Work Gallery

Randomly stopped by this place during my excursion around the area of UMich. The origami decorations by the window caught my eyes and my friend and I decided to go in and check it out. This is a gallery that displays art works of UMich students. It is 2 floors filled with creative and innovative artwork. Definitely something to check out if you are exploring UMich. Free admission! =D

Though this is a University of Michigan gallery, it’s open to the public. That said, if you go to an art opening without knowing anyone, whether you’re a student or not, it can get a little awkward in there. People are most definitely in their own little worlds. But hey, in what gallery is that not the case?
The space itself is pretty decent. With the ground floor, what you see is what you get — an open space with walls. Downstairs there’s another large room and then a small room in the very back with a door where there is almost always some sort of audio-​visual or performance piece. Often the door is closed, but if there’s a placard next to the door, you just turn the knob, push the door, and walk in (and hold your breath as everyone turns to look at you — not great for a socially anxious person like myself).
Most of the art that is shown here is done by MFA students (and probably some BFA’ers as well?). There’s a good range of work and there’s normally one solid piece per show. Media range from painting to drawing to installation art to video to fashion.
All in all not a bad place to go — but don’t expect to go and meet a bunch of friendly people at the opening unless you’re particularly good with aloof artsy crowds. I feel like it’s best to go with a buddy for comfort.