Detroit’s legacy of artistic ingenuity is beautifully epitomized by Mac Galleries, a beloved community art gallery that has been a beacon for local artists for over three decades. This month, Mac Galleries marked a new chapter in its journey as it celebrated the grand opening of its new space on the Historic Avenue of Fashion, thanks to the generous support of a Motor City Match grant.
Mac Galleries offers more than the typical gallery experience; it is a cultural institution that actively participates in mentorship programs aimed at nurturing the growth of local artists of all ages. The gallery is not only a space for showcasing art but also a platform for meaningful dialogue and discovery. Their team takes pride in providing personalized framing solutions and handling art installations with great care. For art enthusiasts who can’t make it to the gallery in person, Mac Galleries offers an online collection on their website, making art accessible to a broader audience.
Founded in 1991, Mac Galleries was the brainchild of James McKissic’s father, who was deeply passionate about photography and crafting customizable frames for his artwork. With a fresh perspective gained through a business degree from Howard University, James McKissic joined his father in the family business to carry forward their artistic legacy and contribute to the thriving arts and culture scene of Detroit.
Throughout its existence, the gallery has expanded beyond two former sites within Detroit. However, the choice to relocate to a larger space goes beyond mere necessity; it stands as a resounding testament to the McKissic family’s unwavering dedication to nurturing the emerging generation of artistic talent within the city.
The recently established Mac Galleries envisions itself as a dynamic center for artists to come together, collaborate, and contribute to the betterment of their community. McKissic’s dream started to materialize when he secured a $60,000 cash grant from Motor City Match, allowing for essential renovations in the gallery’s new location. Further financial support from Invest Detroit, including a $150,000 small business loan and an additional $25,000 grant from the Restore Track of Motor City Match, played pivotal roles in bringing about the gallery’s remarkable transformation.
Motor City Match, a program dedicated to revitalizing Detroit’s neighborhoods and supporting local businesses, has been instrumental in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. To date, Motor City Match has awarded $15.7 million in cash grants, leveraging a total investment of $87.4 million. Remarkably, 82% of the businesses that have received support from this program are minority-owned, and 71% are women-owned.
Mac Galleries is the 162nd business to open or expand operations under the Motor City Match program, and it embodies the very essence of what this initiative aims to achieve. The gallery stands as a testament to the power of art in bringing communities together and revitalizing neighborhoods. Mayor Mike Duggan, who attended the gallery’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasized the importance of spaces like Mac Galleries in enhancing the city’s vibrancy.
“James McKissic’s beautiful new space will be more than just a place for Detroiters to purchase or frame that next piece of art for their home; it will be a place where artists can collaborate, as well as mentor other aspiring young artists,” Mayor Duggan said.
Jason Barnett, Senior Vice President of Lending at Invest Detroit, highlighted the significance of Mac Galleries in providing a welcoming space for neighborhood residents and continuing the legacy of a family business that values community.
As Mac Galleries unveils its new space to the public, a promising chapter begins with the debut exhibition showcasing the uplifting pencil drawings of the late local artist Ronald Scarbrough. Scarbrough’s hopeful and inspiring style harmonizes seamlessly with Mac Galleries’ mission to enrich the community through art, ushering in a bright and promising future within its expanded premises.
Sean Gray, vice president of Small Business Services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, which oversees the Motor City Match program, expressed his pride in the gallery’s enduring commitment to uplifting local talent and bringing people together through art.
“When we invest in spaces like this, which celebrate inclusion, imagination, and dialogue, we invest in the very soul of our city,” Gray stated.
Mac Galleries’ journey is not just a success story for the McKissic family but a testament to the enduring spirit of art and creativity in Detroit. As the gallery flourishes in its new home, it serves as a shining example of the positive impact that businesses and initiatives like Motor City Match can have on Detroit’s vibrant arts scene and the community.
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