The DeVos Art Museum at Northern Michigan University has opened two new exhibitions: one showcasing the creative talents of Upper Peninsula student winners of the U.P. regional competition of the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, on display for a limited time through March 15; and a collection of works from the museum's permanent collection that highlights depictions of animals in art, which will be featured through January 2026.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is the nation's longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program for creative students in grades 7–12. This year, 113 submissions were received from Upper Peninsula students, a significant increase from last year. Thirty-one students earned regional honors through the local Scholastic Awards affiliate, the Northern Shores Storywork Writing Project at NMU. The exhibition features award-winning art and writing by U.P. teens and highlights the dedication of educators and the importance of arts education in the region.
Critters, a permanent collection exhibition, will be on display through January 2026. It features diverse depictions of animals in art and examines the complex emotional and social relationships humans share with animals and their environments. Animals have been revered, feared, loved and appreciated throughout history, playing a crucial role in human survival by providing food, clothing and shelter. The more than 80 artworks featured explore these intricate relationships using a variety of media.
The NMU Faculty Biennial Exhibition is also on display, featuring works by NMU faculty members. Related events are planned in March. Daric Christian will lead a presentation titled “Strategies for Ethically Utilizing Generative AI in the Production of Artwork and Other Projects” at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 13, in Art & Design Room 165. Colleague Mitsutoshi Oba will present “Still Alive”: Metamorphosis of Dutch Baroque Still Life in Japanese and American Art at 1 p.m. Friday, March 21, in Room 165. “Interpretations,” an exhibition tour and discussion led by several faculty members participating in the biennial will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in the museum.
The museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. Thursday.