Monday, January 13, 2020
“I would encourage the cultivation of the power of vision…look ahead, aim true.”
-George Booth, Cranbrook Founder
Dear Cranbrook Friends and Family,
Happy New Year! As we begin the year 2020, I thought it would be an appropriate time to talk about vision. In building Cranbrook, the Booth’s goal was to create better citizens. Today, we continue this noble endeavor through the pursuit of our vision of being
a diverse, sustainable community where education is prized, the human spirit is nurtured, and innovation and creativity are valued
.
Some of the special events planned this winter and spring to celebrate Cranbrook’s citizens include the President’s Award for Excellence, the Founders Award, and the 55
th
Anniversary Gala for Horizons-Upward Bound.
In March, we will recognize this year’s recipients of the President’s Award for Excellence. This award was established by President Emeritus Dr. Lillian Bauder, and is presented annually to faculty, staff, and volunteers who epitomize Cranbrook’s dedication to excellence and community collaboration. This event is one of my favorites, and the names of those being honored will be shared in the coming weeks.
The fine work of our Academy of Art graduate students can be celebrated during the
STUDIO
fundraiser in April.
STUDIO
is an exceptional evening of entertainment and offers the chance to engage with emerging artists, designers, and architects, while supporting Cranbrook Academy of Art student scholarships and Cranbrook Art Museum. Guests will dine with Cranbrook Academy of Art students and Artists-in-Residence and stroll through their private studios. Held each year, this event is such a special evening!
New this year, I’m pleased to share that Cranbrook Art Associates (a group of Cranbrook Art Museum ArtMembers) will host the inaugural
STUDIO(junior)
event, in support of the Art Museum’s outreach and free educational art programming to over 4,000 underserved students in metro Detroit. Held in conjunction with
OPEN(STUDIOS)
,
STUDIO(junior)
will feature hands-on artmaking activities on the grounds of the Art Museum. I’m pleased to see the Academy of Art and Art Museum offering a variety of ways for the public to experience Cranbrook’s studios during this fun, art-filled weekend that you don’t want to miss!
The coming year will also bear witness to the bestowal of Cranbrook’s highest honor, the Founders Award. Acknowledging the contributions of individuals who have been affiliated with Cranbrook and who exemplify the values and vision of its founders, George and Ellen Booth, an announcement of honorees will be forthcoming with a celebration to be held in May. Since its founding in 1955, this award has been bestowed 56 times and was last awarded in 2014.
Shortly after graduation, Cranbrook Art Museum will be celebrating the creativity of the Academy with the exhibition
With Eyes Opened: Cranbrook Academy of Art Since 1932
, a monumental exhibition highlighting the history of the Academy of Art since its official founding in 1932. This exhibition will occupy all of the Art Museum’s galleries with more than 250 works representing the departments of study at the Academy of Art. A 500-plus page publication chronicling the rich history of this iconic institution and featuring some 200 alumni will accompany the exhibition. In conjunction with the opening of the exhibition, the Academy will also hold its first alumni reunion in nearly 20 years and we look forward to welcoming some of the world’s most illustrious artists, designers, and architects back to Cranbrook.
This year marks the 55
th
anniversary of the Cranbrook Horizons-Upward Bound (HUB) program. Since its inception, HUB has prepared more than 2,800 students from underserved communities to enter and succeed in college and has touched many lives through leadership and volunteer opportunities. We will celebrate this special program and the retirement of HUB Director Dr. Darryl Taylor during a major gala in May.
It’s going to be another great year at Cranbrook, and I personally hope you will take every opportunity to be a part of it. All of us at Cranbrook wish you a wonderful new year!
Sincerely,
