Community Calendar

In celebration of Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper, visit the library to make your own bookmark using colorful washi tape and book pages. All supplies will be provided.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.

The Kalamazoo Book Arts Center functions as a creative public space where artists and book enthusiasts of all kinds gather to celebrate the collaborative arts of the book, including papermaking, printmaking, letterpress, bookbinding, and creative writing. KBAC preserves and employs traditional technologies while combining them with contemporary ideas and techniques. During this off-site ArtBreak, we will venture to KBAC to learn more about the organization and its diverse array of offerings!

The Kalamazoo Book Arts Center is located on the first floor of the Park Trades Center at 326 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Suite 103A. Enter the studio through the central door on Kalamazoo Ave. Parking is available on the street and across from the building on N. Church St. Parking garages are located at the intersection of Eleanor and Rose, and adjacent to the Radisson Plaza Hotel at the intersection of Water and Rose. Guests are also welcome to park in a KIA lot and walk to the Park Trades Center. Please do NOT park in the lot for Park Street Market or behind the Park Trades Center in the lot reserved for resident artists; cars parked in these lots are subject to towing.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.

Enjoy free admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.

Join us for College Night at the KIA, an after-hours event designed for college students. Enjoy free food, a live DJ, interactive games, and chances to win prizes while exploring the museum in a fun and engaging way. This is a unique opportunity to experience the KIA through art, music, and connection. Admission is completely free, all you need is your college ID.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.

Enjoy free admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.

Enjoy free admission and extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program and the Efroymson Family Fund.

The biennial Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review features new works by Kirk Newman Art School faculty members who work and teach in a wide variety of artistic media. During this extended Gallery Gathering, explore the exhibition with a few of the talented artist-educators whose work is included in the show.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.
Gallery Gatherings are short, lightly-moderated conversations about selected artworks from ongoing exhibitions. Chairs and gallery stools are available for guests. This program is free, but preregistration is encouraged.

Homeschool families are invited to learn, create and explore at the KIA and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum (KVM). This collaborative event offers interactive activities designed to promote interdisciplinary learning, creativity and an appreciation for art, history and science. This event is included with KIA admission. KVM admission is free. Planetarium shows are $3 per student and $1 per chaperone.

To learn more about KVM please visit kalamazoomuseum.org.

KIA Activities:

Art Project (Best for Ages 9+)
11:30am-12:15pm
12:45-1:30pm

Library: Storytime (Best for Ages 3-8)
11:15-11:45am
1:30-2:00pm

Guided tours of Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper (All ages)
11-11:30am
12:15-12:45pm

Drop-in activities (All ages)
Library: Literacy activity
Galleries: Self-guided viewing and scavenger hunt
School Commons: Art project

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KVM Activities:

Planetarium show (All ages)
11-11:30am
12:15-12:30pm

Hands-On STEM Table (All ages)
11:30am-12:15pm
12:45-1:30pm

Early Learning Table (Best for Ages 3-6)
11:15-11:45am
1:30-2:00pm

Drop-in Activities (All ages)
Galleries: Self-guided viewing and scavenger hunt
Innovation Lab: Paper Airplanes

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.

Join us for a guided walk through Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper, with interactive activities along the way. This exhibition features two-dimensional works, sculptures, and installations. Discover the remarkable ways nine Japanese artists transform paper into art.

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper was organized by Meher McArthur and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC

Take a Wonder Walk through the galleries! The walk will include close looking at a few artworks as well as gallery games and activities. This is a great way to introduce your little one to art and the museum. Wonder Walks is for children 2-4 years old (but all are welcome) and is free with the cost of admission. Caregivers must stay with their children at all times. Preregistration is encouraged. Adults, remember to register your children!

Come to the KIA's Meader Fine Arts library and express yourself through collage with a sampling of washi paper, a traditional Japanese handmade paper. Some washi paper and tape will be provided to incorporate into your pieces. Be inspired by the exhibition on view, Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper. All supplies will be provided.

Washi Transformed: New Expressions in Japanese Paper was organized by Meher McArthur and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC