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Downtown's Newest Sights to See Are Masterworks of Art

The Detroit Institute of Arts brings Van Gogh and other artworks to Rochester.

 

Add Vincent van Gogh and Francis David Millet to your list of things to see and do around town this summer.

The Detroit Institute of Arts is working to install seven art masterpieces around Downtown Rochester for the summer.

It's part of the DIA's Inside|Out program, which takes framed, life-size digital reproductions of art from its collection to the streets of suburban Detroit communities.

Rochester was one of 11 cities chosen for the program this summer.

"Anytime you can bring art into a community, it's a win," said Kristi Trevarrow, the Rochester Downtown Development Authority executive who worked with the DIA to bring the artwork to Rochester.

Trevarrow hinted she and the DIA are working on a special event to highlight the artwork, which is all weatherproof and installed outdoors. The DIA designed the displays to be like an open-air art gallery, with descriptions of each artwork mounted next to the artwork itself.

Here's a look at the masterpieces installed around downtown Rochester:

  • Rotary Park outside the Rochester Hills Public Library: Portrait of Sophie, Princess Palatine by Gerrit van Honthorst.
  • Royal Park Hotel: Reading the Story of Oneone by Francis David Millet.
  • Western Knitting Mill building: The Postman, Vincent van Gogh.
  • Talulah Belle: Judith and Maidservant with the Head of Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi.
  • Farmer's Market lot: The Merrymakers by Carolus-Duran
  • Lytle Pharmacy: Syria by the Sea by Frederick Church.
  • Rojo Mexican Bistro: The Nightmare by Henry Fuseli.

In all, there are 40 art masterpieces installed in communities across southeast Michigan. Other chosen communities are Brooklyn, Howell, Livonia, Manchester, Milan, New Baltimore, Novi, Romeo, St. Clair Shores and Sterling Heights.

Every day this week, we'll take a closer look at each piece of artwork. Today: Portrait of Sophie outside the library. 

Related Topics: DIA Inside|Out
Have you seen the DIA art? Tell us in the comments.

Jenna Barba

9:00 am on Monday, June 20, 2011

Started my Saturday morning run at the library, and was so suprised and delighted to see the Portrait of Sophie outside in the middle of the park square! I can't wait to go around town and view the rest!

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Mary Howarth

2:08 pm on Monday, June 20, 2011

How much fun is this! Great walking tour of town. Thanks, Kristi!

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DAVID ARONOVITZ

9:16 am on Sunday, February 10, 2013

And these works of art are protected from mutilation and theft by............???

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Mary Howarth

4:32 pm on Sunday, February 10, 2013

There was a similar exhibit in the Rochester area two years ago. The pictures are sealed copies on board mounted on very sturdy posts. Yes, they can be mutilated by paint and perhaps a knife, but they are quite sturdy. This program is in its third year, so the DIA has a good take on how to handle these.

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