Detroit Institute of Arts was the first museum in America to purchase a Van Gogh: One hundred years later, exhibit (and tea) honor the occasion

DIA's Van Gogh in America exhibit pairs nicely with Artisan Blend tea

Celebrating Van Gough in the D

with a cup of tea

and enjoying it all 

tremendously

For those of us who live in Michigan, the Detroit Institute of Arts is a place of Motor City pride.  As noted in their website, this museum's collection is among the top six of the country. 

Established in 1885, the DIA moved to its current Woodward Avenue location in 1927, five years before Diego Rivera began his "Detroit Industry" fresco in what is now known as the Diago Court and only four years after it acquired Van Gogh's "Self-Portrait, 1887".  What makes the latter purchase even more remarkable is that the DIA was the first museum in the United States to buy a Van Gogh painting. 

The Van Gogh in America exhibit includes 74 of the artist's work, including Starry Night

Coinciding with the 100 year anniversary of that purchase, the DIA is hosting a "Van Gogh in America" exhibit. It consists of 74 of Van Gogh's works from around the world and tells the fascinating story of the early promotion of the artist's paintings in the United States.

Barb and Pam of BTS take a tea break at the DIA cafe

Chris and I attended the exhibit last month with friends (and BTS team member), Pam and her husband, Quint and we all gave it a collective "two thumbs up".  Among the well-known Van Gogh paintings, such as "Self-Portrait" and "Starry Night", was one of my favorites, "Vase with Carnations".  Amazingly, that floral still-life dons the Artisan Blend/Van Gogh tea sold in the gift shop and, yes, I bought a tin to take home.

Vase with Carnations serves as inspiration for Artisan Blend tea

"Carnations from the Garden" tea is a tasty blend of black and green tea, rose and cornflower petals as well as jasmine and chrysanthemum blossoms.  I like it, but, I believe I like the packaging even more. The glossy black tea tin wrapped with a miniature "Vase with Carnations" adds a bit of color - and culture! - to my kitchen counter. 

 

Although the "Carnations in the Garden" tea time can be enjoyed anytime, the "Van Gogh in America" exhibit runs only through January 22, 2023. For more information on times and tickets for an exhibit you won't want to miss, see the DIA website.