Mike Monford is a dynamic jazz musician, saxophonist, composer, jazz historian, and executive producer based in Detroit. He has dedicated over 30 years to practicing, performing, and experimenting with the universal language of Jazz.

Monford has spent the last 10 years touring the world performing with Les Nubians and Marc Cary’s Harlem Sessions. In February 2022, he played at Carnegie Hall with the Autophysiopsychic Millennium, a music collective that studies the music methodology of the late Dr. Yusef Abdul Lateef.

It can be hard to make friends—especially if you have tentacles. Journey to Antarctica as a curious squid seeks connection in the most unlikely places. Penguins, orcas, and jellyfish abound in an icy landscape for this heartwarming tale of friendship.

Beautifully handcrafted puppets, an original score by Ned Haskins, and a good dose of silliness, combine to create a comedic, wordless performance that celebrates our ability to create connections, despite our differences. (45min.)

Designed for kids ages 5 to 10, but fun for all ages! Capacity is limited. Seating begins 30 minutes prior to performance.

This program is supported through the generous support of the Dr. Audley M. Grossman and Paul McPharlin Puppetry Funds.

Registration for this workshop has been filled, thank you!

Please join us for this two-day introduction to the Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), an inquiry-based teaching method that improves a student's ability to describe, analyze, and interpret content through observing and discussing art.

During the workshop, participants will learn about the method's development and how it can impact student writing, analyze the process for facilitating a VTS conversation, and get coaching from DIA educators. All educators welcome. Please register for both dates.

Six SCECHs pending.

The 11-time Detroit Music Award–winning swing band Planet D Nonet has teamed up with drummer/composer/arranger/vocalist Dr. Leonard King in a tribute to jazz singer Joe Williams. Williams was born in Georgia in 1918, and he grew up on the South Side of Chicago. He sang with big bands, most famously with the Count Basie Orchestra.

After his tenure with the Basie band, Williams had a successful career as a soloist at festivals, in clubs, and on TV. Williams recorded more than 40 albums under his own name as well. This is a unique performance: a tribute to a true original that brings together two top Detroit entities: Dr. / Professor Leonard King and the Planet D Nonet, led by RJ Spangler.

1999/USA—directed by Brad Bird | 96 min.

DIA Member Exclusive! Take family movie night to the next level at the DIA with a special 25th-anniversary screening of The Iron Giant in the beautiful Detroit Film Theatre Auditorium. Before the lights dim and the reels start rolling, enjoy to a tasty family dinner and set the stage for an evening of joy and laughter.

The Iron Giant is a film that resonates across generations. Follow young Hogarth and his unlikely metal companion on a brave journey of self-discovery that will touch your heart and ignite your imagination.

Dinner service begins at 5:45 p.m., film at 7 p.m.

Menu

• Choice of main: hamburger, hot dog, mac & cheese
• Choice of side: salad, potato chips, french fries
• Choice of drink: fountain pop, milk
• Dessert: ice cream float

2022/France—directed by Julien Chheng and Jean-Christophe Roger | 80 min.

Ernest and Celestine return in this delightful and joyous follow-up to their first Academy Award®–nominated adventure, which introduced a bear and mouse as the unlikeliest of friends.

Ernest remains an ursine troubadour dedicated to a life of music and art, and his constant grouchiness is softened by the creative whims of his mouse friend Celestine. When she accidentally breaks his beloved violin, they must take a long voyage to Ernest’s country of Gibberitia, home to the only artist who can repair it.

But when they arrive, they are shocked to discover that all forms of music have been banned in Gibberitia for many years, and a land once known across the world for its incredible musicians has fallen silent. It is up to Ernest and Celestine and their new friends, including a mysterious masked outlaw, to bring music and happiness back to the land of bears.

In French with English subtitles. For families with children 7 and up.

Before the invention of the printing press, manuscripts would be decorated with gold, silver, or precious paints in a process known as “illumination.” Try your hand at illumination using a variety of art materials, including gel pens and metallic markers. All materials provided!

The Detroit Institute of Arts Teen Council formally invites teens ages 13–19 to our 2024 Annual Teen Summit! Join us for an evening filled with mingling, live music, refreshments, and art-making.

Plus, hear from professionals in multiple artistic fields and engage with numerous teen-focused organizations. Capacity is limited.

The theme of the event is Art Deco. Cocktail Attire requested!

Please note: A form of ID will be requested at check-in. A student ID, state ID, or other ID showing your age will all be accepted.

Join us for the Detroit City Chess Club simul match with Jessica Hyatt. Hyatt, 18, is the highest-rated African American female chess player in history! With a peak United States Chess Federation (USCF) rating of 2168, and a FIDE rating of 1948, she is on her way to clinching the master title!

In 2019, Hyatt won the New York State Scholastic Championships, and has since been invited by the USCF to represent the US internationally as a part of their youth team (2019–present). In 2022, Hyatt received a special honoree at the Liberty Science Center’s Genius Gala.

In 2023, she became the Pan-American Youth Female Under-18 Blitz Champion, the KCF All-Girls Nationals Champion, and represented the US for the World Youth Chess Championships. Along with chess, Hyatt plays ranked junior tennis and golf, and is a jazz pianist.

Join InsideOut Literary Arts and some of Detroit's finest youth and adult poets for a reading celebrating the creative and enduring legacy of African Americans in film, from its very beginning through the start of the Civil Rights Movement.

Inspired by Regeneration Black Cinema 1898 – 1971, the event will showcase new poetic works written during visits to the exhibition. Featuring performances by MARS Marshall. La Shaun phoenix Moore, Kahn Davison, Brittany Rogers, Scheherazade Washington Parrish, Charisma Holly, and Kya Mills.

The reading will take place in the Kresge Reception area, adjacent to the Regeneration galleries.