DIA to Display Artwork at Clawson Businesses

Reproduced masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection will soon be displayed for viewing in Clawson as part of the museum's Inside|Out program.

Clawson was one of five communities selected this year for Inside|Out, which provides five-12 reproductions set up within walking or bike-riding distance from each other. This is the third year for the DIA program.

Mayor Penny Luebs said Clawson will receive five DIA reproduction art pieces that will be set up outside downtown businesses July 3-Sept. 30.

"I think it's marvelous," Luebs said of the program. "Along with art comes an education about art to build that interest that people have."

Other selected communities this year include Garden City, Trenton, Troy and Waterford.

Residents in participating communities will receive free museum admission to the DIA for a Family Sunday on designated dates— Clawson's is Aug. 26.

"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," according to a news release from the DIA.

The DIA also plans to work with Clawson and other communities to organize activities that reflect the Inside|Out works, such as wine-tasting bus tours, bike and walking tours, discussions at the library and festivals.

Director Joan Horton said Clawson has already planned a DIA Inside|Out kick-off event on July 11 at . The artwork will be unveiled and there will be a DIA fundraiser during the event. Horton said she is also planning a bike tour this summer; details have not yet been confirmed.

The DIA program is one of the first steps in Clawson becoming a more arts and culture-center community, Luebs said, adding that Clawson applied for Inside|Out last year.

In addition, Clawson will host its first on Aug. 26 at the .