What’s happening: Vincent van Gogh has arrived on Mackinac Island. A total of 21 high-quality reproductions of masterpiece artworks from the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts have made the journey from Detroit to Mackinac Island, where the DIA’s Inside|Out program has installed the artworks at various points throughout the island.
What it is: The DIA’s Inside|Out program installs high-quality reproductions of artworks from its own collection each summer in participating communities, and typically those in the southeastern Michigan counties of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne. Artworks are installed in outdoor locations and remain on display from the beginning of summer through the end of October each year. An expanded program comes to Mackinac Island thanks to a DIA partnership with the Mackinac Island Arts Council (MAC).
Why it’s important: "MAC is thrilled to support InsideOut. As with DIA's mission, we also strive to be a gathering place for arts & culture, bringing free access to programs like this one to the millions of visitors that come to Mackinac Island,” says Laura Raisch, the Executive Director of the Mackinac Island Arts Council.
“Much like Detroit, we are a melting pot of diversity with day visitors, guests, Island residents and employees –– people who come from all over the world. We don't necessarily expect to see museum-quality art on the side of a walking path or in the park. We hope that it heightens the experience and helps to show the wonderful facets of the arts and culture community on Mackinac. It's a fantastic opportunity for all of us!"
What and where: The 21 artworks bridge eras and styles, including works from Vincent van Gogh, Edgar Degas, Thomas Moran, and more. The pieces are on display at a number of high-profile locations on the island, including downtown, Arch Rock, The Grand Hotel, Mission Point Resort, and more.
Visit the DIA online for a complete list of artworks on display, complete with a map of locations.
What they’re saying: “Inside|Out on Mackinac Island adds another unique experience to the appeal of visiting this already popular Michigan vacation spot,” says Julie McFarland, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Engagement at the DIA. “We hope visitors will enjoy this artistic addition to their visit to the island, whether it’s spotting a Van Gogh while riding in a horse-drawn carriage or appreciating a John Singer Sargent while they shop downtown.”
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