While it may not be the usual place to find an exhibit of masterpieces of famous artists, visitors to Meadow Brook Estate will not only enjoy the reproductions but will also have the opportunity to stroll the grounds and gardens of the mansions as they search for the paintings.
The “Enjoy Art in the Garden” project is part of the Detroit Institute of Art’s Inside|Out project, a community engagement effort that takes high-quality reproductions from its collection to the streets and parks of the Detroit Metro area to connect with new audiences outside of traditional museum walls.
Eight of the masterpiece reproductions were installed around the mansion located near Walton and Adams roads on Oakland University’s campus that stretches between Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills.
The reproductions are meant to withstand thunderstorms and other of nature’s elements. They are printed on vinyl and adhered to an aluminum backing, said Shannon O’Berski, spokeswoman for Meadow Brook Hall, a National Historical site. The frames are made of wood that has been coated with a marine-grade polyurethane. They are anchored to posts that are driven firmly into the ground.
Maps to help visitors locate the art works can be found in containers attached to some of the posts and they can also get one in the hall between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. People are encouraged to tour Art in the Gardens during the Hall hours.
Art in Garden pays tribute to the passion that Meadow Brook Hall’s original owners, Matilda and Alfred Wilson, had for art and education. The Wilsons felt strongly that history, art and architecture should be shared with future generations.
In this sixth year of the DIA project, reproductions are also planned for downtown areas of Birmingham, Clarkston, Ortonville, South Lyon, West Bloomfield and White Lake at various times this spring and summer..
For more information, visit Facebook.com/meadowbrookhall
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