Art is coming to Detroit in a new way soon.
Three Grand Boulevard art establishments – CHROMA, Irwin House Gallery, and Blackbird Gallery – are joining forces to present the First Annual Grand Blvd.
The Art Stroll is from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. The event invites guests to CHROMA between the hours of 12:30 pm – 6pm, Blackbird Gallery from 12 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.
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.
“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to partner with DMJStudio on YOU BELONG,” states Stephanie León, CHROMA’s Manager of Hospitality and Events. “Donna’s talent and professionalism shine through in this exhibition and we are grateful to extend this collaboration with Blackbird Gallery and Irwin House.”
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. Owner, Pamela Eatman aims that their “permanent space will become an incubator for thought,
opportunity for reflection, and appreciation for the humanity that art instills in those who choose to embrace it.”
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. “We [women]were able to work together quickly and spontaneously to pull
something together that connects the community and shines a light on the re-emerging energy taking place across The
Boulevard,” states Irwin House Gallerist, Misha McGlown. “The event demonstrates not only our enthusiasm for each other,
but also a desire to collaborate, partner, and build with our neighbors.” The team looks forward to developing a broader
attraction for next year that extends from I-75 to I-96, embracing everything in between. “This is just an introduction!” she
adds. Planning for 2023 starts now.
The Grand Blvd. Art Stroll takes place on Saturday, July 23, 2022 from 12 noon – 10:00 pm. View the Eventbrite invitation
HERE. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Locations and times are as follows:
CHROMA 12:30 – 6:00 pm 2937 E. Grand Blvd. (East of Woodward)
Blackbird Gallery 12:00 – 9:00 pm 3011 W. Grand Blvd. (Fisher Building)
Irwin House Gallery 6:00 – 10:00 pm 2351 W. Grand Blvd. (btwn. Linwood & LaSalle)
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