Community Calendar

From Cobalt to Indigo: The Power of Blue in East Asia is an exploration of one of the most enduring and influential colors in global art history. Spanning centuries of Chinese and Japanese creativity, the exhibition traces how the color blue—once among the rarest and most prized pigments—shaped artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and aesthetic identity across East Asia.

From the luminous depths of cobalt-painted porcelain to the brilliance of carved lapis lazuli and the bold Prussian blue of Japanese ukiyo-e prints, this exhibition brings together works that illuminate the remarkable journey of blue across materials and artistic traditions. From Cobalt to Indigo will explore symbolism, craftsmanship, technological advancements, and cross-cultural influences. It showcases blue as both a material and an evolving metaphor. This exhibition invites audiences to see a familiar color anew and to experience the profound beauty and cultural resonance of blue in East Asian art.

The exhibition will be on view through July 12.

Image Credit: Matsutani Fumio, Sō (Blue) D-3, 2020, stoneware. Joy Light East Asian Art Acquisition and Exhibition Fund, 2021.1.

Science Speaks: Bats with Dr. Vonhof

Saturday, March 28, 2-3 pm

Audience: All Ages
Meet: Cooper’s Glen Auditorium

Although we may not see them often, bats are the 2nd most common group of mammals in the world! Learn more about our furry flying neighbors with local expert Dr. Vonhof, and hear about some of the incredible conservation efforts being done by scientists in the field.

Fee: Included in regular KNC admission

From the aftermath of war, a vibrant estate in Messina becomes the stage for both blossoming romance and bitter deception. Soon after coming to visit her father, the honorable Claudio swiftly falls in love with the radiant Hero. But amidst this joy, a fiery battle of wits rages between the fiercely independent Beatrice and the confirmed bachelor Benedick, two souls who swear off love with every sharp and hilarious retort. Yet, beneath their barbed exchanges, could a hidden affection be ignited by the playful meddling of their friends? As they scheme to unite these reluctant hearts, a darker plot unfolds. The vengeful Don John, fueled by malice, orchestrates a cruel lie that threatens to shatter the very foundations of Claudio and Hero's happiness.

On the eve of their wedding, a devastating illusion is planted, leading to a shocking public accusation and leaving Hero seemingly ruined. In the face of such betrayal, alliances shift, and the witty Beatrice makes a startling demand of Benedick. Will truth prevail against calculated deceit? Can love truly conquer all, even when shadowed by the darkest intentions? Prepare to be captivated by a story where laughter and heartbreak intertwine, and where the most unexpected heroes might just save the day.

From the aftermath of war, a vibrant estate in Messina becomes the stage for both blossoming romance and bitter deception. Soon after coming to visit her father, the honorable Claudio swiftly falls in love with the radiant Hero. But amidst this joy, a fiery battle of wits rages between the fiercely independent Beatrice and the confirmed bachelor Benedick, two souls who swear off love with every sharp and hilarious retort. Yet, beneath their barbed exchanges, could a hidden affection be ignited by the playful meddling of their friends? As they scheme to unite these reluctant hearts, a darker plot unfolds. The vengeful Don John, fueled by malice, orchestrates a cruel lie that threatens to shatter the very foundations of Claudio and Hero's happiness.

On the eve of their wedding, a devastating illusion is planted, leading to a shocking public accusation and leaving Hero seemingly ruined. In the face of such betrayal, alliances shift, and the witty Beatrice makes a startling demand of Benedick. Will truth prevail against calculated deceit? Can love truly conquer all, even when shadowed by the darkest intentions? Prepare to be captivated by a story where laughter and heartbreak intertwine, and where the most unexpected heroes might just save the day.

Join us for a family-friendly exploration of some of the shoes featured in Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks! All ages are welcome to join in the conversation as we observe shoe designs of the past, present, and future.

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum, and curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator of the Bata Shoe Museum.

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.

Put on your favorite pair of shoes and join us for a special night celebrating the artistry of footwear. Join us for a Gallery Gathering in Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting Edge Kicks at 5:30 before we kick off Explore and Create Night at 6pm. Continue to explore the exhibition and then create your own shoe-inspired artworks while enjoying some sweet treats. Come explore how design, craft, and imagination come together—one step at a time. This evening is appropriate for all ages.

Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum, and curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator of the Bata Shoe Museum.

This April, we’re taking a blue adventure through From Cobalt to Indigo: The Power of Blue in East Asia! From prints to pottery, we’ll find out how artists from East Asia create beautiful blues and use them in their amazing artworks.

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

Nature Journaling
Saturdays, April 4 & May 2, 10-11:30 am

Audience: Teens & Adults

Immerse yourself in the art of slowing down, looking closely, and connecting more deeply with the natural world. These nature journaling workshops are designed for anyone—who wants to cultivate a mindful, creative practice that blends observation, writing, and sketching.

These workshops invite you to step outdoors (or view nature from a window) and tune in to textures, colors, patterns, and stories unfolding around you. Along the way, you’ll explore topics such as seasonal change, nature-based mindfulness, basic field sketching techniques, and how to use your journal as a tool for wonder and awareness.

Please bring your own sketch or notebook. A limited amount of supplies will be available for those who may have misplaced their journal.

Fee: Members Free, Non-Member $10 Please register.

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).

Silver Maples: Saving Woods Lake

Invisible Salt and Urban Dead Seas

April 8, 11 am – 1 pm

Audience: Geared for Adults 50+, but all are welcome

Road salt deicers are widely used in the U.S. and around the world to make roads safer for winter driving. However, the application of road salt may have significant impacts on natural systems.

Local scientist Dr. Carla Koretsky will share her work completed at two lakes in Kalamazoo (Woods Lake and Asylum Lake), demonstrating the significant impact that road salt can have on the biogeochemistry and physical functioning of urban lakes.

Bring your lunch! We will eat together after the program. This program is geared for adults 50 and up, but all ages are welcome.

Part of the Silver Maples Series: NatureCenter/SilverMaples

Fee: Member $12, Non-Member $15 Please register.