Community Calendar

Alabama, 1973. When nurse Civil Townsend begins work at the Montgomery Family Planning Clinic, her goal is to care for her African American community. Among her patients are two poor, young Black girls, Erica and India. Civil learns that a terrible medical procedure has been inflicted on the girls without their consent and reports the crime. This historical fiction novel is inspired by true events and is the Kalamazoo Public Library Reading Together selection.

Please note that this event will not be livestreamed or posted on YouTube.
All book discussions are free, open to the public, and take place in-person at the Meader Fine Arts Library. Participants do not need to have read the book, but it will help facilitate the overall discussion. Preregistration is encouraged.

Join us for our Gallery Shop Artist Meet & Greet on Thursday, March 19. This event offers visitors the opportunity to connect with a selection of local artists whose work is featured in the KIA Gallery Shop. Featuring a variety of artist-made works, the Gallery Shop showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of regional/local artists. Visitors are invited to explore the shop, engage with participating artists, and learn more about the ideas and processes behind their work. This Artist Meet & Greet highlights the Gallery Shop as a space for connection between artists and the community. Whether visiting for the first time or returning, guests will have the opportunity to experience the creativity represented in the Gallery Shop and connect directly with the artists.

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

Show off your fabulous footwear and join us at the KIA for an evening of fun and connection with DJs, a cash bar, savory bites and sweet treats, dancing and a “kicks contest” inspired by the KIA’s next exhibition Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks (Feb. 7 to June 7, 2026).

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and feels of the KIA’s latest exhibitions with Future Now celebrating innovation, transformation and sustainability, the KIA’s incredible permanent collection, and the future in our own community with Young Artists of Kalamazoo County (closing March 22, 2026).

What to expect:
DJs spinning
Cash bar with signature beer from Wax Wings Brewery
Savory bites & sweet treats
A “kicks contest” and brief remarks from KIA’s executive director
Photo opportunities galore
Access to all KIA galleries including entry to Future Now
Raffle tickets & drawing (top drawing is one free class voucher to the Kirk Newman Art School!)

Tickets: $75 general admission & day of / $65 for KIA Members

Become a member today to secure your ticket at the member’s price. Must be 21+. Ticket includes entry for 1 person, 1 drink ticket, hors d’oeuvres, live DJs and access to the KIA galleries, including entry to Future Now.

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.

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.

Mark your reading place in style using a shoe bookmark! We will provide all of the materials to make a bookmark to take home. Take inspiration from the exhibition on view Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks, shoes in literature, or be your own creative designer! The librarian will have some templates on hand to help you get started.

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.

Deos Contemporary Ballet’s fan-favorite winter repertory ballet performance returns for one powerful weekend, blending bold new works with iconic choreography.

The program features the world premiere of “Trojan Women” by Tess Sinke, inspired by Euripides’ timeless tragedy and exploring resilience, loss, and survival in the aftermath of war. Balancing the evening is Dennis Spaight’s “Crayola” -- a rare, historic ballet performed entirely in silence -- and “Lamentation Variations,” presented in collaboration with the Martha Graham Dance Company, examining grief, hope, and human connection.

Honoring legendary choreographers while amplifying local contemporary voices, EMBER Series 26 offers an intimate, emotionally charged night of dance—on stage for one weekend only.

March 21–22
St. Cecilia Music Center
Grand Rapids, MI
Tickets & info: deosballet.com

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.

Deos Contemporary Ballet’s fan-favorite winter repertory ballet performance returns for one powerful weekend, blending bold new works with iconic choreography.

The program features the world premiere of “Trojan Women” by Tess Sinke, inspired by Euripides’ timeless tragedy and exploring resilience, loss, and survival in the aftermath of war. Balancing the evening is Dennis Spaight’s “Crayola” -- a rare, historic ballet performed entirely in silence -- and “Lamentation Variations,” presented in collaboration with the Martha Graham Dance Company, examining grief, hope, and human connection.

Honoring legendary choreographers while amplifying local contemporary voices, EMBER Series 26 offers an intimate, emotionally charged night of dance—on stage for one weekend only.

March 21–22
St. Cecilia Music Center
Grand Rapids, MI
Tickets & info: deosballet.com

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.