Author: IRWINS

The Gift of Art Exhibition has exemplified the breadth of talent that we have here in Detroit. From painters, to photographers, mixed-media artists, and sculptors and arts activists, like Tawd b. Dorenfeld (below), Detroit has it all! These pieces are essentially artifacts from a one-man campaign, led by the artist just a short time ago. They are a piece of history that we all made together. Learn about and support Mr. Dorenfeld’s work below…..

TAWD b. DORENFELD
IG: @tawdbdorenfeld

Dorenfeld moved to Detroit in 2018 and has no plans on ever leaving the most beautiful city in the world. Here in Detroit, Dorenfeld spends most of his time running his artists on the autism spectrum company Tink Tank Animate LLC where he and others mentor and produce these unique artists in the Arts of Storytelling. These amazing artists create books, animations, short films, long form films, music, and audio-dramas.

Please visit www.TinkTankAnimate.com if you know someone on the spectrum that would benefit from the Tink Tank Animate program created, designed, and founded by Tawd b. Dorenfeld.

Tawd b. Dorenfeld. Vote-Bot #33/40, 2020. Mixed media, wood. $250

Tawd b. Dorenfeld. Vote-Bot #23/40, 2020. Mixed media, wood. $250

Tawd b. Dorenfeld. Vote-Bot #01 BIDEN/HARRIS 4/40, 2020.  Mixed media, wood. $250

Tawd b. Dorenfeld. Vote-Bot #35 BIDEN 4/40, 2020. Mixed media, wood. $500

 

Tawd b. Dorenfeld’s Vote-Bot was a whimisical and inspiring addition to our JUSTICE PEACE + LOVE Banner Exhibit and GOTV Event earlier this Fall. We were fortunate to get one of the many that made appearances around the city!

Contact Irwin House Gallery to inquire about or purchase any of these works of art: 313.932.7690 or irwinhousegallery@gmail.com.

We are so proud to be able to present the works of SO MANY talent Detroit area artists and creative friends. This includes, Jeni Wheeler, a neighbor and WSU student whose compelling work appears below. Come see Jeni’s art in the Gift of Art Exhibition or simply view and shop right here and now!

JENI WHEELER
IG: @jeniwheelerart

“Art heals and reveals, things about our selves, our society and our history. My work tries to bridge these concepts and inspire people to ask themselves questions about the human experience and assumptions we make. My fascination with how people see the world is both literal and metaphoric. If one person ever walks away form my work and is inspired to see themselves, others differently, then I have succeeded as an artist.” — Jeni Wheeler

Jeni Wheeler. Detroit Queen of Blues, 2019. 24″ x 36″ Mixed media: Acrylic, watercolor, ink on paper, framed. $300

“This piece is a portrait of Detroit’s own, Thornetta Davis – the multi-talented Blues songstress who has graced and dominated stages throughout Michigan for more than fifteen years. Originally created for a show celebrating blues music, the reference photo was taken by photographer Jim Aho. Thornetta’s sultry voice and kinetic energy really helped to inform this piece while I was creating it.”

SOLD!!! —Jeni Wheeler. Saylem in Pastel, 2019. 16″ x 20″ Oil pastel on paper. $350

“Saylem in Pastel is a pastel portrait of my Art Daughter, Saylem — An amazing soul whom I met at Wayne State University and a familyship was truly born. Saylem, whose knowledge and passion for Detroit is truly inspiring, appears as part of my Everyday Goddess series. This goal of the series is to inspire people to see the divinity and value in each other, especially as we work toward building a world free of prejudice.”
Contact Irwin House Gallery to inquire about or purchase any of these works of art: 313.932.7690 or irwinhousegallery@gmail.com. 

The Gift of Art Exhibition has been an amazing run! And, to make it even better, we’re offering the entire exhibition on-line. Meet the artists, and view and shop their work, RIGHT HERE! You’re welcome to visit us and see the show in person but, if you can’t make it, we totally understand. There’s no reason for you to miss out on Detroit’s wonderful creators like Izaiah Ford below….

IZAIAH FORD
IG: @artistizaiahford

SOLD!!! — Izaiah Ford. Connected to Vivid Culture, 2020. 18″ x 24″ Mixed media on paper, framed. $400

Born on Detroit’s west side, Izaiah Ford turned to art as a way to cope with life’s pressures. As a youth, his interest was sparked by a talented uncle; he used to sit and just watch him create. From there, he knew he wanted to find a voice to help people from a visual standpoint.

Izaiah draws, paints, and is a constant student of anatomy. At times, he uses geometry and history to convey multi-layered stories of culture and triumph. Other times, he seeks to spread happiness and light through the brilliant bursts of his abstract paintings. His goal is that his art will help to guide people through dark moments, to make a spiritual connection – particularly with those in his community – and shed light and hope.

Izaiah has completed programs with Cass Tech, General Motors designing cars, and art programs for murals under the Northwest Activity Center. He is a core participant in the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club, and has taken part in two shows at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Izaiah Ford. Art Expression, 2020. 11″ x 15″ Mixed media on paper, framed. $200

“What I hope that people gain from my art is a sense of sensibility. A way to cope, open up, and be unafraid. Really transforming their self within their self to become greater each day. I encourage people to keep your spirits up, stay positive, maintain good energy and always be good to everyone around you. Keep prayers every day and if you can, keep yourself away from any negative energies in life. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from doing my art is the connections, seeing how much joy it can bring so many others. It really makes me happy to see so many other people smile from what we’re doing every day as artists.” — Izaiah Ford
Izaiah Ford. Story Of Time, 2020. 30″ x 40″ Acrylic on canvas. $400


Izaiah Ford. A Walk With Classics, 2020. 8″ x 10″ Graphite on paper, framed. $100

Contact Irwin House Gallery to inquire about or purchase any of these works of art: 313.932.7690 or irwinhousegallery@gmail.com.

We are thrilled to bring you the art and artists of the Gift of Art Holiday Exhibition — on-going thru January 3rd. Please meet artist and sculptor, Kelly O’Neill below. Visit the gallery to see it in person or enjoy, view, and show Kelly’s work from the comfort of your couch! 🙂

KELLY O’NEILL
IG: @iron.n.earth

Kelly O’Neill. Spring Bloom, 2020. Recycled steel, 48″H x 28″W x 7″ D.  $395

Kelly O’Neill recently retired from General Motors, where she was a marketing and advertising professional for 34 years. She now pursues a career in visual arts — specifically multi-media sculpture using recycled steel, ceramics, and glass. Her work can be found at art fairs, galleries, and installations in Southeast Michigan. Kelly devotes much of her time advocating for other artists and currently serves on the Board of Mint Artists Guild and is a Champion for EmbraceCreatives.com. Kelly holds a B.A. in telecommunications, MA in Advertising & Public relations, Michigan State University and continues her art education at Schoolcraft College, Metal Sculpture program.

Kelly O’Neill. Queenie, 2020. Recycled steel, 18″H x 8″W x 4″ D.  $225

Kelly O’Neill. Flaminga, 2020.
Recycled steel with powder coating and oil, 28″H x 15″W x 8″ D.  $425

Contact Irwin House Gallery to inquire about or purchase any of these works of art: 313.932.7690 or irwinhousegallery@gmail.com

The Gift of Art Exhibition includes the work of 20 remarkable artists, representing the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club (DFABC) and beyond. This show, literally, has something for everyone! Perhaps you’ve been to see it, need another look, or haven’t been able to make it out at all. Either way, you can enjoy the full show, and all it has to offer, RIGHT HERE! Meet featured artist, Errin Whitaker, view and shop his work below…

ERRIN WHITAKER
IG: @brotherlightheart
Errin Whitaker. Brother, 2020. Acrylic, Gold Leaf, resin, paper on canvas. $333

Errin Whitaker describes himself as a “proud black man from Flint, Michigan.” He remembers creating his first piece of art when he was 5 or 6-years-old. His grandmother had him draw a dream he had of a man having a house on the moon. It’s an experience that he said has stuck with him his entire life.

With a background in community development and education, Whitaker graduated from Oakland University and went on to receive his master’s degree in elementary education from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. But it was his time in high school – when he was able to stay with his grandmother, an arts educator – that had the greatest influence on his artistic life.

Through his art, Whitaker is committed to memorializing history and honoring the collective African American present and past. His style plays off of 6 years of personal study, traveling the United States admiring works in the major museums across the country, and making a point to explore the spectacular murals and public art sites in every city he visited.  Involvement in galleries/museums such as Norwest Gallery Of Arts and Black Wall Street Gallery Of Arts have also played an important role in his practice. Whitaker’s work has been featured throughout the country, including the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club.

Errin Whitaker. Reign of the Future, 2020. Mixed media: Acrylic, plastic, resin on wood. $555 OBO

Errin Whitaker. Eye For An Eye, 2020. Mixed media: Acrylic, house paint, wood, on canvas. $444 OBO

Errin Whitaker. Black Boy Joy/Wonder, 2020. Acrylic, polyurethaneon wood. $777 OBO

“My particular art work focuses on the beautification and style of African Americans. I enjoy piecing together many different materials tied to my environment and identity; the usage of collage, portrait, abstract, and installation art.  My main influences are the greats and many spectacular artists before me such as Romare Beardon,  Beardon influences me to make work which speaks to things in the community, while raising awareness of injustice around the world, particularly within the African American Community.” — Errin Whitaker

Errin Whitaker. The Price of It All, 2020. Mixed media: Acrylic, plastic, resin on wood. $666 OBO
Errin Whitaker. Smiled Upon, 2020. Mixed media: Acrylic, on canvas. $444

Contact Irwin House Gallery to inquire about or purchase any of these works of art: 313.932.7690 or irwinhousegallery@gmail.com.

If you haven’t been able to make it to the Gift of Art show, or just want a second look, you can peruse (and shop!) all the artists right here! Meet Hosanna Kline, one of 20 Gift of Art artists who came to show off and share their art with you this holiday season…

HOSANNA KLINE
IG: @hosannabananas

Hosanna Kline. Speramus Meliora, 2020. 14″ x 18″ Oil on canvas, framed.  $380

Emerging artist and student, Hosanna Kline, uses art and explores new mediums to express a fleeting moment or even deep emotion. Being able to use her hands to portray something that may not be visible to all gives her a sense of control and clarity within her emotions.  Kline strives to be able to connect with viewers even if they feel something completely different when looking at her work. As she continues to explore art – whether it be in ceramics, painting, or even drawing – she  hopes to discover more about herself as well as connect with people who love to feel as much as she does.

Hosanna Kline. Passing Through, 2020. 16″ x 20″ Acrylic on canvas, framed.  $280

“This piece portrays how physical appearance is something that is always changing and that our bodies are just vessels for us to experience a world of emotions. Looking at my body I never see a still being, I see someone moving and growing constantly. “

Hosanna Kline. Please Don’t Let Go, 2020. 16″ x 20″ Acrylic on canvas, framed.  $220

“This is a study of hands with the use of color to show how two people can experience so much emotion in such a short amount of time even though it may feel like eternity. Although it may feel like life will not exist when letting go, the colors will always still be there, they just may flow in new ways.”

 Hosanna Kline. Study of Wayne Thiebaud, 2020. 16″ x 20″ Oil on canvas, framed.  $340

“This was a study done from the artist Wayne Thiebaud and how colors can be layered to give off certain intestines with a thick application of a solid color in the end with minimal  blending. The thick application made me realize not everything has to be perfectly blended out in life, we can have sharp edges, bright colors, and visible paint strokes.”
SOLD!!! — Hosanna Kline. Resurget Cinerbus, 2020. 20″ x 24″ Oil on canvas, framed.  $460

SOLD!!! — Hosanna Kline. Resurget Cinerbus, 2020. 20″ x 24″ Oil on canvas, framed.  $460 (pictured left)

“Speramus Meliora, meaning “We hope for better things”, comes from the flag of Detroit. When the portrait was painted life was not where it should be but hope was in the future no matter how far that may be. Connected to the painting Resurget Cineribus, meaning “It will rise from the ashes”, comes from the flag of Detroit. On November 2nd, 2020, the historic Little Wedding Chapel began to burn along with all memories linked. Although memories were lost and ties were cut, life can still be beautiful and grow from something lost.”

Contact Irwin House Gallery to inquire about or purchase any of these works of art: 313.932.7690 or irwinhousegallery@gmail.com.

The Gift of Art Exhibition has brought together artists of all backgrounds, genres, and points of view. Amanda Koss is just one of 20 artists who came to show off! You can view (and purchase!) her abstract work below. ENJOY!

AMANDA KOSS
@amandakossart

Amanda Koss. King, 2020. 10″ x 20″ Mixed media on canvas. $150

Michigan born and raised Amanda Koss is an abstract intuitive artist: She paints what she feels and what is going on around her, often using found objects to apply paint and incorporating different media into the work. Koss has a professional background in graphic design and worked in the field for about 10 years. She combines her design knowledge into her pieces, as well as getting tech involved. One of her best tools is her iPad Pro, which gives her the capability to use digital layers to execute possibilities within the paintings. Amanda often finds herself inspired after an awesome yoga session or after taking a walk through the city. She loves working with color, and exploring the structure of the city to incorporate into her artwork.

Amanda Koss. Rife, 2020. 24″ x 24″  Mixed media on canvas. $345

Amanda Koss. Golden Corridor, 2020. 24″ x 36″  Mixed media on canvas. $499
Amanda Koss. Keep Moving, , 2020. 16″ x 16″  Mixed media on canvas. $187

Amanda Koss. Campfire, 2020. 24″ x 24″  Mixed media on canvas. $288 

Contact Irwin House Gallery to inquire about or purchase any of these works of art: 313.932.7690 or irwinhousegallery@gmail.com.

We are happy to make this entire exhibition available to you on-line. Take your time to meet all 20 Gift of Art artists and get acquainted with their works! Please allow us to introduce you to Cameron Jenkins. Read on and ENJOY!

CAMERON JENKINS
IG: @cljenkins_

SOLD!!! — Cameron Jenkins. No Sleep, 2020. 16″ x 20″  Colored pencil on paper, framed.  $275

Cameron Jenkins, 24, from Farmington, Michigan, has enjoyed creating art since his early elementary school days, but it wasn’t until college that he started taking art seriously. Everyday struggles and joys motivated him to create series that incorporate elements of illustrative forms, surrealistic concepts and metaphorical symbolism inspired by love, music, and nostalgia. He uses a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, graphic design, video and music to document human experiences; viewers feel empowered by the narratives attached to each piece. This artist believes that self-expression through creation has therapeutic value for those who are healing or seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. For Jenkins, part of the satisfaction of making art is meeting new people and sharing in their experiences. He studied art at the Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University and graphic design at Wayne State University. Jenkins shares an equal passion for music and often “mentally combines” tracks and topics to inspire new pieces. His work was first recognized in 2013 in NAACP’s National ACT-SO Competition placing first in sculpture for his ability to capture profound narratives through unique visuals. He would go on to showcase in many exhibitions around Michigan and New York. Cameron has also collaborated on murals within the Metro Detroit area, working with organizations such as Bagger Dave’s Tavern and providing graphic visuals for automotive supplier Thyssenkrupp. Jenkins has also connected with a wide variety of musicians such as Ab-Soul, Dawn Richard, Legacy and SZA. Most recently his work was displayed in New York’s Bortolami Gallery during the 2020 Visual Aids Postcards From the Edge Exhibition.

Cameron Jenkins. Killa, 2020. 22″ x 28″  Colored pencil and ink on paper, framed.  $500

Contact Irwin House Gallery to inquire about or purchase any of these works of art: 313.932.7690 or irwinhousegallery@gmail.com.

There are twenty amazing artists in the Gift of Art Show – each expressing their own style, media, and narratives. If you don’t believe us, you can view (and purchase!) them all right here OR visit the gallery through January 3rd. Among the twenty, we are proud to host Detroit artist, Donald Calloway, with a few pieces that speak to the spirit of the season and the spirit of a people. Read on to check out Calloway’s work:

DONALD CALLOWAY
@donald_calloway

SOLD!!! — Donald Calloway. Kids on the Block. 4″ x 4″ ea.  Acrylic, mixed-media on wood. $295

Painter and sculptural artist, Donald Calloway, has been essential in the Detroit arts community for nearly thirty years. Calloway recognized his passion for the arts at the tender age of three and has been solely dedicated to his artistic endeavors ever since. He honed the technical aspects of the arts at the Center for Creative Studies, then continued his practice at the Greektown Lofts, where his studio has famously remained. Calloway’s meticulous constructions, intentional brush strokes, and bold use of colors has resulted in a signature style that is known and beloved throughout the city and beyond.

The winner of the Plowshares Theatre Company Sankofa Arts Award, Calloway’s work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions with such organizations as the Detroit Institute of Arts, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Arts Extended Gallery, Delta Sigma Theta, Liberal Arts Gallery, and National Conference of Artists Gallery.

SOLD!!! — Donald Calloway. Blue Angel. 6″ x 12″ ea.  Acrylic, mixed-media on wood. $185

Donald Calloway. Fly Girl I, 2019. 12″ x 20″ Acrylic, mixed-media on wood. $200

Donald Calloway. Fly Girl II, 2019. 12″ x 20″ Acrylic, mixed-media on wood. $200

Donald Calloway. Mask, 2019. 10″ x 14″ Acrylic, mixed-media on wood. $350

Donald Calloway. Mask II, 2019. 8″ x 12″ ea.  Acrylic, mixed-media on wood. $275

Contact Irwin House Gallery to inquire about or purchase any of these works of art: 313.932.7690 or irwinhousegallery@gmail.com

Come see us to view the Gift of Art Exhibition in person, or meet the artists (and purchase!) right here on-line. Please allow us to introduce you to Kayla Childress, a featured artist in the show. Check out her work and statements below, and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are interested in any of her art, Happy Holidays and stay safe!

KAYLA CHILDRESS
IG: @kaylalynnexoxo

An emerging and studying artist, Kayla Childress applies her growing understanding of art through different media and techniques. Varying styles allow Childress to tell deeply meaningful and autobiographical stories, and portray what she envisions for the compositional aspects or the emotion in her art.  She currently enjoys using a wide range of mediums from different paints, mixed medias, inks, charcoal, clay or anything that just “feels right” to complete an idea. The progression of each work, and the feelings that come out of it, pushes her toward new concepts, broader forms of expression, and fresh ways to express herself within her art.

Kayla Childress. Ubiquitous, 2020. 30″ x 32″  Acrylic on canvas. $450

Thank you to my dearest friend who inspired the manifestations with in “Ubiquitous”. I really wanted to show that the portrait study was influenced constantly by blue from anywhere and everywhere as anentire being. That blue isn’t just a color for Lucritia, its her grandmothers glass, happiness, blue is the colors of her walls, or a lyric by her favorite artist, blue brings her pure comfort. Just like the blue in her life this portrait has extended far becoming this final form from photos, multimedia, a poem, to outlines, and now this painting. However far the progression of this piece has gone its always stayed blue, just like my dearest friend making me a little blue too. “Blue is the depths of the seas and the heights of the sky, Blue is hello and it is goodbye, Blue is the beginning and the end, Blue is my dearest friend” — Lucritia Trotter

Kayla Childress. Free Soul, 2020. (3x)4″ x 12″  Gouache on canvas. $150

Colors moving through and around your entire being. Different hues and tints while the sun rises and while the sun sets. Streets make me feel safe and the colors in the city make me feel free. Color is everywhere even through me.

SOLD!!! — Kayla Childress. Twin Flame, 2020. 29.5″ x 51″  Oil on canvas, framed. $500

This artwork is a representation of being able to be with your soul mate, and not allowing the world to disadvantage you for it. In October 2020 me and my wife had photos taken for our 6th year wedding anniversary. Even with our marriage being unsoundly threatened at the state to be unrecognizable by our government, we reflected and hoped that humans will still advance. There once was no fire and now there’s not enough equal human rights. Hope is all we can have for worldly views advancing because our love is something special that I know will never die out, and not even the government could extinguish it.

Kayla Childress. Chronic Depression, 2020. 33″ x 26.5″  Acrylic on canvas, framed. $380

I painted this at a time in my life when I felt pushed down by depression but accepted peace in knowing that the storm would be calm once again. “Chronically loosing grip on what is real, it’s hard to understand exactly how to feel, the waves are great heights I am drowning – sinking fast, yet I know, this too shall pass.”

SOLD!!! — Kayla Childress. Christmas Wallflower, 2020. 20″ x 24″  Oil on canvas. $200

This piece is about wanting more than just a search for happiness within the Christmas spirit of trees. Its also about the pressure that holidays entail while still willingly choosing to participate. I feel like a Christmas Wallflower because I am a (wallflower) – “someone with an introverted personality type (or in more extreme cases, social anxiety) who will attend parties and social gatherings, but will usually distance themselves from the crowd and actively avoid being in the limelight.”.

Contact Irwin House Gallery to inquire about or purchase any of these works of art: 313.932.7690 or irwinhousegallery@gmail.com