Community Calendar

Come along for a guided stroll of Taekyeom Lee: Designed, Printed & Fired. Discover how the artist uses unusual materials and digital tools such as 3D printers to create letters, graphics, and objects that invite visitors to engage with design through touch, sight, and play.

Take a wonder walk through the galleries! Join us on the first Friday of the month. Children and their caregivers will be led through the galleries by a member of the museum education team. The walk will include close looking at a few artworks as well as gallery games and activities. This is a great way to introduce your little one to art and the museum. Wonder Walks is for children 2-4 years old (but all are welcome) and is free with the cost of admission. Caregivers must stay with their children at all times.

2025 Holiday Art Sale • December 4, 5, 6

The 52nd Annual Holiday Art Sale features one-of-a-kind artworks created by students and faculty available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the artists and the Kirk Newman Art School. Over 100 artists participate in the Holiday Art Sale with artwork on display throughout the KIA and in the KNAS studios.

A portion of every purchase supports KNAS programs and most directly benefits the artists!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer as Branch County Community Theatre brings the magic of Christmas to life! For one night only, the historic Tibbits Opera House will be filled with music, laughter, and heartwarming performances from some of the most talented artists in the region.

Hosted by the charismatic BJ West, this festive showcase will feature:

Alley Roads and CHS Balladiers delivering musical delights
Skits and scenes by Branch County Community Theatre
Harmonies from the Branch County Community Choir
A special performance by Joe Renshaw
The soulful sounds of Nino Emanuele
Stunning aerial footage courtesy of Combs Drone Service
And yes… Elvis will be in the building!
Pre-Show Event: Before the curtain rises, head to the Lower-Level Art Gallery from 5:30pm to 6:45pm for the Singers Showcase, featuring Delbert Walling and Friends. No ticket required!

Whether you're a longtime supporter of the arts or simply looking for a joyful way to celebrate the season, this Christmas Extravaganza promises to be a night to remember. Let the lights, music, and community spirit warm your heart this holiday season

The 52nd Annual Holiday Art Sale features one-of-a-kind artworks created by students and faculty available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the artists and the Kirk Newman Art School. Over 100 artists participate in the Holiday Art Sale with artwork on display throughout the KIA and in the KNAS studios.

A portion of every purchase supports KNAS programs and most directly benefits the artists!

Get ready for a spellbinding holiday extravaganza as The Wizards of Winter bring their spectacular holiday rock opera sound to Michigan!

The Wizards of Winter features world renowned talent that have performed with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Def Leppard, Blue Oyster Cult, Rainbow, and other giants of classic rock! These musicians blend with Broadway veterans to deliver a powerful performance of their masterful holiday rock opera, The Christmas Dream.

Join The Wizards of Winter as they take you on a musical journey in search of the meaning of Christmas. From symphonic rock and pop to powerful ballads, with snowballs, beach balls, and even a visit from Mrs. Claus, you can't miss this high-energy, family-friendly production that has captivated audiences of all ages!

The Wizards of Winter was born from the vision of two musicians, the husband and wife team of Scott (Composer, Keyboardist) and Sharon-Joy (Lead Vocals/Flute) Kelly. Originating in 2010 with a heartfelt mission to support their local community food pantry, the band evolved into a captivating musical force traversing the nation annually. Delighting audiences spanning generations, from 8 to 80, their Christmas Holiday Rock opera has become a cherished family tradition for many.

Miki Yamanaka, piano
Tyrone Allen, acoustic bass
Jimmy Macbride, drums

Discover the enchanting world of Miki Yamanaka, Japanese‑born pianist lighting up New York since 2012. Through her residencies at mainstay NYC jazz clubs Smalls and Mezzrow, as well as her weekly livestreaming concert series “Miki’s Mood” during the pandemic, audiences have come to love Yamanaka’s light, expressive playing and bold rhythmic invention, not to mention her infectious personality. In addition to touring as a leader, she also plays with the Mingus Big Band and the Harish Raghavan Quintet. Expect an evening of vibrant energy as she presents her celebrated repertoire — including selections from her latest album, Chance, and fan favorites from 2021’s Stairway to the Stars — alongside imaginative re‑interpretations of Great American Songbook and jazz standards. Joining Yamanaka at The Gilmore is her NYC rhythm section: bassist Tyrone Allen and drummer Jimmy Macbride. A modern ambassador for jazz who bridges tradition and innovation, Ms. Yamanaka’s charm and cultural flair shine as she performs in her signature kimono, making her sets as visually captivating as they are musically rich.

More with Miki Yamanaka:
Dec. 6 at 8 PM Miki Yamanaka Trio

While the Carpenters are known for over a dozen chart-topping hits and memorable songs of the 70s, they also won over fans with their Christmas celebrations. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her six-piece band are dedicated to re-creating the true sound and unforgettable Christmas songs of the Carpenters in a holiday concert, A Carpenters' Christmas. Based on the music from the Carpenters' two holiday albums and Christmas variety shows, A Carpenters' Christmas will feature “Merry Christmas Darling” and the jazzy “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town." It's a holiday concert that is sure to spread joy and cheer during the holiday season!

While the Carpenters are known for over a dozen chart-topping hits and memorable songs of the 70s, they also won over fans with their Christmas celebrations. Singer and playwright Lisa Rock and her six-piece band are dedicated to re-creating the true sound and unforgettable Christmas songs of the Carpenters in a holiday concert, A Carpenters' Christmas. Based on the music from the Carpenters' two holiday albums and Christmas variety shows, A Carpenters' Christmas will feature “Merry Christmas Darling” and the jazzy “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town." It's a holiday concert that is sure to spread joy and cheer during the holiday season!

Miki Yamanaka, piano
Tyrone Allen, acoustic bass
Jimmy Macbride, drums

Discover the enchanting world of Miki Yamanaka, Japanese‑born pianist lighting up New York since 2012. Through her residencies at mainstay NYC jazz clubs Smalls and Mezzrow, as well as her weekly livestreaming concert series “Miki’s Mood” during the pandemic, audiences have come to love Yamanaka’s light, expressive playing and bold rhythmic invention, not to mention her infectious personality. In addition to touring as a leader, she also plays with the Mingus Big Band and the Harish Raghavan Quintet. Expect an evening of vibrant energy as she presents her celebrated repertoire — including selections from her latest album, Chance, and fan favorites from 2021’s Stairway to the Stars — alongside imaginative re‑interpretations of Great American Songbook and jazz standards. Joining Yamanaka at The Gilmore is her NYC rhythm section: bassist Tyrone Allen and drummer Jimmy Macbride. A modern ambassador for jazz who bridges tradition and innovation, Ms. Yamanaka’s charm and cultural flair shine as she performs in her signature kimono, making her sets as visually captivating as they are musically rich.

More with Miki Yamanaka:
Dec. 6 at 5 PM Miki Yamanaka Trio

Please join us the first Saturday of each month at 9 AM (barring special events or bad weather which will be announced on our Facebook page), for "Beginning Birding Walks," led by experienced birders from the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo. This event is free and open to the public. Meet at the second parking lot at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan, just off SR 43. All skill levels are welcome.

We will enjoy nature while typically identifying 20-40 species of birds, plus butterflies, frogs, etc. Over 200 bird species have been sighted at Wolf Lake, which offers a variety of habitats and easy walking trails. Annual highlights include colorful songbirds like orioles, warblers, tanagers, hawks and eagles, kingfishers, Great Blue and Green Herons, and over 20 species of waterfowl. Eastern Bluebirds can be found year-round! Children accompanying adults are welcome. The focus is on birding fundamentals, and extra binoculars are always available. The walk typically takes about 2 hours (but feel free to arrive late or leave early).