In early September, 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.
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.
Irwin House Global Art Center & Gallery is a not-for-profit art space producing art exhibits and multi-media programs that
explore cultural and historical content and give voice and a sense of place for emerging arts as well as minority interests and
concerns. The gallery helps support artists through its Artist-In-Residency program – which invites local, national and global
artists to the space for the development of new projects and to contribute to the cultural wealth of Detroit City. Programs
have been supported in part by the Clara Elizabeth Jackson Carter Foundation.
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. Exhibition hours of operation are from noon to 7:00 pm Thurs-Sat and
from noon to 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 | http://irwinhousegallery.org FB + IG: @irwinhousegallery | View the
Facebook invitation HERE.
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