Along with tulips and daffodils, art popped up around campus this spring. Working in partnership with Wayne State's Office of Economic Development, the Detroit Institute of Arts' (DIA) Inside|Out program placed 14 reproductions from its renowned collection at sites across campus, from TechTown to Old Main and from the School of Medicine to the Matthaei Physical Education Center. The paintings will remain on campus through July.

Over the past five years, the DIA has installed more than 800 reproductions in over 100 communities. This is the first time they have installed paintings in a neighborhood so close to the museum.

"One of our intentions is to remind the Wayne State community - or introduce those who don't already know - that we have this world-class cultural institution in our own backyard," says Jeri Stroupe, senior project administrator in the Office of Economic Development and coordinator of the Inside|Out project at Wayne State. "As with all of our placemaking efforts, we hope the artworks will encourage students, staff, faculty and our Midtown neighbors to walk, bike and engage with our campus and neighborhood in new ways."

The campus community is invited to explore several of the artworks on a relaxed-pace bike ride, which will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18. There will be surprises along the way, including DIA docent talks and performances inspired by the works. The event is free, but riders are asked to reserve their spot through DIA Tickets or by calling 313-833-4005.

Check-in for the ride opens at 5:30 p.m. at Fountain Court. After a short presentation and safety lesson, the ride will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Bikes will be available for rental from the WSU Recreation Center. Please reserve your bike in advance by calling 313-577-2348.

Stroupe hopes for a large turnout, but she also hopes those interested in the art will venture off campus. "We're very happy to feature a small sampling of what the DIA offers here on campus," Stroupe says. "We hope the Wayne State community will also head just down the street to the museum, our Midtown neighbor. Admission to the museum is free for tri-county residents, and it boasts one of the best art collections in the world."