Kalamazoo Valley Community College and partners present: Sourced from the 'Zoo

Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Arcus Gallery is partnering with many local institutions to provide an exciting exhibit for the community. Kalamazoo Valley Community College and its many partners are pleased to announce an open call for Sourced from the 'Zoo, an exhibition celebrating the vibrancy of our community and its residents.

To provide this exhibition, the Arcus Gallery collaborated with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Black Arts and Cultural Center, Glass Art Kalamazoo, Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, The Space and Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers.

The exhibition will be on view at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) from Saturday, March 8, 2025, through Sunday, June 1, 2025. In addition, submissions from the community will be featured at other venues, including the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Center for New Media, Black Arts and Cultural Center, Glass Art Kalamazoo, Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Sourced from the 'Zoo will also feature programmatic partners including the Kalamazoo Public Library (Central), Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers, among other community collaborations.

Sourced from the 'Zoo invites all Kalamazoo residents - whether artists or not - to share personal objects, artworks, or images that reflect the people, places, and experiences most special to them. This exciting crowdsourced exhibition was designed to foster a deeper sense of belonging and communal connection and invites participants to commemorate and celebrate their unique stories within a shared space.

To inspire a variety of submissions, the exhibition will feature ten themes: Books, Literature, and Literacy; Climate and the Environment; The Curious and Unconventional; Dance and Movement; Equity and Social Justice; Glass and Glass-making; Life in Kalamazoo after the Pandemic; Music and Musical Instruments; People and Places in Kalamazoo; and Self-care and Well-being. These themes represent the diverse passions and experiences that make Kalamazoo such a rich and dynamic place to live. All submissions are welcome whether it's a treasured family photo, a piece of art, or an object with personal significance.

"Sourced from the 'Zoo is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the many voices that make Kalamazoo truly unique," said Michelle Hargrave, Executive Director of the KIA. "As we continue our centennial tradition of connecting people and art, we are thrilled to invite everyone - whether artists or not - to share their stories and become part of this city-wide celebration of creativity, community, and belonging. This exhibition, along with the dynamic conversations and programs to follow, offers a chance to reflect on and honor the remarkable diversity of Kalamazoo. Join us in making this a memorable and inclusive celebration for all." Michelle Hargrave, Executive Director

Submissions will close on January 13, 2025. Residents can submit their work for consideration via this link: Sourced from the 'Zoo. Confirmations of participation and drop-off instructions will be provided starting January 27, 2025. Drop-off dates for physical items will be coordinated by each exhibition venue and shared accordingly.

Be part of Sourced from the 'Zoo and help us celebrate the stories that shape Kalamazoo. This exhibition is not only about art - it's about honoring the community that continues to make Kalamazoo a special place to live.

Sourced From the 'Zoo Community Opening
Friday, March 7, 5:00 - 6:00pm (open for the entirety of Art Hop)

KNAS Hands-On Event
Friday, March 7; 6:00 - 9:00pm

Visit https://kiarts.org to learn more about what's ahead as we look forward to the next 100 years!

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About the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Since 1924, the KIA has offered its visitors the opportunity to enjoy and create art. The KIA's permanent collection holds more than 4,600 objects across a wide spectrum of media, and the museum stages 10-15 exhibitions, both drawn from its own works as well as touring shows, annually in its ten galleries. In addition to its exhibition spaces, the museum houses the KIA Gallery Shop, which sells pieces by international artisans and local and regional artists, a multi-media auditorium, a publicly accessible library, and an interactive children's gallery.

Expanded offerings, collaborations, and outreach will celebrate 100 years of excellence in the arts and bring the KIA's unparalleled resources to a wider audience than ever before. These special initiatives will give back to the community in appreciation for 100 years of growth, and deepen the ability of all Kalamazooans to find joy, learn from one another, and grow. Through close listening and renewed creativity, the anniversary will illuminate the pathway for the Institute's next 100 years. For more information, visit kiarts.org.