Museum of Art

Reinstalling the Detroit Institutes of Arts Great Collection of American Art

After several years in the works, the MCMA is excited to present “An Invitation to Awe,” curated by Professor of the History of Art and Architecture Katy Smith Abbott in collaboration with her students and colleagues. In this exhibition, older paintings and prints are displayed in conversation with contemporary objects, scientific equipment, and interactive work that compels the viewer to think of how awe is experienced through senses other than sight and to expand their own understanding of where awe lives now.

During this discussion (moderated by MCMA Director Richard Saunders), Garrett MacLean ‘99 and John Bell ‘73 will discuss the special exhibition, “Apocalypse Road Show: On Tour with Bread and Puppet Theater.” Garrett MacLean is a professional photographer who traveled with Bread and Puppet Theater for more than three months during the summer of 2022. John Bell is a puppeteer and former member of the company. After the talk, stay and mingle over light refreshments and complimentary wine.

Join us for a gallery talk by Hunter Barnes on the special exhibition, “A World Away” (on view at the Museum through August 11). This body of work—based on Barnes’ book of black and white photographs taken in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka among the Tamil people—offers a rare glimpse into a largely visually undocumented period in Sri Lankan history. Afterward, stay for hors d’oeuvres, drinks (cash bar) and conversation with your fellow art lovers. The talk begins at 5pm, followed by a reception at 5:30pm. 

Join the Student Friends of the Art Museum for a calligraphy and Chinese painting workshop with local artist Yinglei Zhang. Register at go/sfoamcalligraphy/. This event is free and open to all Middlebury students. 

Welcome by Pieter Broucke, Director of Architectural Studies
Introduction and Q&A by John McLeod, Associate Professor of Architecture

Welcome by Pieter Broucke, Director of Architectural Studies
Introduction and Q&A by Ben Allred, Visiting Assistant Professor of Architecture

Susan Rodriguez will discuss designing in the public realm and the creation of buildings and spaces that distill the essence of cultures and communities. She will share a series of projects that serve a diverse range of communities from off-the-the-grid rural locations to dense urban neighborhoods of New York City.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Join the Friends of the Art Museum for our Annual Dinner where we drink, dine, mingle, vote on yearly member business, and enjoy a special presentation. This year, Associate Professor of History of Art and Architecture Katy Smith Abbott and three of her students will take us on a visual journey through the curatorial process and highlight a number of the works of art that will be featured in the museum’s upcoming fall exhibit “An Invitation to Awe.” The evening will also feature a buffet dinner, dessert, and cash bar (each event ticket will include one free drink).

Members of the Friends of the Art Museum and invited guests gather to celebrate the year in review, welcome incoming officers and trustees, and present awards for distinction in the visual arts. Our guest Speaker this year will be Glenn Andres. Membership information: 802.443.2309 or museum.middlebury.edu/support/membership.

Over 65 million people around the world have been forced from their homes to escape famine, climate change and war in the greatest human displacement since World War II. “Human Flow,” an epic film journey led by the internationally renowned artist Ai Weiwei, gives a powerful visual expression to this massive human migration. The documentary elucidates both the staggering scale of the refugee crisis and its profoundly personal human impact. All are welcome at this free event.