Announcement regarding the 70th annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair is proud of the long-standing tradition of being one of the oldest, fine arts fairs’ in the country as we celebrate our 70th anniversary. We have always put our community first and with this focus, the 2021 Arts Fair will be celebrating this year with a virtual show from June 3-6. We anticipate bringing the full event back in 2022. The robust 2021 virtual Arts Fair will engage art enthusiasts with the artists in real-time and offer a unique opportunity to purchase fine art while supporting regional artists. You will find works from the same categories that you have come to love and expect from past years. Access to the virtual arts fair will be available on our website, kiarts.org.
Our beloved Michigan community is currently experiencing a surge in new Covid-19 cases and a record high of hospitalizations. The Arts Fair historically attracts nearly 40,000 attendees to Bronson Park and the Michigan Governor and national CDC advises citizens against such exceptionally large gatherings.
“As a community, let us stay safe together. The arts are a lifeline for many. For those seeking to connect with the inspiring beauty, transformational power, and respite of the arts, the KIA galleries and shop remain open to everyone.” Says KIA Executive Director Belinda Tate.
For those who decide to venture downtown on June 4-5, appropriately scaled events will occur during Kalamazoo’s “JumpstART” summer kickoff, including the Doo-Dah Parade and Art on the Mall. On Saturday, consider a quiet visit to Bronson Park, where you can relax with music, enjoy food trucks, help color-in sidewalk chalk drawings, and virtually shop the KIA Arts Fair using guided signage in the park. Free KIA gallery admission will be available during the weekend festivities for the opening of our annual West Michigan Area Show, our new permanent collection installation, Unveiling American Genius, and other lively exhibitions on view.