A new livestreaming video series, “House Calls: Virtual Studio Visits with Michigan Artists in a Pandemic,” will showcase 10 artists across the state via video chat with staff of the University of Michigan Institute for the Humanities.
Virtual Studio Visit Schedule
- April 22: Sajeev Visweswaran, Ann Arbor and New Delhi, India
- April 29: Judy Bowman, Romulus
- May 6: Mandy Cano Villalobos, Grand Rapids
- May 13: Lavinia Hanachiuc, Ann Arbor
- May 20: Rashaun Rucker, Detroit
- May 27: Yen Azzaro, Ypsilanti
- June 3, 10 & 17: TBA
- U-M Humanities YouTube channel
“House Calls,” which began April 15 with Sarah Rose Sharp of Detroit, is the first foray into virtual programming from the Institute for the Humanities Gallery and is made possible by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The gallery is an exhibition space known as a vibrant, lively site for the exploration of art, contemporary issues and social justice in southeast Michigan.
“‘House Calls’ emphasizes the role of the artist and the humanities in society — especially through challenging times — to find meaning and make sense of our human experience,” said Amanda Krugliak, curator at the Institute for the Humanities Gallery.
“We’ll be checking in with artists around the state. Each conversation will be generated through a series of questions as to how this new reality is shaping the way artists are making and thinking. The series provides human connection and support, creating a social and visual platform for artists.”
Rooted both in visual curation and community outreach, “House Calls” will focus on emerging artists representative of diverse media and artist communities around the state. The format was inspired by the virtual gatherings taking place because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the reassurance and strength that has come from those connections.
“The arts and humanities can offer human connection in this time of isolation and uncertainty,” said Peggy McCracken, director of the Institute for the Humanities. “Literature, music and the visual arts invite us to see and hear the world through somebody else’s perspective, and with ‘House Calls,’ we’ve commissioned Michigan artists to speak with us about how they are coping with and responding to our newly configured world.”
“House Calls” airs at 4 p.m. Wednesdays on the U-M Humanities YouTube channel.
