DIA's Inside-Out art now in full view at Milford locales

Downtown Milford has become a miniature art museum thanks to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) Inside-Out program.

Various displays of two-dimensional artwork are now on display at buildings and other locations throughout town and will remain there until early December, according to Ann Barnette, executive director of the Milford Downtown Development Authority (DDA).

She added that the displayed works are all reproductions of paintings, with the exception of one tapestry.

The DIA’s Inside-Out program brings reproductions of the museum’s best works to hang in areas across metro Detroit for the public to view.

The works that are on display include Thomas Moran’s “The Fisherman’s Wedding Party” displayed at The Mill Pond on North Milford Road, and Pierre Auguste Renoir’s “Woman in an Armchair” at the Heritage Wheel Garden at the Flat Iron Building, with both works on free-standing displays.

Barnette added that the works are made out of vinyl frames that will protect them from the elements.

“I think that people are pleased and surprised by the works. I see them huddled around every once in awhile. I think this is something that visitors will enjoy,” she said.

After the works were installed on Wednesday, Sept. 14, the DDA kicked off the Inside-Out season with an event called Milford Meets the Masters on Saturday, Sept. 17.

The event provided art activities for children, as well as docents to discuss the works on display.

Janine Rudzki, an owner of Aubergine Gallery on Main Street in Milford, helped coordinate the event and said that Inside-Out is a wonderful opportunity for Milford.

“What I would like to see is an increased interest in people to make their own art,” Rudzki said.

The DIA has also announced Nov. 20 as a day of free admission into its museum for Milford residents who show proof of residence at the entrance.