DIA’s Inside|Out returns to Rochester

By: Mary Beth Almond | Rochester Post | Published July 3, 2024

ROCHESTER — You don’t have to travel to Detroit to enjoy the masterpieces of the Detroit Institute of Arts this summer.

For the next five months, a number of art reproductions will be on display in downtown Rochester via the art museum’s Inside|Out program.

Now in its 15th year, the Inside|Out program brings high-quality reproductions from the museum’s art collection to life in the streets, parks and public spaces.

The program, according to Julie McFarland, the DIA’s executive director of public affairs and engagement, is all about making art accessible for residents of Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties.

This year, 11 DIA reproductions have been placed around Rochester — including at Rochester Mills Beer Co., the Rochester Hills Public Library, The Meeting House, The Home Bakery, Municipal Park, the farmers market, the Rochester Corner Bar pocket park, Lytle’s Pharmacy, the pocket park at Walnut and West University, the Royal Park Hotel, and the OPC Social and Activity Center.

“We’re thrilled to bring Inside|Out to Rochester and invite residents to explore, discover, and appreciate the beauty of these artworks in their own backyard,” McFarland said in a statement.

The artwork will be on display in Rochester through October.

“It’s a great opportunity for the public to have a reason to walk around town and explore areas that they might not normally go to, but most importantly, it’s a great art education in a fun manner,” said Rochester Downtown Development Authority Marketing Coordinator Taylor Knuth.

This year marks the first time the DIA’s Inside|Out program has included a trail, with an installation directly along the Clinton River Trail, stretching across multiple communities.

Melinda Hill, the president of the Friends of the Clinton River Trail, said the Friends group is excited to be selected for the 2024 program, which will allow them to unveil “Art on the Trail” this summer.

“We are constantly striving to improve the trail user experience, and as we celebrate the trail’s 20th anniversary, what better way to do it than by adding some wonderful pieces of art from the DIA,” she said in a statement. “These art installations are the cherries that top our celebration, and trail users will be delighted to experience the DIA Inside/Out program.”

In addition to experiencing Inside|Out in their communities, residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties always receive free admission to the DIA.

For a complete map of artworks and locations in Rochester, visit downtownrochestermi.com/dia-insideout.