Community Calendar

Hughie Lee-Smith was a 20th century African American painter and art instructor. Growing up in the Midwest, he created a prolific collection of paintings that predominantly featured figures in urban and rural settings. Lee-Smith’s often enigmatic works explored themes of isolation, expectation, and loneliness. Regrettably, he was not as well recognized as many of his contemporaries. During this ArtBreak talk, learn more about this remarkable artist with KIA docent Dr. Sam Grossman, then visit our lower level galleries to view Lee-Smith’s The Spectators.

Dr. Sam Grossman is a long-time docent of the KIA. He also is a frequent instructor with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, teaching a variety of topics. Sam is a retired pediatrician; prior to medical school, he was an associate professor of theatre arts.

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.

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 Sneaker Culture Night featuring music, food, and an engaging presentation. Dr. Delisia Matthews will share her research on Sneaker Culture by highlighting its historical roots, the unique language and behaviors of consumers, and the deep ties of the culture to music. Additionally, this discussion will explore how sneaker collecting connects to fatherhood and legacy, while inviting the audience to connect through their own sneaker narratives.

Dr. Delisia Matthews is an Associate Professor at North Carolina State University in the Wilson College of Textiles whose research explores consumer behavior and trends, sneaker culture and the cultural meanings behind consumer decision-making. With a background in marketing research and retail at companies like Procter & Gamble, Nordstrom, and Walmart, she blends industry insight with scholarship. An award-winning educator, Dr. Matthews uses qualitative research to center consumers’ voices, tell their stories, and advocate for the communities behind the culture.

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

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.

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.

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.