The new year has arrived, bringing with it new opportunities to explore the Dennos Museum Center. I’m thrilled to announce four new shows that will challenge your perceptions of scale, history, and even the fine line between truth and fiction.
In “Doug Cannell: Selections from Backstories,” visitors encounter sculptures that resist easy definition. These hybrid works merge installation and storytelling through fabricated histories and digital extensions, creating an experience where objects live somewhere between abstraction and function.
Additionally, our partnership with Interlochen Arts Academy continues with “Twelve-by-Twelve.” For this exhibition, students and faculty worked within a defined rubric: every piece must fit within an imaginary 12-inch cube. This simple boundary pushed these creatives to discover what unique ideas could be produced within a confined space, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the Interlochen art department.
And in honor of the museum’s 35th anniversary this year, we are proud to present “New Perspectives: Recent Acquisitions.” This exhibition features many works never before seen by the public, including paintings and works on paper gifted through the Museum Exchange program and generous donations from museum supporters. These acquisitions highlight both convergent and divergent perspectives on 21st century contemporary art.
Finally, for those interested in the deep history of our planet, “Trilobite Treasures” offers a unique snapshot of life in the ancient Paleozoic seas from 250 to 500 million years ago. Through actual specimens, interactives, and detailed models, this exhibit explores the “Age of Trilobites” and provides an immersive look at these once-plentiful prehistoric creatures.
Looking for something to do this evening? Our Winter Opening Reception will take place tonight from 5-7 p.m., Feb. 6 — it was previously scheduled for Jan. 23 but canceled due to the extreme cold.
We look forward to welcoming you to the museum to celebrate these new exhibits. Admission remains free for members and is $0 — $10 for the general public. As always, please reserve your ticket on our website and be sure to check online for the latest on closures due to weather at dennosmuseum.org or on Facebook @TheDennos
Finally, as you plan your winter activities, don’t forget to look into our community programs, such as Tuesday Tours and Second Sunday Art Projects. We also encourage you to consider a Trailblazer membership, which provides free admission to over 2,000 museums nationwide.
We hope to see you this evening!