DETROIT, MICH.- The Detroit Institute of Arts opened a gallery dedicated to some of the museum’s newest acquisitions while also providing the public with a look at the art acquisition process. The gallery, called “Out of the Crate: New Gifts & Purchases,” opened Jan. 12.

A selection of recent purchases and gifts chosen by DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons are on view for approximately six months, after which they will be replaced with newer acquisitions. “The DIA has one of the most significant art collections in the United States, and one way we maintain this quality is by acquiring new artworks every year,” said Salort-Pons. “Thanks to generous donors, the DIA has been able to establish funds designated for art acquisitions only, with which we are able to strengthen our collection. This gallery offers a transparent look at the DIA’s collecting process and policies while giving visitors a first look at both recent purchases and gifts.”

Before the DIA acquires a work of art, it goes through a rigorous assessment to ensure its quality and authenticity. Informational materials will provide an overview of the entire process, from initial research to approval by the board of directors, and the roles various experts play along the way, among them curators, conservators, registrars and technicians.

Seven artworks are featured in the first installation:

• “Maternity Figure (Obaahemaa),” 19th century, Unknown artist, Akan (Asante), African, wood with pigment. Museum purchase

• “Untitled (Room 11 [-1999],” edition 1/15, 1999, Cristina Iglesias, ink on copper plate. Gift of Janis and William M. Wetsman

• “Saint Benedict of Palermo,” 1770–80, attributed to Juan Pascual de Mena, coniferous wood, pigment, gold. Museum purchase

• “Salute Dawn,” 1879, James Abbott McNeill Whistler, etching with drypoint. Museum purchase

• “Fox, Michigan,” 1980, Hiroshi Sugimoto, gelatin silver print. Museum purchase

• “Vase,” ca. 1900, Lajos Mack, slip-cast ceramic with eosin glazes. Gift of Dr. Theodore and Diana Golden

• “There must be some kind of way outta here,” 2016, Cornelia Parker, mixed media. Museum purchase