BONUS LECTURE
Brought to you by the Grosse Pointe Artist Association:
Mike Kroll, artist and Detroit historian, recalls early 20th-century Detroit, a time when art, industry and civic vision converged in transformative ways. The focus is on Dr. Wilhelm Valentiner and Edsel Ford, whose partnership profoundly influenced the Detroit Institute of Arts during years of exciting promise as well as public debate. From the bold commission of Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals to the quieter acts of leadership, Valentiner and Ford stabilized the institution and defined the museum’s modern direction, shaping what is now recognized as one of the top art museums in the nation.
This event is presented as part of America 250, a nationwide commemoration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. In 2026, select programs at The War Memorial invite reflection on our shared history, civic ideals, and the stories shaping the nation during this milestone year.