Learning with the DIA
Each year the DIA hosts thousands of students and teachers from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties through various programs and events. Tri-county schools receive free admission and transportation for guided and self-guided field trips. To support field trips, DIA educators work collaboratively with tri-county teachers to design customized resources, including pre-and post-visit classroom discussions.

The DIA also provides free professional development opportunities for educators from across the tri-county area. These include: training and coaching in Visual Thinking Strategies--a teaching method that uses art to develop critical thinking, communication and visual literacy skills--curriculum development sessions and monthly workshops to explore the DIA collection and resources, among others.

Homeschool families benefit from the DIA as an educational resource as well. The museum offers retreats for homeschool families to visit and experience activities designed to cater to their needs.

For more information on the educational opportunities at the DIA, visit dia.org/learn
Check out these upcoming county events:

"Director's Cut" talks, beginning Tuesday, Jan. 26, 7-9 p.m.
As part of his plans to engage with tri-county communities, DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons has scheduled a series of "Director's Cut" talks so people can get to know him and for him to hear from tri-county residents. The events are free, and the first one is on Tuesday, Jan. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the main Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Avenue. Following the talk, the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions and give feedback.

Upcoming Director's Cut talks:
  • Feb. 22, 7-9 p.m., Grosse Pointe War Memorial
  • March 1, 7-9 p.m., Macomb County Community College
  • April 6, 7-9 p.m., Oakland County Rochester Public Library
  • May 20, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Society of Active Retirees - (location TBD)
  • June 9, 7-9 p.m., Italian American Cultural Center, Clinton Township
Homeschool Family Day, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
The DIA is hosting a special day for homeschooled groups. Homeschooled students and their educators are invited to take a tour of the galleries to learn more about the museum's collection, make an art project in the DIA studio and create pencil drawings in the galleries with DIA studio artists.  Those interested can preregister for a tour time here. Tours are approximately 45 to 60 minutes long and will depart every half hour from Prentis Court beginning at 12:30 p.m.; the final tour will leave at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, but registration is required. Click here to register.

Senior Thursdays, beginning Thursday, March 3, 1 p.m. 
The DIA is launching a new program series for seniors in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Every Thursday, beginning March 3, tri-county seniors will have the opportunity to visit the museum and enjoy programs, at no cost, exclusively planned for them. The first Thursday of each month will feature a guided gallery tour; the second a lecture; the third an art-making class; and the fourth a film. All programs will begin at 1 p.m. No reservations are necessary for individuals. Free transportation is available for senior groups. To book a group, call 313-833-1292.
Saturday, Jan. 30, noon-5 p.m.
On Thursday, Feb. 11, the DIA is hosting an Inside|Out orientation for representatives of this year's participating communities. Inside|Out, now in its seventh year, brings high-quality reproductions of DIA masterpieces to outdoor venues throughout metro Detroit. Attendees will go over the logistics of the program with the DIA Inside|Out coordinator. Visit dia.org/insideout for a list of the 2016 communities, and stay tuned for an installation schedule.