Author: IRWINS

We’re working hard to keep our space safe and socially-distanced during the Gift of Art Exhibition, and we are grateful to everyone who’s come out, supported the artists and INDEED given the gift of art. For those of you who cannot make it – or simply want a closer look – we’ve brought you the entire show on line. Meet dynamic Detroit artist Maliek Phillips. We are proud to feature his art and gracious spirit in the show:

MALIEK PHILLIPS
IG: @liekfeel
SOLD!!! — Maliek “AJ” Phillips. Light I, 2020. 8″ x 10″  Mixed media on paper. $100

Maliek Phillips is from the west side of Detroit and attended Renaissance High School, where he excelled in academics and sports. In 2014, he began his creative expression in music. He began recording on a cellphone and developed a form of expression he now describes as “Feelism – expression, mostly pertaining to art that conveys a temporary moment of awe or amazement.” Today, he is a self described creative. He’s used his venture into music and found wholesome love for media arts, as well as art in general. Maliek has since written and illustrated a children’s book, Rashad is Sad for a Reason (2018) and starred in a short drama, On the Count of Three (2018). His Original Feelism paintings and mixed-media visual artworks have been beloved, exhibited, and collected throughout Detroit, including the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American Art.
SOLD!!! — Maliek “AJ” Phillips. Light II, 2020. 8″ x 10″  Mixed media on paper. $100

Maliek “AJ” Phillips. Dark I, 2020. 8″ x 10″  Mixed media on paper. $100

SOLD!!! — Maliek “AJ” Phillips. Dark II, 2020. 8″ x 10″  Mixed media on paper. $100

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

Here we go, being all global again and inviting out-of-town artists to exhibit with our favorite Detroiters! Well, that happens to be part of our mission, so we were ecstatic when Mary Morekas agreed to exhibit in our Gift of Art Show and four of her fabulous paintings showed up in the mail. Believe us when we tell you, this is a rare glimpse for us all! View, enjoy, and shop Mary’s art below…..

MARY MOREKAS
@morekasart

SOLD!!! — Mary Morekas. Because cats do what they want, 2020. 9″ x 12″  Oil on canvas. $225

Art is second nature for Mary Morekas. It is her unique way of looking at the world that shines through in her paintings, and shoots straight to the hearts of viewers. Mary paints what she sees — chance encounters with all God’s creatures and the people who impact her everyday life. These are the things that serve as inspiration for the artist, every moment of every single day. There is no other motivation behind her work, except to be in joy and to share and spread joy with those who encounter her art. A native of Maryland, Mary studied art in high school and graduated from Drexel University in 2019 with a Degree in Engineering. She currently lives and works as an Engineer in Philadelphia, enjoys her friends and family and — despite her demanding job — clocks countless hours of art exploration and painting.

Mary Morekas. Golden Hour Rose, 2020. 12″ x 12″  Oil on canvas. $275

SOLD!!! — Mary Morekas. I Got This, 2020. 8″ x 8″  Oil on canvas. $195

Mary Morekas. TV with a Friend, 2020. 8″ x 10″  Oil on canvas. $195

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 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.