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News Release

Last modified: Monday, June 7, 2010

IU Art Museum to celebrate 'Midsummer Night' with food, music and art

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2010

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.-- From William Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream to Ingmar Bergman's film Smiles of a Summer Night, Midsummer Night -- also known as the summer solstice, which occurs this year on June 21 -- has long inspired artists, who are attracted to its associations with ancient rituals, lovers' escapades and nature's bounty.

The IU Art Museum will celebrate the shortest night of the year at its second-annual "Midsummer Night at the Art Museum" on Friday, June 18, from 7-9 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

All three permanent collection galleries will be open, with works on display that evoke the spirit of the Midsummer Night. Local acoustic avant-garde jazz group Üt Haus will play live music. Also available will be self-guided tours, light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar in the museum's atrium.

"The museum's 'Midsummer Night' event is a fun and casual way to enjoy the museum's collections during convenient evening hours," said Josie Larimer, events manager for the IU Art Museum.

Visitors can park without a permit at the Wells Library and Art Museum lots for the duration of the event.

"Midsummer Night at the Art Museum" is sponsored by the IU Center for West European Studies.

About the Indiana University Art Museum

The IU Art Museum is located on Seventh Street in the heart of the Bloomington campus. Galleries are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Angles Café and Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Galleries are closed on Mondays and major holidays. The museum and all exhibitions and programs are free and open to the public.

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