Community Calendar

Artist Julia Wang, a fourth-generation disciple of the Lingnan School, reveals the historical significance of this influential movement in Chinese ink painting, tracing its roots to ancient times. During this ArtBreak, Wang will focus on the work of artists who attained preeminence in various styles, highlighting the wide-reaching influence of the Lingnan School on modern Chinese art of the 20th century.

In both her painting and her teaching, Julia Wang bridges the traditional and the modern with an openness that engages diverse forms of Western and Asian art. Proficient in both classical Chinese painting and Western oil painting, she teaches audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Ready to try your hand at Chinese ink painting? Return to the KIA on September 18 for a workshop led by Wang!

All hybrid events will be livestreamed to our YouTube page and can be found under the “Live” tab. Recordings of select past events are available on YouTube as well.
Preregistration is encouraged.

This Saturday, take a step back in time. Visit Pears Mill, an 1857 water-powered mill. Located in Buchanan, Michigan’s downtown Historic District. The mill is adjacent to Buchanan Farmers Market. Pears Mill is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through Labor Day. There is no charge.

Arts Alive is pleased to announce our next gallery show of 2025, “Savor the Flavor.” This show is open to any member of the public and all mediums are accepted.

Artists can interpret each gallery theme in any way they see fit. All ages are welcome to submit artwork. Enter up to 3 pieces per show at $5 per piece. Pieces may be submitted at the Tibbits Administration Office (93 W Chicago St. Coldwater, MI) Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Pieces must be ready to display or hang. PLEASE USE HANGING WIRE because tooth hangers or anything other than hanging wire is not compatible with our system. Sculptures and all other mediums accepted. Please do not submit artwork that contains nudity. Arts Alive has the right to refuse entries. The submission deadline for this show is July 8, 2025 at 5pm and the show will hang July 9-September 1, 2025 in the Tibbits Opera House Art Gallery.

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.

Looking for a space to share your music, poetry, or spoken word? Or just want to enjoy a night of local talent, creativity, and community? Summer Jams is a three-part summer series at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), designed to bring people together through live performances and artistic expression.

Each night will feature a rotating lineup of independent artists, emerging musicians, and spoken word performers, showcasing the diverse rhythms, genres, and voices that shape our community. Whether you’re stepping up to the mic or simply here to enjoy the show, this is a space to connect, inspire, and celebrate creativity.

Stay tuned for more details on performers and how to get involved. Bring your friends, grab a seat, and experience an evening filled with music, poetry, and storytelling.

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

This Saturday, take a step back in time. Visit Pears Mill, an 1857 water-powered mill. Located in Buchanan, Michigan’s downtown Historic District. The mill is adjacent to Buchanan Farmers Market. Pears Mill is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through Labor Day. There is no charge.

Arts Alive is pleased to announce our next gallery show of 2025, “Savor the Flavor.” This show is open to any member of the public and all mediums are accepted.

Artists can interpret each gallery theme in any way they see fit. All ages are welcome to submit artwork. Enter up to 3 pieces per show at $5 per piece. Pieces may be submitted at the Tibbits Administration Office (93 W Chicago St. Coldwater, MI) Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Pieces must be ready to display or hang. PLEASE USE HANGING WIRE because tooth hangers or anything other than hanging wire is not compatible with our system. Sculptures and all other mediums accepted. Please do not submit artwork that contains nudity. Arts Alive has the right to refuse entries. The submission deadline for this show is July 8, 2025 at 5pm and the show will hang July 9-September 1, 2025 in the Tibbits Opera House Art Gallery.

Women’s Wilderness Retreat
Saturday, August 30, 8:30 am – 7 pm

We’ll begin with a gentle yoga session. Throughout the day, enjoy a guided foraging walk, engaging art projects, practical women’s safety tips for the trails, flower arranging, mindfulness practices, and Zentangle drawing. End the day with free time or sound bathing before gathering for a relaxing dinner with wine. All meals and activities are included in fee.

Schedule:
8:30 am: Arrival at KNC’s Stryker Nature Preserve
8:45 am: Morning yoga session
9:30 am: Breakfast
10:15 am: Barn quilt square painting -or- Zentangle drawing and mindfulness
Noon: Lunch
1:30 pm: Foraging Hike
3:15 pm: Women’s trail safety
4:15 pm: Sound bathing
5:30 pm: Dinner & reflection

Fee: $175/Member, $200/Non-Member. Registration required. Audience: Adults Meet: Carver House, KNC’s Stryker Nature Preserve

This Saturday, take a step back in time. Visit Pears Mill, an 1857 water-powered mill. Located in Buchanan, Michigan’s downtown Historic District. The mill is adjacent to Buchanan Farmers Market. Pears Mill is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday through Labor Day. There is no charge.

Arts Alive is pleased to announce our next gallery show of 2025, “Savor the Flavor.” This show is open to any member of the public and all mediums are accepted.

Artists can interpret each gallery theme in any way they see fit. All ages are welcome to submit artwork. Enter up to 3 pieces per show at $5 per piece. Pieces may be submitted at the Tibbits Administration Office (93 W Chicago St. Coldwater, MI) Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Pieces must be ready to display or hang. PLEASE USE HANGING WIRE because tooth hangers or anything other than hanging wire is not compatible with our system. Sculptures and all other mediums accepted. Please do not submit artwork that contains nudity. Arts Alive has the right to refuse entries. The submission deadline for this show is July 8, 2025 at 5pm and the show will hang July 9-September 1, 2025 in the Tibbits Opera House Art Gallery.