Feb 04 Wednesday
One morning, a young man boards the Coast Starlight, the long-distance train that runs from Los Angeles to Seattle. He’s got a secret that can land him in terrible trouble, and he has roughly one thousand miles to enlist the help of his fellow travelers – all of whom are reckoning with their own choices in search of a way forward.
Told through a blend of imagined conversations and internal monologues, the play lets us hear what the characters might say if fear and politeness didn’t get in the way. Funny, moving, and deeply human, The Coast Starlight is a story of reinvention—of finding connection in moments that almost pass us by.
Feb 05 Thursday
During this Gallery Gathering, we will take a closer look at Charles Henry Alston’s Untitled (Couple), said to have been inspired by Langston Hughes’ 1925 poem “The Weary Blues.” An original member of the Abstract Expressionist movement, Alston was a painter, muralist, sculptor, illustrator, and educator, as well as the founder of two major African American art collectives, 306 and Spiral. Join us to discuss Untitled (Couple) and to learn more about this trailblazing artist of the Harlem Renaissance.
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.
The first documentary to explore the role of photography in shaping the identities, aspirations, and social emergence of African Americans, Through a Lens Darkly probes the recesses of American history, bringing to light images captured by African American photographers that have been suppressed, forgotten, and lost. These images reveal a complex and nuanced view of American culture and society and its founding ideals. Inspired by Deborah Willis’s book Reflections in Black and featuring the works of Carrie Mae Weems, Lorna Simpson, Anthony Barboza, Hank Willis Thomas, Coco Fusco, Clarissa Sligh and many others, Through a Lens Darkly introduces the viewer to a diverse yet focused community of storytellers who transform singular experiences into a communal journey of discovery – and a call to action. Directed by Thomas Allen Harris, the film is distributed by First Run Features and has a run time of ninety minutes.
Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.
Feb 06 Friday
Announcing the return of the Marble Rollercoaster event at Glass Art Kalamazoo! Join us on Friday February 6 from 5-8pm for this awesome experience. Our all-glass marble rollercoasters from the last two years will be setup in the main space, along with a new addition that our flame working team has been working on. Come witness these structural marvels in person and take a turn dropping a marble down the tracks as our artists weld new sections together before our eyes. This has become one of our favorite events of the year and we are stoked to bring it back to life and share it with you!
Also featuring marble-making torch demonstrations, a make-your-own fused glass project (for a small fee), and a new exhibit in the gallery.
Friday February 65pm – 8pmFREE to attend and open to ALL AGES.
Feb 07 Saturday
Winter Adaptation Walk Saturday, February 7 at 2 pm
Audience: All Ages
Meet: Visitor Center Lobby
When we go out in winter, we bundle up in our best coats and mittens. But what do our local animals do to survive? Join us as we talk about the diversity of winter survival strategies on display here in Michigan. Dress warmly and be ready for a short hike!
Fee: Included in regular KNC admission; drop in program
Please join us the first Saturday of each month at 9 AM (barring special events or bad weather which will be announced on our Facebook page), for "Beginning Birding Walks," led by experienced birders from the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo. This event is free and open to the public. Meet at the second parking lot at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan, just off SR 43. All skill levels are welcome.
We will enjoy nature while typically identifying 20-40 species of birds, plus butterflies, frogs, etc. Over 200 bird species have been sighted at Wolf Lake, which offers a variety of habitats and easy walking trails. Annual highlights include colorful songbirds like orioles, warblers, tanagers, hawks and eagles, kingfishers, Great Blue and Green Herons, and over 20 species of waterfowl. Eastern Bluebirds can be found year-round! Children accompanying adults are welcome. The focus is on birding fundamentals, and extra binoculars are always available. The walk typically takes about 2 hours (but feel free to arrive late or leave early).
Feb 08 Sunday
An hour-long free concert. Shelagh & Robbie love performing and sharing a mix of originals and classics. Enjoy music from country to pop, with something for everyone. This program is suitable for adults, teens, and families of all ages. Doors are open 1:30-2:15 p.m.