I was thrilled to read last week’s announcement from the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) that their popular Inside|Art program was back for the sixth year.
And even more excited when I learned one of the venues for the program was near me, in Edward Hines Park in southeastern Michigan.
From April 16 to July 19 this year, the Inside|Out program brings high-quality art reproductions from the DIA’s collection to outdoor venues throughout metro Detroit.
I discovered the DIA’s Inside|Art program last year when I walked along the Detroit Riverwalk in downtown Detroit.
Inside|Out at Edward Hines Park
Yesterday I decided to find the eight masterpieces in Edward Hines Park. It was a wonderful day to be outside, sunny with bright blue skies and temperatures in the seventies.
I downloaded the map showing the locations of the reproductions and off I went.
While I searched for the art reproductions, I also saw some migrating birds. Even more fun!
As you might expect for a gorgeous spring day, many people were out and about in the park, eating lunch, bicycling, canoeing along the Rouge River, and walking on the trails.
Tips for Finding Reproductions
Most of the Edwards Hines Park installations can be easily found from the parking lot of the location.
But a few were hidden for me; I asked a few people I met if they had seen the reproductions.
When I explained what the Inside|Out program was about, they were excited to learn about it.
One family said they were going to Nankin Mills next, planning to look for the Vincent Van Gogh reproduction.
I finally found two of the installations when I looked inside the park shelter and walked behind one of the play areas to locate the reproduction.
Be aware the reproductions in Edward Hines Park aren’t in one location you can easily walk to. Unless you have time to walk or run six miles.
Otherwise, use your bike or car to travel from Wilcox Lake in Plymouth Township to Nankin Mills in Westland. Look for the reproductions in views that overlook the water or near play areas.
Participating Communities
In addition to Edward Hines Park, nine other communities are participating in the DIA’s Inside|Out program:
- Birmingham
- Fraser
- Meadow Brook Hall
- Memphis
- Ortonville
- Osborn (in Detroit)
- Wayne State University
- West Bloomfield
- White Lake
Plan ahead to view the reproductions from the Inside|Out program in metro Detroit; download a map with detailed listings. Or look for a brochure at one of the locations for each venue.
Updated July 27, 2015: The 2015 summer season for the Inside|Out program begins Saturday, August 1, 2015. Cities and communities haven’t been announced, but the DIA will update their page with artfinder maps soon.
