In early America, education for girls primarily focused on reading, writing, and needlework. While few Black girls had the opportunity to attend schools where they learned fancy needlework, some did. Additionally, although most white girls' embroideries did not feature Black people, there are instances where these works subtly reflect the lives and experiences of people of color.

Emelie Gevalt, Curator of Folk Art and Curatorial Chair for Collections at the Museum of American Folk Art, will explore both explicit and implicit representations of people of color in early American needlework, highlighting pieces created by both Black and white makers. 

The lecture will be presented with live American Sign Language interpretation.

• 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. Cocktail reception in Rivera Court
• 7 – 8:00 p.m. Lecture in Lecture Hall

The lecture is supported by the Ida and Conrad H. Smith Fund, established by the Raymond C. Smith Foundation Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

Image: Melancia Bowker (age 13), Sampler, 1817. Collection of Sharon and Jeffery Lipton

Don't miss The Improv Project Student Showcase, a must-see event for comedy lovers and anyone curious about the world of improvised theater. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon as Detroit's newest improvisers join seasoned professionals from The Second City, Planet Ant, and Go Comedy! Improv Theater. Whether you're a long-time fan of improv or just discovering it, this showcase promises plenty of laughs for everyone.

For families with children ages 7 and up. Live ASL interpretation will be provided.

This program is free with museum admission. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early—seating begins 30 minutes before the performance starts.

Weekend Family Programs at the DIA are generously presented by the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation.

Join in a celebration of Taiwanese-American culture at this exciting event that blends tradition with fun! Experience a traditional tea-picking dance, learn your Chinese zodiac sign, and receive personalized calligraphy. Be sure not to miss two thrilling lion dance performances, filled with energy and blessings for health, joy, and prosperity.

Event Schedule:

• 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.: Lion Dance Performance (10 min)
• 2:00 p.m.: Dance of the Tea Harvest (10 min)
• 2-Hour Interactive Activities: Chinese Zodiac & Name Booth, Personalized Calligraphy

Presented by the Michigan Lion Dance Team, this event offers a chance to celebrate culture, foster community, and enjoy a memorable experience.

Perfect for families with children of all ages, in the DIA’s Great Hall.

Weekend Family Programs at the DIA are generously presented by the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation.

Father and daughter puppeteer team, String Theory Theater create imaginative stories employing various narrative styles and puppetry formats, including hand puppets, rod puppets, crankies, shadow puppets, and more. String Theory Theater’s colorful design and hilarious wit results in thought-provoking performances that are entertaining for families with children 7 and up. (50 min)

Presented with live ASL interpretation.

Capacity is limited – seating begins 30 minutes prior to performance start.

Reg Pettibone, a Native American champion dancer of the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin, along with members of his family, offers an authentic exploration of Native American culture through dance, song, and narration, all with a strong environmental focus. Pettibone shares his belief that these dances have existed since the dawn of humanity and must continue to be passed down to future generations.

This program is suitable for families with children of all ages and takes place in the DIA’s Rivera Court, presented with live ASL interpretation.

Weekend Family Programs at the DIA are generously presented by the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation.

On the final day of the twelfth annual community exhibition Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos, join us for a special discussion with the artists behind the altars on display. The event will begin with a presentation by members of the Mexican Consulate, exploring the rich history of Día de Muertos and the tradition of Ofrenda altars. Following this, each artist will share the inspiration and significance of their altar and will be available to answer your questions. 

The program, lasting 90 minutes, is suitable for all ages, though some topics may be challenging for children under 10.

This program is free with museum admission. Capacity is limited and seating begins 30 minutes prior to performance start in the DIA’s Lecture Hall. Presented with live American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.

American biographer, Jean Strouse, author of Family Romance: John Singer Sargent and the Wertheimers, captures the dramas, mysteries, intrigues, and tragedies surrounding John Singer Sargent's portraits of the Wertheimer family. Strouse will be looking at twelve portraits of one English family painted by the expatriate American artist (Sargent) at the height of his career—and at the intersections of all these lives with the sparkle and strife of the Edwardian age. The author will be joined in conversation with Ben Colman, DIA Curator of American Art.

Following the presentation, please join a DIA docent-led tour of works by John Singer Sargent.

The Adventures of Dimitri and Banana Sandwich, a puppet comedy/mystery for all ages, is a whimsical journey into Detroit's contemporary art world with Dimitri and Banana Sandwich, two fictional young artists on a mission. When Dimitri's prized scooter vanishes, suspicions point to a mysterious sculptor, setting off a zany escapade through Detroit's vibrant neighborhoods. Meet puppet versions of real-life Detroit artists like Tyree Guyton and his iconic Heidelberg Project.

Flying Cardboard Theater’s distinctive hand and rod puppets, live music and handmade scenery is performed on a traditional puppet stage, inviting the audience to join the adventure and interact with the puppet characters firsthand.

For all ages. This program is free with museum admission. Limited capacity seating begins 30 minutes prior to performance. Presented with live American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.