FLINT, Michigan — A life without pets would be ruff. Puns aside, the connection between humans and their pet cats and dogs is truly a powerful bond. These companions bring us years of joy that last a lifetime. They’ve found a way into our hearts, and also into canvases and artwork throughout history.
The latest
Flint Institute of Arts (FIA) exhibit,
‘Pick of the Litter: Cats & Dogs in Art’ runs from Sept. 21 through January 25.
Rachael Holstege, associate curator at FIA, curates the artwork that hangs on the walls of the museum. She also conducts research, writes interpretive texts, and curates exhibition themes for temporary exhibition spaces throughout the building. The new ‘Pick of the Litter' exhibit focuses on our furry friends.
Holstege says the theme showcases how artists of different mediums, cultures, and time periods have approached the subject of cats and dogs in their work.
“The exhibition begins with ancient Mexican and Chinese sculptures and continues over the next 2,000 years to today, reinforcing the enduring legacy that cats and dogs have on humans,” she says.
When curating an exhibition, Holstege works behind the scenes, looking over the permanent collection’s some 9,000 pieces. She looks for connections between artworks, like subjects, mediums, or makers. The exhibitions are typically planned two or three years in advance.
“All of the artworks are from the museum’s permanent collection, so visitors can expect to see some familiar works as well as new works, and ones that have not been exhibited in a while,” she says.
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Restaurant scene by Lukian Vasilyevich Popov, oil on canvas, 1905, 1873-1914. Russia, St Petersburg, State Russian Museum, 62x87.Through painting, glass sculpture, ceramics, stone, mixed media, and paper, the artwork explores the different ways animals are portrayed in relation to humans.
Artists include Pierre Bonnard, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Lucienne Bloch, William Wegman, Leonard Koscianski, David Miretsky, Ethel Spears, and Mily Possoz.
Whether they’re considered family members, wild animals, or even symbols of wealth or companionship, cats and dogs are some of the world’s most familiar pets. The bonds humans share with these animals are unmistakable. In fact, more than three in five Americans have a pet.
“I think the ideal takeaway from this exhibition would be the joy that pets bring us and also the common connection that we have between others who love pets,” says Holstege. “It is an exhibition to have fun in, and enjoy our furry companions.”
The exhibition is on display from Sept. 21 through Jan. 25. There is a special FIA members preview event on Friday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. in the theater. Holstege will host a lecture with FIA Director and Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, Sarah Kohn. Admission is free, but
registration is required.
There’s also a CatVideoFest event on Saturday, Sept. 28 at noon and 4 p.m. at the FIA theater. The compilation reel showcases hours of unique animations, music videos, and viral internet content of cats. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for seniors, students, and children 12 and under. A portion of the sales go towards the Humane Society of Genesee County.
On Friday, Oct. 4, the FIA is hosting an 'Art, Bark, and Brew' event on the cafe patio. The event is free, and beer-tasting tickets are $20 for 10 tastings. Dogs are invited to attend the event with their owners, who will be able to enjoy food and drinks, live music, and a pet printmaking demo.
The Flint Institute of Arts is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free for FIA members and Genesee County residents, $10 for adults, free for children 12 and under, $8 for students with ID and seniors. Admission is free for everyone on Saturday, courtesy of Huntington Bank.
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