CALENDAR

Past Events 2011

Friday, December 9, 5:30 - 8:30 pm

AFTER HOURS @ THE MUSEUM

This month's event will feature the UNBROKEN THREAD: Nature Painting and the American Imagination – The Art of Philip Koch and the regional artists participating in the Art in the Heart of the City's ART 4 ALL EXHIBITIONS. Visitors are invited to mingle, meet the artists, listened to live music and savor hors d'oeuvres & refreshments. The event is offered free through MACY'S FREE FRIDAYS.

Thursday, November 17th, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Art in the Heart of the City - Live and Silent Art Auction

The Saginaw Art Museum presented this family-oriented fundraiser where everyone was invited to wear jeans, enjoy pizza and beverages, and watch artists working live in a relaxed environment. At the event adults will participate in live and silent auctions of artwork from artists from the Great Lakes Bay Region while youth create art projects in the creative fun area. This fundraising event benefitted the Saginaw Art Museum.

Friday, November 11 - Sunday, November 13

Junior League of Saginaw Valley’s 24th Annual Festival of Trees

The Saginaw Art Museum and Macy’s invited guests to join us at the Junior League of Saginaw Valley’s 24th Annual Festival of Trees on November 11th, 12th and 13th at Apple Mountain Resort in Freeland.

We partnered to create a holiday tree in support of this year’s JLSV’s Signature Project to assist with the design and build of an Outdoor Education Playscape at The Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square. For more information visit the JLSV’s Festival of Trees website.

Saturday, November 5th, 5 pm to 9 pm

SAGINAW ART MARKET at the Saginaw Art Museum

Saginaw Art Museum hosted the Saginaw Artist Market, presented by Sarah and Paolo Pedini, who recently operated the Court Street Gallery in Old Town Saginaw. Thirty-four artists from around the state offered their handcrafted work to more than 150 visitors. Thank you to all who support the arts and culture community. For more information visit the Saginaw Art Market.

SATURday, October 22, 4-7 p.m.

"HOOPLA FOR HOPE" to Help Children in Need

Give2GiveHope and Big Brothers Big Sisters Saginaw Bay Area partnered at this fundraising event that blended uplifting music, original art, education and lively conversation into a colorful palette to provide support for impoverished children. From the Hoopla website: Thank you to everyone who joined us at our First Annual "Hoopla for Hope" on October 22nd, 2011. We enjoyed a fanatastic time at the Saginaw Art Museum with Empty Canvas who did an amazing painting for Give2GiveHope...Check back again in the fall of 2012 for our 2nd annual "Hoopla"!

FRiday, October 14, 3 pm to 8 pm & Saturday, October 15, 10 AM - 6 pm

AUTUMN ART FESTIVAL

Over 400 people joined the Saginaw Art Museum, HealthPlus of Michigan and over 20 vendors for two FREE, fun and festive days filled with hand-made art, crafts and gifts, holiday activities, health and wellness opportunities and more! Visitors tasted a little comfort food and listened to live music by keyboardist Amanda Lewis of Frankenmuth at a special festival After Hours @ the Museum reception on Friday, from 5 – 8pm.

Presented by

FRIDAY, October 14, 3 - 8 pm

Book Signing of "Saginaw" at the Autumn Art Festival

Saginaw’s history begins with its river system; the first inhabitants of the area were the Chippewa Indians who used the Saginaw, Shiawassee, and Tittabawassee Rivers for transportation, fishing, and rice harvesting. In 1675, Jesuit priest Fr. Henri Nouvel arrived by canoe from St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula to minister to the local tribes. As the first European visitor, he arrived before the rivers brought the fur traders, who established trading posts to barter with the Native Americans. In 1819, territorial governor Lewis Cass negotiated a treaty with the Native Americans in which millions of acres of their land was ceded to the U.S. government. After the treaty, settlers began to arrive, and lumber barons from the East found that the rivers could transport logs from the woods to the sawmills that dotted the Saginaw River. After the lumber industry waned, many varied trades came into being, and a long list of famous names are connected to the growth of the city. A small selection of early developers, heroes, and modern-day entrepreneurs are featured in this book.


Author Bio: Roberta Morey, a lifelong Saginaw resident, used a collection of Saginaw memorabilia, vintage photographs and distinctive stories in this book. She authored two previous books: Saginaw: Labor and Leisure and Saginaw in Vintage Postcards.

Thursday, October 13, 6 -10 p.m.

THE HARE BALL at the Saginaw Art Museum

Over 100 people came see the 2011 bunny sculptures during an evening of fun and food with warm and fuzzy feelings. The Hare Ball featured refreshments and "A Taste of Old Town", hors d'oeurves and dancing with the band Count N Change. A great end of the season party for the sponsored Saginaw Bunnies. All proceeds suppored the Annual Old Town Easter Egg Hunt and other community projects. Sponsored by the West Saginaw Civic Association and the Old Town Bar Owners Association.

Friday, September 23, 5:30 - 8pm

AFTER HOURS @ THE MUSEUM

September's After Hours featured artwork from 4 regional artists in the Art in the Heart of the City's ART 4 ALL Exhibitions and the opening of Amazing Architecture: Frank Lloyd Wright. Over 125 guests mingled, meet the artists, enjoy theart and architecture, and savor refreshments.

Saturday, September 24, 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Bus Trip to Art Prize

ArtPrize® is a radically open competition. Open to any artist in the world who can find space. Open to anybody in Grand Rapids, MI who wants to create a venue. Open to a vote from anyone who attends. 

The tour included admission to the Grand Rapids Art Museum(GRAM), ArtPrize tote bag containing the official ArtPrize map of all venues, information on the GRAM, a discount coupon for the GRAM store and a bottle of water.

Wednesday, September 21, 5:30 am - 7:00 pm

Volunteer Appreciation Night

The mission of CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region is to build communities where children are free from abuse and neglect. Volunteering means you can make a difference in a child’s life and fulfill your own. Visit the CAN Council's website to make a meaningful difference in your community.

Sunday, August 21, 3 - 7 pm

Old Saginaw City Lawn Chair Film Festival Special Reception

This event was a celebration for the volunteers and sponsors of the festival. The reception featured the biopic/drama film, Basquiat, that tells the story of the meteoric rise of youthful artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

In its ninth season, the Lawn Chair Fim Festival is a free outdoor festivial that features a fantastic menu of classic, blockbuster and Oscar-winning films. All movies are sponsored by local business and supporters located in and around Old Saginaw City. Admission is FREE. Movies begin at dusk on Sundays in the parking lot at the corner of Ames and N. Hamilton in Old Sagianaw City. Visit the festival website.

Friday, July 22, 5:30 - 8:30 pm

AFTER HOURS @ THE MUSEUM & EXHIBITION OPENING

Nearly 100 guests attended the event featuring artwork of 4 regional artists in the Art in the Heart of the City's ART 4 ALL Exhibitions-Patrick Humphreys, Linda Kreager, Pat Merewether & Julia Rohde. Visitors mingled, listened to jazz music and savored refreshments. The event was offered free through MACY'S FREE FRIDAYS.

Wednesday, July 20, 8:30 AM - 6:00 pm

2011 Summer Bus Trip: Ann Arbor Art Fair

Collaborating with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute "OLLI" at Saginaw Valley State University, over three dozen individuals attended the award-winning Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, first established in 1960, that showcased contemporary fine arts and fine crafts from Michigan’s and this country's talented artists.

Wednesday, June 8, 10 am - 3 pm

ARTY SOIL: Fred Case - A Walk on the Wild Side

This event, attended by over 100 people, was held in honor of Frederick W. Case Jr. (1928 - 2011). Fred, an acclaimed teacher, horticulturist and author, shared his adventures and knowledge of plants and nature with the world. He helped find a home for almost all of the known Michigan native species of orchids and trilliums. Honored as an outstanding teacher at Arthur Hill High in Saginaw and for achievements in botany throughout Michigan and the U.S., Fred inspired many to take a walk on the wild side with his passion for nature and for life.

The event featured art and garden vendors, lunch provided by John Zehnder and Zender's of Frankenmuth and a presentation by Tim Bugenske of Better Finds LLC, "Meet Your Neighbors - Michigan Native Plants." Also on view were over 100 photographs documenting the work and travels of Fred and Roberta Case throughout the world.

Proceeds benefitted the Museum's Ring Italianate Gardens designed by Charles A. Platt.

Sunday, June 5, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

27th Annual Children’s Arts Festival

The Children's Art's Festival was an afternoon of FREE art activities, performances and exhibits. Over 400 children and their families were able to enjoy unique games and win special prizes. The Museum offered food and concessions throughout the festival. Highlights included a performance by the Saginaw High Drumline and on-air personalities from WIOG. Thanks to all the sponsors and over 75 volunteers who helped make this an exciting event.

Friday, May 20, 5:30 - 8:30 pm

AFTER HOURS @ THE MUSEUM & EXHIBITION OPENING

May's After Hours featured the artwork of 12 regional artists in the Art in the Heart of the City's ART 4 ALL Exhibitions. Over 150 visitors came to mingle, meet the artists, listened to live music and savor hors d'oeuvres & refreshments compliments of Opperman's Cork 'N' Ale. The event was offered free through MACY'S FREE FRIDAYS.

Wednesday, May 4, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Saginaw Choral Society's Party Time Special Reception

The Saginaw Choral Society introduced Glen Thomas Rideout, newly selected Artistic Director and Conductor. Over 100 guests attended this special invitation only event. Guest enjoyed hors d'oeuvres & refreshments and performances by the SCS Men's Sextet, Ah! Tempo.

Congratulations to SCS for the new director and for 75 spectacular years!

The mission of Saginaw Choral Society is to provide meaninful and creative musical experiences that reflect the talent of our singers and the diversity of our audience.

FRIDAY, April 29, 12:10 - 12:30 p.m.

LUNCH & LECTURE with Larry D. Butcher

Join us for a noon-time presentation on the last Friday of the month. Guests are encouraged to bring their lunch for a relaxing, friendly and educational break from your day! The event is free through MACY'S FREE FRIDAYS!

This month, artist and former Delta College art professor Larry D. Butcher will give a gallery talk on his work represented in the Art in the Heart of the City's ART 4 ALL Exhibitions on view in the Sargent Exhibition Wing Gallery through May 22.

Larry D. Butcher and seven other artists in this exhibition helped to support arts and culture in the region by contributing to SAM's annual Art in the Heart of the City's live auction held in November of 2010. Visit here to read more about the artist.

LARRY BUTCHER, I Am The Shadow To Your Light, 2010, pencil drawing & acrylic paint

Thursday, April 14, 5-8 p.m.

Hare Affair Cocktail Reception

West Saginaw Civic Association 2011 Saginaw HAREitage Campaign welcomed guests to join them for a "Taste of Old Town" featuring Fralia's, Pasong's Cafe, Sweet Creations and Jake's Old City Grill as they unveiled the 2011 Saginaw Bunnies! All proceeds went to the WSCA to support events and activities in Old Town Saginaw.

Saturday, April 2, 9:00 AM - 7:00 pm

BUS TRIP TO KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS

The Wyeths: America's Artists presented 80 works of art by three generations of this famous family of artists. SAM invited guests to join us on a day-long bus trip to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. The price of $50 per person included bus, lunch and ticket price to a docent-led tour.

Friday, March 25, 5:30 - 8:30 pm

AFTER HOURS @ THE MUSEUM

March's After Hours featured the artwork of 12 regional artists in the Art in the Heart of the City's ART 4 ALL Exhibitions. Over 300 visitors attended the event to meet the artists, mingle, listened to live music and savor hors d'oeuvres & refreshments compliments of Opperman's Cork 'N' Ale. This event was offered free through MACY'S FREE FRIDAYS.

Thursday, March 3, 2011, 6 - 9 PM

2011 Cheeseburgers in Margaritaville

The Saginaw Art Museum turned into a tropical paradise on Thursday, March 3, 2011! Over 350 attendees put their their flip flops and sipped and swayed the night away Jimmy Buffet style from 6–9 pm. Cheeseburgers in Margaritaville, presented by Rehmann, was an entertaining evening that featured live music, cheeseburgers, of course, margaritas! This annual event is always an opportunity for guests to dress in tropical attire, Parrot Head style, and to mingle in a state-of-the art facility while enjoying an evening in a Caribbean mind-set! Thank you to the 2011 sponsors!

Saturday, February 26, 1 - 4 pm

ANTIQUE APPRAISAL DAY

Discover the value of your treasured antiques.

Verbal fair market estimate in the areas of fine and decorative arts, antiques and collectibles and personal property. Excludes weapons, native american artifacts, coins, stamps and precious jewelry. 3 Item Limit. $20 Members / $30 Non-Members

Judy Campbell Appraisals, Midland, MI with 15 year affiliation with public broadcasting. Download the event flyer for information.

EDYTH BELL, The Saginaw Art Museum, oil on board, ca. 1975, 26" x 30", Gift of James H. Bell, SAM# 1997.1.1

Friday, February 4, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

After Hours @ the Museum, presented by MACY'S FREE FRIDAYS

This month's AFTER HOURS had over 225 children and adults visit the Museum to listen to live music, participate in family friendly activities and savor hors d'oeuvres & refreshments as the Museum celebrated the launch of MACY'S FREE FRIDAYS.

Macy's support of SAM and arts and culture programs throughout country help make the arts accessible to diverse communities such as the Great Lakes Bay Region. The Museum is proud to partner with Macy's to provide enjoyable and enriching experiences for visitors with all levels of familiarity with art. MACY'S FREE FRIDAYS allows everyone to visit the Museum for FREE on Friday's throughout 2011. The Museum will be having extended Friday hours throughout the year. Check out the events calendar for dates or call the Museum. Download an event flyer.

Saturday, January 8, 9:00 Am - 5:00 pm

BUS TRIP TO SEE DIANA: A CELEBRATION AT THE GRAM

The SAM organized a trip and over 100 guests joined in to see this award-winning exhibition which showcased the life and humanitarian work of one of the 20th century's most remarkable women, Diana, Princess of Wales. Nine galleries in the Grand Rapids Art Museum featured more than 150 personal objects including her royal wedding gown, 28 designer dresses, family heirlooms, personal mementos and rare home movies.

Past Events 2010

Friday, December 10, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

After Hours @ the Museum

This month's After Hours featured the exhibition HAND AND HOME: Paintings, Sculpture, and Furniture by Betty and Fred Foltz. Over 175 guests mixed and mingled with the artists, listened to live music by Traeder, and savored hors d'oeuvres & refreshments. The event was free of charge.

FRED FOLTZ, Jewelry Box, 2005

Thursday, November 18th, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Art in the Heart of the City - Live and Silent Art Auction

The Saginaw Art Museum presented ART IN THE HEART OF THE CITY, where everyone was invited to wear jeans, enjoy pizza and beverages, and watch artists working live in a relaxed environment. At the event adults participated in live and silent auctions of artwork from artists from the Great Lakes Bay Region while youth create art projects courtesy of McDonald's Restaurant in the creative fun area. This fundraising event, benefitted education programs at the Museum. The event was sponsored by Constance L. Scott DO of All Season Skin and Surgery Center and held in memory of arts advocate, Kenneth D. Smith. Special thanks also to Domino's Pizza, Happy's Pizza, Jet's Pizza, Papa John's Pizza, Spencer's Route 46, Timber's Bar & Grill, Covenant Medical Center, and Fabiano Brothers, Inc.

Tuesday, October 26th, 6 pm to 9 pm

Symphony at SAM - Violin Art Party

The Saginaw Art Museum hosted the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra's Violin Art Party with Raffle Madness and Live Auction.The Symphony at SAM event featured 19 violins created by local artists including the Museum's Curator of Education Kara Brown. The violins were raffled or auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. The evening also included Jazz Entertainment by Bryan Rombaski & Three Worlds and Sangria, Paella & More!

This was the second collaborative event celebrating the 75th anniversary of a Saginaw County cultural gem. The first event was an exhibition titled Overture for a City, on display at The Historical Society of Saginaw County, Castle Museum & the Annex through February 2011. This exhibit transported visitors through the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra’s evolution as told through the tenures of its conductors.

Congratulations to SBSO for 75 spectacular years!

After Hours @ the Museum - Friday, September 24, 5:30 pm - 8:30 PM

The exhibition DESIGNING AN ICON: Creativity and the American Automobile, highlightws nearly 100 rare drawings from American automobile designers of the early 1960s-70s. During this era, the so-called Musclecars came into being. This AFTER HOURS featured History of the Musclecar Era, a video presentation by BILL PORTER, automobile historian and former head of General Motors Advanced Design Studio.

Photo courtesy of Insight Farm

FREE ADMISSION FOR MILITARY - Memorial Day to Labor Day, 2010

The Saginaw Art Museum participated in the national Blue Star Museums program. This program was a partnership among Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts, and more than 600 museums across America.

The Museum offered free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2010. For national details on this program visit the National Endowment of the Arts.

CAR CRUISE & MEET THE DESIGNERS - Saturday, August 28, 2010, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

The Car Cruise started at 11 am from Crooked Creek Banquet, Bowling and Golf, located at 9387 Gratiot Road/M-46, and ended at the Museum. The Cruise featured over 25 vehicles ranging from classical to muscle cars. The cruise was led by a Duesenberg from the Tom McDonald Historic Automobile Foundation. Following the cruise, the public was welcome to meet the designers inside the Museum for a roundtable discussion. Special thanks to Be Cool Radiators and the Bay Valley Corvette Club.

Images from the event came be found by becoming a fan of the Museum on Facebook.

After Hours @ the Museum - Friday, June 18, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

William G. Patrick was born in LaGrange, Illinois in 1961. He earned his B.F.A. in Sculpture from Eastern Michigan University. He currently creates and resides in Saginaw, Michigan.Patrick is a master mold maker and creates classical figurative oils; welded metal including wall art; kinetic sculpture, wind art, fountains and mobiles; portraiture and murals; woodwork; and sculpture in stone, marble, cement, and bronze.

W.G. PATRICK, Thoughts Create Form (A Team of 12 Capitalists/Creators in front of Mt. Shasta, USA) 2005-2009, oil on polypropylene felt, 240" x 74" (detail)

26th Annual Children’s Arts Festival - Sunday, June 6, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

All afternoon art activities, performances, games and prizes, concession and art exhibits. The Children’s Arts Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to take part in an incredible day of experimentation with art and exploration of creativity.

TRI-CIty Art Battle - Saturday, May 15, 2010, 5 - 9 PM

presented by The saginaw art Museum & Court Street Gallery

25 local artists duked it out working in all mediums for cash prizes and bragging rights!

The Saginaw Art Museum hosted the Tri-City Art Battle where 25 artists had three hours to complete an original piece of work for cash prizes of $500, $250 & $100. More than 250 visitors casted their vote for their favorite piece. All artwork created by the artists plus additional pieces were available through silent auction at the end of the evening. The artists received 70% of sales and remaining proceeds benefitted programs and exhibitions at the Saginaw Art Museum. See photos of the event on Facebook.

After Hours @ the Museum - Friday, April 16, 5:30 pm - 8:30 PM

April's event explores the world of contemporary art through the words of today's artists. Event-goers will gain insights into this world through artwork on exhibit by local artists, objects from the Museum's permanent collection, and a film presentation from the acclaimed PBS TV Series, Art:21–Art in the Twenty-First Century.

Contemporary art challenges us to look at the world in new ways. Contemporary artists deal with complex issues, ask tough questions, and make works that delight, amaze and sometimes unsettle viewers. The Museum will presente Art:21–Fantasy, an episode from the fifth season of the PBS TV Series. This episode reveals the perspectives of four artists on current affairs, history, and popular culture, as well as showcases the artists’ working processes, their work, and their studios. A practical discussion, led by Kara Brown, Museum's Curator of Education, Gina Dominique, Associate Professor of Art and Art History at Delta College and Jean Beach, local artist, historian, and author, will follow the film.

Whether you are hoping to better understand art created by today's artists or just looking to meet your contemporaries, you are welcome After Hours @ the Museum. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served. Admission to this event is free, contributions welcome.

“Art:21–Art in the Twenty-First Century” Season 5 was produced for PBS by the non-profit contemporary art institution Art21, Inc. Executive Producer and Curator: Susan Sollins; Series Producer: Eve Moros Ortega; Associate Producer: Migs Wright; Consulting Directors: Charles Atlas (“Systems” and “Transformation”) and Catherine Tatge (“Compassion” and “Fantasy”); Series Co-Creators: Susan Sollins and Susan Dowling. Discover more about “Art:21–Art in the Twenty-First Century” at www.pbs.org.

2010 Cheeseburgers in Margaritaville - Thursday, March 4, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

The Saginaw Art Museum turned into a tropical paradise on Thursday, March 4, 2010! More 300 people dug out their flip flops and came in to sip and sway the night away Jimmy Buffet style from 6–9 pm. Cheeseburgers in Margaritaville, presented by Yeo & Yeo, CPAs, was a entertaining evening featuring live music by The Music Doctors, cheeseburgers by Jake’s Old City Grill and The Junction, of course, margaritas! This event was an opportunity for guests to dress in tropical attire, Parrot Head style, and to mingle in a state-of-the art facility while enjoying an evening in a Caribbean mind-set! The event raised more than $12,000 for children's education programs and exhibitions at the Museum. Click here to see images from the event on Facebook. Photos courtesy of Hilton Photography.

After Hours @ the Museum - Friday, February 26, 5:30 pm - 8:30 PM

February's Event, presented by Riverside Saginaw Film Festival, features the film Herb and Dorothy, by Magumi Sasaki. Following the film, a guest panel of artists and art collectors will lead a discussion on collecting art and the art world. The panel includes Jean Beach, Larry Butcher, Arnold Kolb, Dr. Jim Letson, and Bill and Pat Porter. Food refreshments and hors d’oeurves are included in the $10 suggested contribution. This event is sponsored by Great Lakes Rheumatology & Osteoporosis Center - Dr. Albert S. Manlapit, MD, Pasong's Cafe and Red Eye Caffe.

Herb and Dorothy in their New York apartment. The still is courtesy of "HERB & DOROTHY, an Arthouse Films release 2009."

HERB AND DOROTHY is a co-production of Fine Line Media, Inc. and the Independent Television Service (ITVS), with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Produced by Fine Line Media in association with Muse Film and Television, Inc. ©2009 Fine Line Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Follow Herb & Dorothy at www.herbanddorothy.com.

After Hours @ the Museum - Friday, January 22, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

The Museum’s Deputy Director, Ryan Kaltenbach, will kick off the After Hours & the Museum 2010 premiere event with a brief presentation on the 66-year old history of the Saginaw Artists Guild with a special recognition of the members of the Guild participating in the exhibition, SAGnificent!: A Selection of Work by the Saginaw Artists Guild. The artists in attendance will be available to converse about their artwork, many of which are for sale to the public. An eclectic presentation of hors d'oeuvres and refreshmen will be served. Admission to this event is free, contributions welcome.

Special musical guest, Duality, will play acoustic music with a jazz tinged edge that encompasses thoughtful originals contemplating the universe, ecology and sailing, hits from the 60's to 80's, plus other songs and tunes from Irish to 'Hot Club' jazz.

Past Events 2009

After Hours @ the Museum - Friday, December 11, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The Saginaw Art Museum introduces a new evening series of events that offer adults the opportunity to mingle after work in a stimulating and sophisticated setting. Attendees can savor an appetizer, sip on refreshments, listen to music, enjoy live performances, attend a gallery talk, or even see an art or classic film.

This debut event featured a film on the artist Frida Kahlo, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments, and free admission with donations welcome.

Art in the Heart of the City - Thursday, November 19th, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

The Saginaw Art Museum presents ART IN THE HEART OF THE CITY, where everyone is invited to wear jeans, enjoy pizza and beverages, and watch artists working live in a relaxed environment. On Thursday, November 19th, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, adults can participate in live and silent auctions of artwork from over 40 artists from the Great Lakes Bay Region while youth create art projects and watch movies in the creative fun area. Adults are encouraged to contribute a suggested $20 at the door and youth (15 and under) come in for free. This fundraising event, sponsored by the Court Street Gallery, benefits the Saginaw Art Museum and its mission to provide Art for All.

Murder on the Menu, A Regional YPN Event - Thursday, October 29, 5:30pm - 8:00pm

The Saginaw Art Museum will host Murder on the Menu, A Regional Young Professional Network event. Lee-Perry Belleau (formerly of Pit & Balcony) and Jenny Rogers-Belleau have created an intriguing whodunit murder mystery performance for all.

Murder, mystery and mayhem will strike several times over the course of the evening and everyone's a suspect, including you. Use your skills, wit and connections to unravel the mystery before you're the prime suspect or the prime victim!

YPN Members: $20, Non-Members: $25 Your ticket includes professional murder mystery, heavy hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Drinks have a suggested donation of $2 for beer and $3 for wine.

25th Annual Children’s Arts Festival - Sunday, May 31, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

All afternoon art activities, performances, games and prizes, concession and art exhibits. The Children’s Arts Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to take part in an incredible day of experimentation with art and exploration of creativity.

The Museum is hosting a live-art performance titled Picasso Becomes You to celebrate the festival's 25th Anniversary. The play, created by Jenny Rogers-Belleau, involves theatre students at the Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy (SASA) dressed as live art pieces based on works of Pablo Picasso and art pieces at the Saginaw Art Museum. The play helps build awareness and raise funds for the Museum's World War I poster collection through its Adopt a Work of Art program. FREE for Children under age 16; $5.00 for non-member adults 16+

All Area Arts Awards - Thursday, May 7, 2009 at The Dow Event Center, Saginaw

The Saginaw Arts and Enrichment Commission annually holds the All Area Arts Awards, the region's top art gala awards. This event recognizes arts organizations, businesses, volunteers, or civic leaders whose efforts on behalf of the arts has garned local, state or national acclaim. Nominees are evaluated on the basis of leadership, impact and committment to the arts.

This year the Saginaw Art Museum was nominated in the non-profit category for the exhibition Life As A Legend: Marilyn Monroe.

Reflections of Italy - Monday, April 27 - Wednesday, May 6

The Saginaw Art Museum hosted an exciting 10-day excursion to the heart of Italy from April 27 to May 6, 2009. Reflections of Italy,led by Museum Executive Director Les Reker, included visits to Rome, Assisi, Perugia, Siena. San Gimignano, Florence, San Marino, Venice, Murano Island, and Lake Como. Organized and escorted by the travel professionals of Collette Vacations, participants experienced great Italian cuisine with local wines, along with tours and visits to major museums, churches, cathedrals, monuments, and palaces. Glassmaking demonstrations in Venice and leathermaking demonstrations in Florence were also part of the agenda. In addition Mr. Reker provided participants with lectures, handouts and visits to view some of the finest Renaissance and Baroque art produced by Western Civilization. Participants were provided with free time to shop, explore, and relax on their own throughout the trip.

Lunch and Lecture - Friday, March 25, 12:10 – 12:50 p.m.

This month Kara Brown, Curator of Education, will present a lecture on the exhibition EANGER IRVING COUSE: A Place in the Sun, on view from March 20 to May 10. This exhibition features the whole range of this important American painter’s career, whose significance as a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists is well known. Works include a private sketchbook and figure drawings that demonstrate his skill as a draftsman. Paintings of bucolic scenes of French peasants and other early works illustrate the influence of Couse's famed teacher, William Adolph Bouguereau, on the evolution of his work, from its pastoral beginnings to the vibrant palette and striking figures of his Southwestern American landscapes, for which he is best remembered.

2009 Cheeseburgers in Margaritaville - Thursday, March 5, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Winter Woes Melt Away in Margaritaville! Come in from the cold…sip and sway the night away in Jimmy Buffet style! On Thursday, March 5th, from 6–9 pm the Saginaw Art Museum will host Cheeseburgers in Margaritaville, a BIGGER AND BETTER fun-filled evening featuring live music, cheeseburgers and, of course, yummy margaritas!  This event is an opportunity for guests to dress in tropical attire, Parrot Head style, while enjoying an evening with the aura of the Caribbean!

Proceeds will allow the Museum to continue school tours free of charge, the award-winning Art Goes to School art appreciation program, Children’s Art Festival and also to provide many new initiatives to more than 13,000 Great Lakes Bay Region school children served on an annual basis. 

Lunch and Lecture - Friday, January 30, 12:10 – 12:50 p.m.

On the last Friday of the month, guests can bring their lunches to the Museum and eat while learning about exciting art trends, viewing current exhibits or meeting contemporary artists!

The topic this month is an exploration of right-brain functions relating to artistic creativity. The program speaker will be Sarah Gorman, Creativity Director for the Creative Spirit Center in Midland. Gorman earned an MA from Duke University and a BA from Texas Christian University. A native of Texas, her arts background includes musical performance, writing and wellness studies.

For more information, please contact Visitor Services by phone at 989.754.2491 or by email at info@saginawartmuseum.org.