Oakland Community College is expanding its partnership with the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) to include two free events to celebrate el Día de Muertos and learn about Food Culture in the Islamic World. Through the DIA Inside\Out program, art reproductions also continue on OCC’s five campuses.
“We have partnered with the DIA on the Inside|Out program since 2019 to bring art reproductions to our campuses, and now we are expanding that partnership to include unique cultural events that celebrate the diversity of the OCC community,” said Eunice Jeffries, OCC Executive Director of Government and Community Relations.
The new events include:
Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos 2024
Friday, Oct. 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Mich. 48202
Join OCC at the Detroit Institute of Arts exhibit, Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos 2024, to learn about the celebration of the Day of the Dead. This time of the year in Mexico and other Latin American countries, the lives of close relatives, friends or community members who have passed away are celebrated. Objects important to lost loved ones, such as favorite foods, drinks, mementos and pictures, are collected and incorporated into elaborate displays.
This event is sponsored by OCC’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice in partnership with the College’s Hispanic/Latinx Advisory Committee. Register for the event on OCC’s Eventbrite page.
The Art of Dining: Food Culture in the Islamic World
Thursday, Oct. 17, 6-7:30 p.m.
Oakland Community College, Royal Oak Campus
739 South Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, Mich. 48067
This unique event brings together 230 works from the Middle East, Egypt, Central and South Asia, and beyond to explore connections between art and cuisine from ancient times to the present day. Paintings of elaborate feasts, sumptuous vessels for food and drink, and historical cookbooks show how culinary cultures have thrived in the Islamic world for centuries. The exhibition also highlights the relationship of these works to preparing, serving and enjoying food. It engages multiple senses and invites us to appreciate the pleasures of sharing a meal.
The event is hosted by Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA Director, President and Chief Executive Officer; Katherine Kasdorf, DIA Associate Curator, Arts of Asia and the Islamic World; and OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano, Jr. The event also features live music from members of the OCC community band and light refreshments. RSVP for the event on OCC’s Eventbrite page.
Inside|Out: Detroit Institute of Art at Oakland Community College
OCC is exhibiting 15 high-quality DIA reproductions and diverse artists and genres on its five campuses now through October. The reproductions are designed to connect the community with art in a fun, accessible way. The five OCC campuses include Auburn Hills, Highland Lakes (Waterford), Orchard Ridge (Farmington Hills), Royal Oak and Southfield. For more information, visit DIA/OCC Inside|Out.
About OCC
Oakland Community College offers nearly 100 degree and certificate programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling with face-to-face and online options. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training with expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
###
Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | 248.341.2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu