonstrate the basics of letterpress printing using their on-site sign press, then help visitors make their own sign to take home.

Family Guided Tours, 1 and 3 p.m.

Explore family and kid-friendly art and learn ways to engage children in lively discussions during future visits.

Drop-In Art-Making: Weaving, Noon-4 p.m. 

Weaving is an ancient art form practiced by cultures around the world. Learn how to use a simple loom and make your own woven piece of art to take home.

Sunday, June 5

Artist Demonstration: Hand-Set Printmaking, Noon–3 p.m.

Artists from Signal-Return, a letterpress print studio in Eastern Market, demonstrate the basics of letterpress printing using their on-site sign press, then help visitors make their own sign to take home.

Drawing in the Galleries (for all ages), Noon–4 p.m.



Drop-In Art-Making (for all ages): Uchiwa, Noon–4 p.m.

Uchiwa is a style of paper fan that is common in Japan. Learn about the tradition of making Uchiwa as you create a fan of your own.

Family Guided Tours, 1 and 3 p.m.

Explore family and kid-friendly art and learn ways to engage children in lively discussions during future visits.

May 17, 2016 (Detroit)—This summer, Saturdays and Sundays become even more kid-friendly at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). The museum is rolling out a new program called “Detroit Institute of Awesome!” beginning June 4 and 5 that features a variety of art and activities tailored to ages 3–10. Activities are free with museum admission, which is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Detroit Institute of Awesome will have Family-friendly tours, art-making, artist demonstrations and a special kid-friendly menu in CaféDIA every Saturday and Sunday, and some weekends will feature animated movies and puppet shows.

“The DIA makes a point of listening to our communities and we heard loud and clear that families are looking for more to do in the art museum, said Jennifer Czajkowski, DIA vice president of Learning, Interpretation and Public Programs. “Families who visit the Detroit Institute of Awesome this summer will have fun, learn, and be inspired through a variety of programs designed specifically for them.”

Here is the schedule for the June.

Saturday, June 4

Artist Demonstration: Hand-Set Printmaking, Noon–3 p.m.

Artists from Signal-Return, a letterpress print studio in Eastern Market, demonstrate the basics of letterpress printing using their on-site sign press, then help visitors make their own sign to take home.

Family Guided Tours, 1 and 3 p.m.

Explore family and kid-friendly art and learn ways to engage children in lively discussions during future visits.

Drop-In Art-Making: Weaving, Noon-4 p.m. 

Weaving is an ancient art form practiced by cultures around the world. Learn how to use a simple loom and make your own woven piece of art to take home.

Sunday, June 5

Artist Demonstration: Hand-Set Printmaking, Noon–3 p.m.

Artists from Signal-Return, a letterpress print studio in Eastern Market, demonstrate the basics of letterpress printing using their on-site sign press, then help visitors make their own sign to take home.

Drawing in the Galleries (for all ages), Noon–4 p.m.



Drop-In Art-Making (for all ages): Uchiwa, Noon–4 p.m.

Uchiwa is a style of paper fan that is common in Japan. Learn about the tradition of making Uchiwa as you create a fan of your own.

Family Guided Tours, 1 and 3 p.m.

Explore family and kid-friendly art and learn ways to engage children in lively discussions during future visits.