Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

To Stimulate the Appreciation and the Creation of Art

With that goal, the Kalamazoo Chapter of the American Federation of Arts incorporated as the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) in 1924. Its first home was a rented room in the then-new YWCA on South Rose Street. By 1928, the YWCA needed its space back, so the KIA joined forces with the Board of Education, which then governed the Kalamazoo Public Library and Museum.

For almost twenty years, the KIA shared space with the library and museum, first in the old Peck Mansion at 335 South Rose, and later next door in the Kauffer House. Working primarily with volunteers, it early established a series of distinguished exhibits, a wide range of classes for both children and adults, and guest lectures by such well-known artists as Diego Rivera, Thomas Hart Benton and Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1931, it hired Sylvester Jerry, its first full-time director.

A Home of its Own

In 1947, the KIA purchased and renovated a building of its own, an old home at 421 W. South St. (see photo on this page), but it was quickly filled to capacity and planning began for a permanent building at 314 S. Park St., which was constructed with the generosity of Genevieve and Donald S. Gilmore and the Upjohn Estate through the Kalamazoo Foundation. The modern design by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill included studio classrooms, a library, auditorium, exhibit areas, art storage, a sculpture garden and office space. The building opened in September 1961 with a staff of 15.

In 1997, the KIA began a $14.5 million dollar expansion and renovation project designed by the Boston architectural firm of Ann Beha Associates. Re-opening in September 1998, the addition includes more permanent collection galleries, a Community Cultural Center Auditorium, a centrally located library, an interactive gallery, and both new and completely renovated classrooms. The new two-story lobby and atrium showcases a glass chandelier by Dale Chihuly and a mobile by Alexander Calder.

Collection and Outreach

KIA offers art classes, exhibits, tours, films, lectures, concerts, and outreach programs. It has a fine permanent collection emphasizing 20th century American art and the German Expressionists. About ten percent of the items in the collection were donated by local philanthropists Donald and Genevieve Gilmore. The remainder have been purchased or received as gifts from KIA members and friends. Each year the KIA acquires additional works by nationally known and established regional artists.

On the first Saturday in June each year, the KIA sponsors its well-known Kalamazoo Art Fair in Bronson Park. Begun in 1951 as the Clothesline Art Fair for local artists, it evolved into an international juried show. Artists from all over the United States and Canada exhibit and sell their works here. The Art Fair attracts thousands of people each year for the one-day event.

Directors of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

1929–31: Lois Cole
1931–35: Sylvester Jerry
1935–36: Ann Miller Coleman
1936–37: Lowell Johnston
1937–39: Graeme Keith
1939–42: Ulfert Wilke
1942–43: Priscilla Crum Colt
1943–44: Karl Priebe
1944–47: Marion Dickenson Spencer
1947–49: Phillip Merrill
1949–55: University of Michigan affiliation: Gerald Mast, Gibson Byrd, Paul Haller Jones, Kirk Newman
1955–57: Richard Gregg
1957–58: Ned Cornish
1959–65: Alfred Maurice
1966–77: Harry Greaver
1978–89: Thomas A. Kayser
1990–2014: James A. Bridenstine
2014–2023: Belinda A. Tate
2024: Carrie Pickett-Erway (Interim)
2024-: Michelle Hargrave

Written by Beth Scott and Catherine Larson, Kalamazoo Public Library Staff, with thanks to Helen Sheridan of the KIA Staff, for providing additional information, June 1999. Last updated 17 April 2024.