The most well know attraction of the DIA is the Detroit Industry mural by Diego Rivera. The piece consists of twenty-seven panels that took Rivera eleven months to complete. It is highly regarded as Diego’s best work and the premier piece of Mexican mural art in the United States. The collections also proadly displays the first painting by Vincent Van Gogh to enter into a collection in the United States. The strength of the collection is truly in its diversity. The DIA has a well rounded collection that includes works of African, Asian, Native American, Oceanic, Islamic and Ancient art in addition to vast displays of American, European, Modern and Contemporary, and Graphic Art.

Current exhibitions include:

Gift of a Lifetime: The James Pearson Duffy Collection
Detroit Revealed: Photographs 2000-2010
Once Upon a Time: Prints and Drawings that Tell Stories
Pattie Smith: Camera Solo
Faberge: Designing Luxury, from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

March is Fan Appreciation Month at the DIA and they are offering free admission to all of their fans on Facebook for the entire month of March! Click here to print the voucher that admits up to 4 people. Have you ever visited the DIA before? What is your favorite piece?

The event will be limited to the first 2,000 guests so be sure to arrive early to guarantee a spot.  Hot cocoa and coffee will be available courtesy of Tim Hortons. After the Red Wings complete their practice, the ice will open up for a public skate. Skaters will be required to bring their own equipment and sign a waiver.

Parking for the event is free at Western International High School located at 1500 Scotten Street in Detroit. Shuttles will be running compliments of Indian Hills Transportation.

Cost: Donation of gently used hockey equipment, a canned food item, or $2 monetary gift is required for entry. All equipment donations will support the Detroit Hockey Association and Clark Park, monetary proceeds will benefit the Clark Park Coalition and food donations will support Gleaners Community Food Bank.

Vendors at the event will include Jacques Tacos, Ned’s Travelburgers, Taco Mama, Franks Anatra, Concrete Cuisine, Treat Dreams, and El Guapo: Fresh American Grill. All tips generated at the event will go to support Forgotten Harvest, Focus: HOPE, Camp Casey and the Michigan Humane Society.

Have you had food from any of these trucks before?

Photo Courtesy of El Guapo

Have you ever visited Frankenmuth or attended Zehnder’s Snowfest before?

Lyon Township’s Inaugural Winterfest will take place on January 21, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lyon Township’s James F. Atchison Park in New Hudson.  Winterfest promises to have something for everyone with sled dog rides, ice skating and figure skating demonstrations, a hockey goal shoot out and a GPS treasure hunt. There will be a Kid Zone with fun and games for children including a caricature artist and jump rope making. While most of the events will take place in James F. Atchison Park, a few activities will take place at Riverbank Golf Club located at 24095 Currie Road in South Lyon.  Events taking place at the Golf Club include a 9-hole golf game, snow shoe race and spaghetti dinner. With all of these activities you will be sure to work up an appetite so stop by the Cook-off featuring samples of chili, soup, stew and ragu for just $1.00 each.

Belle Tire’s own “Tireman” will be greeting fans at the event and taking pictures from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and while you are in the area stop into one of our newest Belle Tire locations at 30567 Milford Road in Lyon Township.

The event will feature Tigers players entertaining the crowd with a theatrical style performance and a question and answer session. Other attractions at the event will include a magic show, face painting and balloon animals. Prizes will be given out throughout the event and the giveaway for children under 14 is a “Countdown to Opening Day” poster.  Paws, the lovable Tigers mascot, will also be on hand. This event is sure to be fun for fans of all ages!

The Tigers have noted autographs will not be available at the event but cameras are welcome.

The Plymouth Ice Festival features the largest, free ice sculpture display in the entire United States and will be held in Downtown Plymouth, Michigan on January 20-22, 2012.  The event is free and there will be plenty of family friendly activities including entertainment, food and a petting farm. View the Schedule of Events for complete details.

Are you planning to attend the Plymouth Ice Festival this year?

The City of Caro, located in Michigan’s Tuscola County, will host the 150 Winter Fest & Snomobile Races on January 20-22, 2012. This year’s event will feature plenty of family friendly activities including magicians, music, ice sculptures, and horse drawn wagon rides. There will be specials on shopping and dining throughout the city as well. Snowmobile races will take center stage on Saturday and Sunday at the Tuscola County Fairgrounds as the Sled races get under way. Seek out the warming tent if you get chilly and enjoy prizes and entertainment!

Have you ever attended the Caro 150 Winter Fest & Snowmobile Races? Do you have a favorite Winter Festival that you attend with your family?

Image Courtesy of Caro 150 Winter Fest & Snowmobile Races

Those living in Michigan and Northern Ohio know one of the best ways to beat the winter blues is to get out and celebrate it! There is a plethora of options when it comes to keeping busy this winter at one of many local festivals. Most festivals are centered on food, activities for kids and winter activities such as snow sculptures, skiing and snowmobiling.  As many areas are experiencing above average temperatures, be sure to confirm the events beforehand.

What’s your favorite local Winter Festival? Do you know of one that didn’t make our list?

January

Bay Harbor Ice & Spice Festival, January 13-14, 2012 in Bay Harbor, MI
Hunter Ice Festival, January 13-15 in Niles, MI
Rockford Ice Festival, January 13-15, 2012 in Rockford, MI
Winter Warm Up, January 14, 2012 in Traverse City, MI
East Jordan Sno-Blast Winter Festival, Januray 14-15, 2012 in East Jordan, MI
Caro 150 Winter Fest & Snowmobile Races, January 20-22 in Caro, MI
Plymouth Ice Festival, January 20-22, 2012 in Plymouth, MI
Zehnder’s Snow Fest, January 25-30, 2012 in Frankenmuth, MI
International 500 Snowmobile Race, January 31-February 4, 2012 in Sault Saint Marie, MI

February

North American Snowmobile Festival, February 2, 2012 in Cadillac, MI
Winter Fun Days, February 3-5, 2012 in Grayling, MI
Boyne City Winterfest, February 4, 2012 in Boyne City, MI
Winter Carnival, February 8-11, 2012 in Houghton, MI
Motown Winter Blast, February 10-12, 2012 in Detroit, MI
4^th Frostbite Winter Festival, February 16-19, 2012 in Harrison, MI
Winterfest & Cardboard Classic Sled Race, February 24-26, 2012 in Albion, MI
Fire & Ice Fest, February 24-26, 2012 in Rochester, MI

March

Kalkaska Winterfest, March 3-4, 2012 in Kalkaska, MI