WTI Magazine #24    2014 Apr, 04
Author : Detroit Institute of Arts      Translation by:

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) returns to the Italian American Cultural Society (IACS) Thursday April 10 when Sir Dr. Alan Darr, Senior Curator of the European Art Department at the DIA, comes to talk about the master works in the museum's Italian art college in an event entitled "An Evening with the Masters II – Italian Art at the DIA."

The DIA's collection European Art and Italian Sculpture collection is recognized as one of the finest in America. It includes vast holdings of Italian sculpture by famed artists such as Pisano, Donatello and Bernini. The museum also has a renowned collection of Italian paintings, particularly rich in works from the 1400's to 1700's by artists including Caravaggio, Botticelli and Bellini.

Dr. Darr holds one of only two endowed positions at the DIA and has overseen the acquisition by the museum, either through donation or purchase, of more than 1000 European sculptures, decorative arts and textiles. In 2007 he received the Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà Italiana (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Fellowship) awarded by the Italian government for 25 years of his valued contributions to Italian art and culture.

After the talk, guests can enjoy coffee and dessert, while meeting representatives from the DIA and Metro Detroit's Italian community.

This event is a follow-up to last year's inaugural "An Evening with the Masters - Italian Art at the DIA," which attracted a sell-out crowd of more than 400 guests to the IACS to get an exclusive insider's view of the Italian art collection at the museum.

The evening will also offer guests details about the wonderful programs the DIA offers at the museum and in the community. The DIA has a vibrant schedule of the nation's top art exhibitions, along with great performances, art classes and gallery talks on Friday nights and during the day on Sundays. Additionally, the DIA has programs that can be brought into the community, such as docent-led Behind the Seen talks and Art to the Schools in-classroom discussions.

Each guest to the event will receive a special package with goodies information about the DIA. To register for An Evening with the Masters II – Italian Art at the DIA call the DIA's box office at (313) 833-7971.