The “Museums on Us” Program

Here is a great way to get into museums for free not only in Michigan, but throughout the U.S. The program is through Bank of America and works only on the first full weekend of each month. If you hold a Bank of America ATM, credit, or check card you hold a pass to over 100 museums. Grand Rapids, Dearborn, and Detroit are the three cities in Michigan with museums for you to check out. Also, don’t forget to check out this opportunity if you know that you will be traveling out of town so you can experience arts & culture away from home. For a list of museums and eligible weekends log onto the Bank of America website.

GM Renaissance Center

The Ren Cen is much more than the headquarters to an American icon. Last week I had the chance to take a tour with some friends visiting from out of town. If you haven’t been on the tour, I highly recommend you check it out and it’s free! In addition to the stunning views of Detroit and Windsor, this family friendly tour will expose you to culture, history, and art within. Some highlights of the tour include the architecture of the 5 story GM Wintergarden and the world map patio outside overlooking the Detroit river. Also, murals of Detroit compliment the history of the city throughout the center of the building. Finally, Danny Lane’s sculpture Borealis, inspired by the aurora borealis, greets visitors at the entrance and will simply amaze you.

Markers For A Buck!

You can never have too many markers! For only one dollar you can pick up a box of 8 Crayola markers at Target. They are located in the seasonal school supply section of the store. Stock up with this great deal and keep the creativity going through the summer!

Chihuly Closer to Home

Not but an hours drive away you can experience the stunning glass work of Dale Chihuly. The Flint Institute of Arts is holding a special exhibition on 39 of his blown glass works inspired by sea forms through September 8th.

Ann Arbor Art Fair July 15-18

Don’t forget to check out the 2009 Ann Arbor Art Fair. Everything you need to know is posted on the beautiful website artfair.org for your enjoyment.

A Great Way to Visit A Museum!

Planning a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts? Want to check out many other local museums? Look no further than the Saline District Library where you can check out a Museum Adventure Pass to get into your favorite museums for free! It is a great way to have an excuse to go and you can save money while doing so. I always take home one painting (mentally) when I go to the museum. Try it for yourself by writing down the names of a few artists that catch your eye during your museum visit. Then, the next time you visit the library, look up books on those artists to read at home. This is a terrific way to engage students in history and connect with what you just experienced. Also, be sure to check out the Saline District Library website to see how you can “Be Creative”.

Traveling Through Ohio This Summer?

Whenever I travel I always take advantage of the local art scene. Whether it’s planned trips to see specific artwork or a show I happen upon, it is always fun to make art a part of my travels. If you are going to be traveling south or you are just looking for an excuse to hop in your car for a weekend away, you may be interested in some exhibits not too far away in Columbus. World renowned glass blower Dale Chihuly has an exhibit at Columbus’ Franklin Park Conservatory from July 4th through March 2010. Chihuly’s organic shaped glass installations play off of the environment they are presented in. There are no exceptions in the botanical garden where this show is located. This exhibit will showcase his work from a previous show that took place in 2003 and includes three new sculptures. Need more? Another exhibit is just over a mile away at The Columbus Museum of Art until August 2nd. The museum is showcasing 40 small-scale watercolors painted by Charles Burchfield between 1918 and 1920. Burchfield’s artwork is something that we can relate to as Michiganders. He created expressionistic paintings of mid-western regional scenes. Looking at his paintings of his north eastern hometown of Salem, Ohio I can’t help but to think of what it was like to grow up in a small town during the long, cold winter months.