DIA Artwork Coming to Wyandotte Later This Year

Known already for its bustling art scene, the city of Wyandotte will gain even more exposure in a couple months as it's one of 16 Michigan communities selected to host the Detroit Institute of Art's Inside|Out program.

As part of the project, the DIA will bring between seven and 10 high-quality reproductions of art pieces from its collection to the streets of Wyandotte. Some of the pieces will hang on the sides of buildings, while others will be freestanding throughout the downtown area. The pieces will be clustered within walking or biking distance from each other to encourage people to get out and view them all.

"By reimagining area cities and suburbs as a grand, open air gallery, the project aims to connect with audiences outside of traditional museum walls," organizers said in a written statement.

Natalie Rankine, director of Wyandotte's Downtown Development Authority, said the project fits in nicely with the number of art attractions already in the city.

"The DDA is thrilled to be partnering with the Detroit Institute of Arts to bring this exciting program to downtown Wyandotte," she said. "Wyandotte has a thriving arts scene and this installation will help to bring attention to local artists, our historic architecture and our cultural arts institutions."

Wyandotte will kick off the festivities on March 30 with hands-on activities at the Wyandotte Arts Center. Gallery openings also will take place that night, along with live music and giveaways.

Visitors will have a chance to pick up a Downtown Wyandotte Arts Passport at select businesses and get it stamped as they travel around, viewing all of the artwork. Those who get their passport fully stamped will be eligible to win a prize pack filled with tickets to the DIA, gift cards to downtown Wyandotte shops, DIA swag and specialty items from downtown Wyandotte shops. Select businesses also will offer discounts for those who bring in stamped passports.

The Inside|Out program runs from April to June. A number of events, including live music and hands-on art, will take place in Wyandotte over the two months to coincide with the pieces of display.

A narrated Art Walk is set for April 21-22. Volunteers will be on hand to speak about each piece of artwork. The Royal Garden Trio, which plays the original tune Miss Bliss from the DIA commercials, will perform live. There also will be art demonstrations and refreshments throughout the night. Tickets are $15, with all proceeds going to the Wyandotte Museum. Tickets go on sale March 1 at the museum.

On April 29, Wyandotte residents will be able to tour the DIA for free.

"This will encourage them to come to the DIA to experience 'their' works of art in person and enjoy the variety of activities the museum offers," organizers said.

Inside|Out, which is in its third year of operations, received a $250,000 grant from the Miami-based John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to continue the community outreach program through 2013. This is Wyandotte's first year participating.

In addition to Wyandotte, the 2012 program includes Bloomfield Township, Clarkston, Eastpointe, Farmington, Farmington Hills, the five Grosse Pointes, Mount Clemens, Roseville, Southfield, Taylor and Wayne.

Here's a list of where the art pieces will be displayed in Wyandotte, along with what type of art will be shown at each location:

• , 2610 Biddle Ave. Freestanding.
• , 2840 Biddle Ave. Masonry mount, north wall.
• , 81 Chestnut. Freestanding or wall mount on the north wall of nearby , 2803 First.
• . Freestanding.
• , 2912 Biddle Ave. Masonry mount, north wall.
• , 3200 Biddle Ave. Freestanding.
• , 3000 Biddle Ave. Masonry mount, north wall.