By Megan Bildner
Intern for the Review
Lake Orion’s scenery will become a bit more artistic for the next couple months with the Detroit Institute of Art picking LO to participate in the Inside|Out program.
The Inside|Out program, sponsored by the DTE Energy Foundation, brings over 40 reproductions of masterpieces from the DIA’s collection to the streets and parks of over 44 cities of the greater metro Detroit. Where possible, the works will be grouped within walking or biking distance of each other in an open-air gallery.
“This innovative project not only makes the DIA’s collection more accessible to the public, but it excites, inspires and engages thousands of people along the way,” said Fred Shell, president of DTE Energy Foundation in a recent press release “We are proud to continue our long-term support of the DIA and to be part of bringing art to the places people live, work, and play.”
Lake Orion’s downtown development authority was contacted by the DIA for an opportunity to sign up for the Inside|Out program in early April. The DDA was eager to respond to the offer, believing it would be a great way to debut Lake Orion’s finished downtown after the construction and add to the dragon festival.
‘This is a great way to promote culture and arts within the Lake Orion community,? said Suzanne Perreault, DDA executive director, ‘We hope to draw attention from surrounding communities in time for the opening of our new downtown district as well.?
The works of art can be found throughout downtown Lake Orion and are open for viewing by anyone interested. The locations of each masterpiece are as follows:
The downtown art exhibits will be available to the public until the end of November.
In addition to donating the art replications, The DIA will offer Lake Orion and Oxford residents free museum admission on September 18 (this excludes special ticketed exhibitions and programs) to a Family Sunday so that they can experience ‘their? works of art in person and enjoy the variety of activities the museum has to offer. For more info visit www.dia.org