Author: IRWINS

The PRODIGY Exhibition continues through October 15, 2022. Thank you, everyone, for supporting and visiting this beautiful exhibition so far. Now you can view the exhibition on-line via a virtual tour presented by our friends at Explore 360 Tours!

TAKE THE VIRTUAL TOUR HERE.

To learn more about the art and PRODIGY artists:

VIEW THE PDF CATALOG HERE.

To purchase or inquire about any of the art, please contact Gallery Director, Misha McGlown: 313.932.7690 or irwinhousegallery@gmail.com.

Gallery Hours:
Thurs-Sat 12 noon – 7pm
Sun 12 noon – 6 pm
By appoinment other days/times

Featured photo: Glenn Kujansuu

On Saturday, September 3, 2022, Irwin House Gallery opened PRODIGY –a group exhibition observing ten flourishing emerging artists who stand as representation of and hope for the future of art. Anchored by a lush, immersive installation constructed by “community-engaged” artist Halima Afi Cassells, the exhibition highlights the work of eight locals along with one artist whose work was vetted and procured from Africa, Rotimi Godwin, and a West Coast pyrography artist, Marlon Ivory, who served as a mentor to featured Detroiter, Terrell Anglin. Each of the artists brings their own strengths and lived experiences to the exhibit, resulting in a cohesive spread that has been described simply as “breathtaking.”

This weekend September 10-11, 2022, Irwin House Gallery invites guests back for Artists & Collectors – an Open House afternoon offering an intimate experience with the PRODIGY art and artists. The event takes place from 2:00 – 6:00 pm both days and is free to attend, no reservation required. “We are, of course, proud of all the artists we’ve worked with and all of the work we’ve done here,” describes Irwin gallerist and curator, Misha McGlown, adding “but this is our most powerful show yet.”

PRODIGY features new work by some of Metro Detroit’s most exciting emerging talent including Loralee Grace, a Western Michigan transplant whose landscape oils are infused with wonder and insights from her extensive world travels. Quadre Curry reveals new sculptural work that builds on his sold-out solo exhibition at the gallery earlier this spring, and Marlo Broughton’s graphic sensibilities are at play in a dreamscape series that pushes the imagination into the stratosphere. Emerging artists Kaleigh Blevins, Erik Smith and Nonnie Williams are also sharing fresh figurative and abstract expressions in this exhibit, while Marlon Ivory is showing in Detroit for the first time, upon the invitation of his protégé, Terrell Anglin, who continues to challenge the boundaries of wood-burning since debuting at Irwin House in the TRIPTYCH exhibit last year. Rotimi Godwin, who was introduced by gallery friend and collector, Sandra Halladay, is making his U.S. debut from Nigeria, Africa. His portraits – imaginative, sensitive, and unapologetic – heighten the local conversation and connect seamlessly with Grace’s global re-imaginings, Cassell’s interactive installation and Broughton’s star-lit compositions on the gallery’s first floor. During the exhibit, biographical videos are being rolled out on each artist via the Irwin House YouTube channel and on social media, and an on-line catalog and virtual tour will also be published on Friday, September 9, 2022.

In addition to the upcoming Open House, the gallery will host a collaborative conversation with Cassells and her installation, Enjoy the Game, on Saturday, September 24, 2022, followed by a Family Art Day on Sunday, September 25, 2022. With programming to take place throughout the exhibit, additional artist talk dates are TBA, along with a Closing Reception to be held on the eve of the exhibition’s end, Friday, October 14, 2022.

Artists & Collectors Open House takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11, 2022 from 2:00 – 6:00 pm. The PRODIGY exhibition runs through October 15, 2022. Exhibition hours of operation are 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thurs-Sat and 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Sunday; by appointment other days/times.

Photos: (TOP) Rotimi Godwin’s “Bold and Beautiful”, Halima Afi Cassells’ “Enjoy the Game” and Loralee Grace’s “Eradajere w/air filter”. Photo: Glenn Kujansuu.  (BOTTOM) Fellow pyro artists: Terrell Anglin with his work, “Going Through It” and Marlon Ivory’s “First Drink/Greed” (RIGHT). Terrell’s photo by Jeff Cancelosi.

Irwin House Gallery presents  PRODIGY, a group exhibition observing ten flourishing emerging artists who stand as representation of and hope for the future of art. Of each, the exhibition asks for their genuine lived and historical inspections, as well as surreal and time-forward musings in both conventional and alternative media. The exhibition brings together creators of varying backgrounds, invites fresh voices to Detroit’s robust arts scene, and encourages participating artists to explore and continue pushing the boundaries of art.

Artists often carry the seed of invention from the start – some expressing creativity from conception and others ignited by their environs. An artistic voice is cured over time and the most courageous commit to bearing their personal truths, realities and fears, through their work, for a living and a lifetime. This exhibition recognizes these young professionals in forging their creative paths and celebrates how far they have come, as well as how much further they promise to go.

“Making a decision to commit yourself to your art is a bold choice that is often unpopular and fraught with interruptions,“ states Gallery Director, Misha McGlown. “On a day-to-day, even minute-to-minute basis, there are any number of things to knock an artist off their game, so any young person who’s committed themselves to art as a way of life, we want to recognize that, celebrate their milestones along the way and encourage them, however we can, to stay the course. They are the future of art.”

PRODIGY features new work by some of Metro Detroit’s most exciting emerging talent including Terrell Anglin, who has continued to expand on his mixed media pyrography practice since debuting at Irwin House Gallery last year, and Loralee Grace, a Western Michigan transplant whose landscape oils are infused with wonder and insights from her extensive world travels. Quadre Curry reveals new, sculptural work that builds on his sold-out solo exhibition at the gallery earlier this spring, and Halima Afi Cassells, an award-winning interdisciplinary community-engaged artist, contributes a site-specific installation that challenges viewers to contemplate our current global economic systems.  Local artists Kaleigh Blevins, Marlo Broughton, Erik Smith and Nonnie Williams are also sharing new work in this exhibit along with Marlon Ivory, a West Coast pyrography and mixed media artist brought in by Terrell Anglin and showing in Detroit for the first time. Additionally, Rotimi Godwin was introduced by gallery friend and collector, Sandra Halladay, and his works will be making their U.S. debut from Nigeria, Africa. Throughout the exhibit, biographical videos will be rolled out on each artist via the gallery’s YouTube channel and on social media. An on-line catalog will also be published for remote viewers.

PRODIGY opens on Saturday, September 3, 2022 from 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm and runs through October 15, 2022. Exhibition hours of operation are 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm Weds-Sat and 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Sunday; by appointment other days/times. Any inquiries may be directed to Gallery Director, Misha McGlown at irwinhousegallery@gmail.com or 313.932.7690. Irwin House Global Art Center & Gallery, 2351 W. Grand Blvd. (between LaSalle & Linwood), Detroit, MI 48208 | FB + IG: @irwinhousegallery | View the Facebook invitation HERE.

On SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2022, three Grand Boulevard art establishments – CHROMA, Irwin House Gallery, and Blackbird Gallery – are joining forces to present the First Annual Grand Blvd. Art Stroll on Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 12 noon – 10:00 pm.

The event invites guests to CHROMA between the hours of 12:30 – 6pm, Blackbird Gallery also from noon up until 9pm, and Irwin House Gallery will host a closing reception and celebration from 6pm – 10 pm. Organized by CHROMA’s Stephanie León, Irwin’s House Director Misha McGlown, and Donna Jackson (DMJStudio), curator of the YOU BELONG exhibit currently on view at CHROMA, The Grand Blvd. Art Stroll draws attention to these creative new spaces, but also sets the stage for a bigger annual event that hopes to encompass all businesses and cultural spaces along the historic Boulevard, from east to west.

12:30 – 6:00 pm CHROMA
2937 E. Grand Blvd.

12:00 – 9:00 pm Blackbird Gallery
3011 W. Grand Blvd. (Fisher Building)

6:00 – 10:00 pm Irwin House Gallery
2351 W. Grand Blvd. (btwn. Linwood & LaSalle)

Featuring original exposed brick and floor-to-ceiling windows, the restored CHROMA building melds the rich cultural history of Milwaukee Junction and North End with modern touches for an ultimate aesthetic experience. During The Stroll, CHROMA marks the close of its inaugural exhibition, YOU BELONG, featuring 40 local artists on its main floor. The venue will host an all-day cocktail reception celebrating the exhibit and extending onto the outdoor patio space.

Presently located in the Fisher Building, Blackbird Gallery joins Detroit’s art community in honor of the city’s creative and historic legacy. The gallery presents original art for purchase, providing the opportunity to acquire works by emerging and established artists. During The Stroll, she welcomes guests to enjoy the work of thirteen artists hailing from within and beyond our local and national borders.

Irwin House Gallery will have a diverse selection of art on exhibit from its collection alongside original works from 20+ Detroit and East Coast artists. Now in its second whirlwind year, the home-front gallery will conclude The Stroll with a festive indoor/outdoor reception inspired by the art and including music, live painting, and refreshments purveyed by local vendors.

Overall, the works of more than seventy-five visual artists will be displayed as part of the First Annual Grand Blvd. Art Stroll. The event recognizes its neighbors along the route, including Submerge Records, Baobab Fare restaurant, Motown Museum, and DABLS African Bead Museum, to name a few. This is just the first installment of something bigger to come next year!!!

– View the Eventbrite invitation HERE.
– View the Facebook invitation HERE.

On the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend (arguably the biggest music weekend in Detroit), the Detroit Diaspora: Day Party is King event will occur at the Irwin House Gallery, on West Grand Boulevard (inarguably the city’s most musical avenue). It will highlight a line-up of exquisite music selectors and will feature electronic music that fits the mode of dance music most popular in the city during this holiday weekend, and much more. The traversing sounds, including Techno, House, Afro Beat, Hip Hop, Soul, Bossa Nova, Hip Hop, Amapiano, and more, will take music lovers on a global journey.

The event will pay tribute to two Detroit cultural pioneers—Zana Smith of Spectacles Boutique, and internationally renowned musician – Amp Fiddler. Boxed sit-down dinners will be prepared by popular Chef Nik R. Cole of Fried Chicken & Caviar.

The afternoon will also include face painting by Ifoma Stubbs and Tre Marcel and feature the sale of works and wares offered by Detroit local vendors and artisans. Inside the gallery, Urban Organic presents the original work of artists Onzie Norman and Yolanda Nichelle alongside Irwin House Gallery’s current exhibit, RE-FRAME, featuring the work of Quadre Curry.

Event co-organizer, Drake Phifer says, “It’s great to be able to produce this event in order to shine light on the life works of some two individuals who literally represent in many people’s eyes, the soul of Detroit. We are also very happy to have this event because it allows us to to bring attention to yet another arts and cultural space in the city that is already having a positive, reverberating impact. This place represents the culture. The culture of the city.”

Featured DJs include Marilyn Griffin, Drake Phifer, DJ Righteous, Vernon English, Duane Powell of Chicago, and Detroit-based house music chanteuse, Divinti. The event takes place on Sunday, May 29, 2022 from 12noon – 10 pm at The Irwin House located at 2531 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48208. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Miracles Foundation, a non-profit that raises funds for educational, performing art and humanitarian scholarships and grants. Tickets may be purchased online at urban-organic.net or on eventbrite.com. For questions or to inquire about vending call 313-986-2975.