Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum is hosting an exhibition titled "Murmurations" through Nov. 1, with related events throughout September. The exhibit features a diverse collection of works by 30 artists, who all participated in Nido (Italian for “nest”), an artist residency located in the small town of Monte Castello di Vibio, nestled within the central hills of Italy.
This residency program, facilitated by the Poor Farm Project in Little Wolf, Wis., allowed artists to explore the social and historical landscape, land resources, and embedded narratives of Monte Castello di Vibio and the surrounding region.
The term “murmuration” refers to the movement of a flock of birds expanding into various patterns in the sky in order to protect themselves from predators, establish community and exchange important information. Similarly, this exhibition considers the ripples and reverberations of play, research, and exchange. Artworks highlight a wide range of topics and sensory approaches that distill, echo, reflect, and respond to a shared place-based experience.
In addition to the exhibit, DeVos will host unique events with multiple artists in September, entailing talks, performances, art curation and an exhibition reception. The events are as follows:
Friday, Sept. 12: A performance by Misael Soto from noon to 5 p.m. In front of the Art and Design Building; a panel talk with Nido Residency organizers at 6 p.m. in Art and Design 165; and a reception with performances by Mark Jeffery, Heather Lyon and Kristin Mariani at 7 p.m. in the DeVos Art Museum.
Wednesday, Sept. 24: Visiting Artist Talk with Leslie Baum, 6 p.m, Art and Design Room 165.
Thursday, Sept. 25: Plein Air Painting–Parallel Play Experience with Leslie Baum, 2 p.m. in the DeVos Art Museum.
The DeVos Art Museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Thursday. Admission is free to the exhibit and all events.