Detroit Institute of Arts to showcase works in Utica

UTICA — The Detroit Institute of Arts recently announced the Macomb County communities that will be participating in the 2024 Inside|Out program, and Utica is one of the cities.

Inside|Out brings high-quality reproductions of the DIA’s collection to outdoor venues throughout metro Detroit. The museum’s administration says that the goal of the program is to increase engagement between the museum and its audiences in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

Utica Mayor Gus Calandrino said the city is thankful to the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Inside|Out program for choosing Utica for a summerlong exhibition of art.

“The last time Utica participated in this program was during the height of the coronavirus. Due to restrictions on public gathering, we were forced to cancel all of the great programming and educational opportunities that are part of the Inside|Out program. We hope to have a lot of events this year, which will complement the artwork on display in the city,” he said.

He said the curators selected some wonderful art for Utica.

“There will be pieces on display at Jimmy John’s (Field), at Grant and Heritage Park, and sprinkled throughout our downtown. I encourage residents and guests to get out and enjoy this wonderful opportunity to experience art in Utica,” he said.

Emily Weiss is manager of community engagement at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

“Utica was a partner with the DIA for this program in 2020, and we are thrilled that they will be hosting the Inside|Out again this year,” Weiss said. “Inside|Out partnerships are determined through an application process, which opens to the tri-county (area) around the end of summer each year. In our visits to Utica, we found a welcoming, friendly and celebratory atmosphere, which inspired us to select artworks that reflect and enhance their surroundings.”

She said that “Fire in a Stack of Wheat,” by Jules Breton, placed at the Fire Department will honor the dedication of those who serve the community, while “Hard Ball III,” by Robert Moskowitz, placed at Jimmy John’s Field, will aim to energize fans and encourage them to cheer on the Utica Unicorns.

“Other placements across the city similarly resonate with their respective settings, adding what we hope to be a great addition to Utica this summer. The Utica installation will be ready to view on May 15, featuring nine reproductions displayed across various locations throughout the city, including the library, fire station, Grant and Memorial parks, and more,” Weiss said.

A map with locations of all nine images will be available at DIA.org/events/insideout-2024 at the end of this month when the project is fully installed.

Weiss said that whether residents reference the map or just discover Inside|Out as they go about their daily lives, she hopes they enjoy a taste of the DIA close to home and maybe even plan a trip to see the real pieces at the museum.

“Our partners in Utica are excited to participate in this popular program and are busy making plans to bring it to life this summer by incorporating the program into their summer activities roster,” she said.

Inside|Out is made possible by the tri-county millage investment in the DIA. In addition to experiencing Inside|Out in their communities, residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties always receive free admission to the DIA.

To see the full list of participating Inside|Out communities and sites, including those in Wayne and Oakland counties, and to learn more about the Inside|Out program, visit dia.org/events/insideout-2024.