Although most art galleries host works from eras that are long gone, there are many places where you can admire the talent and inspiration of today’s artists. If you live in Detroit, Michigan, or are just passing by, these are the contemporary art galleries that you should not miss.
1. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
This fascinating museum is located in a spacious 22,000 square-foot building designed by architect Andrew Zago and located near the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Its grand opening took place in 2006 and it has constantly grown in popularity since then, with more and more locals and tourists coming to see the work of both established and new artists. There’s only one permanent exhibition, Michigan-born artist Mike Kelley’s Mobile Homestead, which is a life-size replica of his childhood home.
The lack of any other permanent exhibit makes way for many emerging artists, helping them show their work to the public and gain a wider audience. The museum’s caretakers also understand that art and culture are strongly connected, prioritizing artists that depict various facets of contemporary culture, inviting viewers to reflect and inspiring useful conversations.
2. Detroit Artists Market
This local landmark has been around for 80 years and has always had the same goal, which is to connect emerging artists to the people who enjoy their art, but also to collectors who may invest in their work. They host many exhibitions each year, featuring both new and experienced artists from the Detroit area and allowing them to showcase their talent to large audiences. Aside from providing a platform for local artists, this non-profit’s business model gives artists a 2/3 commission on art sales, providing a serious incentive for them to keep working and creating.
3. 555
Founded almost two decades ago, this gallery aims to provide an affordable space for local artists to create, helping the local community in the process. They even welcome those who are not yet artists but aspire to be, with workshops and classes that allow anyone who dreams of becoming an artist to learn about what it takes to get there, all at affordable rates. They provide platforms for all kinds of art, from exhibits to performances, and even provide artists with a place to live, creating an artist community where everyone is free to collaborate and unleash their creativity.
4. The Butcher’s Daughter Gallery
Having been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and the L.A. Times, this charming gallery is one of the most famous contemporary art spots in Detroit. It opened in 2009 and enabled many contemporary artists to show their work in exhibitions hosted by various museums, galleries, and many other venues.
No matter how technology-dependent our lives become, it’s good to know that art will always be there to stir up our feelings and remind us that we are, after all, still human. By spending an afternoon visiting any of these places you will be exposed to a wide variety of modern pieces of art that will make you feel, but also make you think.
Image by klimkin from Pixabay | CC 0
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