The University of Michigan classrooms may be empty, but the arts experiences on campus remain available for a dose of culture, a place to keep warm, and an excuse to venture out of the house during holiday break. Here are five recommendations:

Silver Linings (University of Michigan Museum of Art)
Holiday break is your last chance to view Silver Linings at UMMA—40 works from the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, which was founded in 1996 with a mission to uplift art by and about women of the African diaspora. Spanning 100 years, the collection showcases the rich history of African American art production. Free and open to the public; on view through Jan. 5, 2025.

Down the River with Elzada Clover (Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum)
In summer 1938, on a 41-day river trip, Dr. Elzada Clover and her assistant, Lois Jotter, sampled over 60 specimens of plants on the remote banks of the Colorado River, famed at the time as the most dangerous river in the world. The exhibit explores their remarkable journey and enduring contributions. Free and open to the public; on view through Jan. 26, 2025.

Wonders of Water Community Art Exhibit (Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum)
Featuring works from local and regional artists, the Wonders of Water pays homage to the vital roles rivers play in our environment and society. Presented in tandem with the Elzada Clover exhibit, this art showcase connects to her legacy by emphasizing the life and stories carried by our waterways. Free and open to the public; on view through Jan. 26, 2025.

Michelle Hinojosa: Logcabins (Stamps Gallery)
Stamps Gallery commissioned alum Michelle Hinojosa to activate the pillars flanking the gallery on Division Street with public art. Hinojosa has installed colorful “log cabin quilts” on the pillars sewn from outdoor-grade, UV-resistant polyester to withstand the elements. Log cabin quilts traditionally represent the warm hearth at the center of a home with the installation representing home, placemaking and memories of migration. When Hinojosa’s own grandmother crossed the U.S.-Mexico border, she was holding just her babies and her quilts. Publicly displayed on Division Street through May 2025.

La Raza Art and Media Collective (University of Michigan Museum of Art)
Celebrating three generations of U-M Latinx artists, UMMA’s latest exhibition explores the 50-year history of La Raza Art and Media Collective. RAM Collective worked to express the cultural and political views of Chicano, Hispanic and Latin American communities on campus and beyond through self-organized exhibitions, cultural gatherings and its journal. Free and open to the public; on view through July 20, 2025.