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ART GALLERIES 555 GALLERY Combining studio space with a gallery, these youthful upstarts are opening up opportunities for young and emerging artists to exhibit and grow. A terrific place to catch the next generation of painters and sculptors. ARIANA GALLERY This venerable mainstay has brought the metro area the best in contemporary glass, photography and fine art. They have a huge selection, from affordable artistic sculpture and home décor to cutting edge art openings. THE ART EXCHANGE GALLERY A new face on the scene—so far they’ve exhibited a wide array of “isms.” From pop to outsider to African American art. Eclectic. ART LEADERS The “barn” is loaded to the gills with national and international contemporary and traditional artists including Frederick Hart acrylic sculptures and prints and faux taxidermy from Dr. Seuss. BIDDLE GALLERY An altogether funky yet folksy space, jam-packed with ceramics, glass and canvas. A nice cross-section where “urban meets the ex-urbs.” BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD ART CENTER Experience visual art: ponder the work of all kinds of artists, from the emerging to the notable. Twenty five exhibits each year, free & open to the public. Make art: learn to “draw a straight line” or further proven talent. Hundreds of classes for ages three and up, and all levels of experience. Summer art camps for youth, teens & adults. Buy art: originals for sale every day on the walls and in the Gallery Shop, appealing to the entry-level collector as well as the seasoned aficionado. The BBAC serves 100+ communities & thousands of artists and art lovers each year. THE BOOK BEAT In the back of this cluttered bookstore you will find a gallery that was the first to bring Joel Peter Witkin and other big name avant artists. BIEGAS GALLERY Biegas is a big beautiful gallery or perhaps a collection would be a better description, as there are four unique spaces. On the main floor you’ll find artisan gifts and crafts, upstairs is the fine art, (shows change every six to eight weeks) and a plush and proper tea room. Biegas also provides space to ACT (Artist’s Co-op), which primarily features envelope-pushing group shows from metro-area artists as well as being home to the Detroit Puppet Theatre. CASS CAFÉ Cass loves the locals. Dave Roberts used to run the infamous Peterboro gallery; Chuck (the owner) is just cool. You’ll find better shows and artists here than at most galleries. No free box wine, but the food and drink exceed the reasonable prices charged. CONTEMPORARY ART INSTITUTE OF DETROIT This not-for-profit space is geared toward the youthful artist. Interesting group themes, sculpture and graffiti. CPOP GALLERY The King Kong (or Godzilla) of Detroit-area galleries. Famous local art meets famous international art with results that are nothing less than groundbreaking. Rich-looking but non-pretentious, so come as you are. Cartoons, rock and roll and “kustom kulture” abound. CRANBROOK ART MUSEUM The museum is the go-to for important contemporary local and international art shows in the area, as well as the impressive art in the permanent collection. (See Museums) DANCING EYE GALLERY An upbeat and colorful gallery that specializes in tiles, wearable art and furniture. Dancing Eye puts the “fun” in functional art. DAVID KLEIN GALLERY A great place to see original works and multiples by such luminaries as Lichtenstein, Wesselman and Hockney right along with established regional artists. DEL PRYOR Located in the hip little shopping enclave the Spiral Collective, Del Pryor continues to be a positive force on the Detroit art scene. DETROIT ARTISTS MARKET As one of Detroit’s oldest art spaces, this nonprofit gallery has championed artists from all disciplines for over 70 years. Eclectic group shows. DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ART With an inventory estimated to be worth over a billion dollars, the DIA has one of the biggest and most important art collections in the US. (See museums) DUMOUCHELLES For fine art and antiques there simply isn’t a better place in Detroit. Museum piece is an operative word; original paintings and sculpture, jewelry, collectables and memorabilia go on the block here. You never know what they’ll have (OK, technically, you can get an advance listing or check their website but you know what we mean) but the odds of finding something amazing are in your favor. You can get an incredible deal or enjoy the excitement of a bidding war. Considered one of the most trusted names in the business, they have been around since 1927 and offer appraisals. G. R. N’NAMDI GALLERY Just like its sister gallery in Chicago, the N’Namdi is one of the world leaders in the sale and exhibition of African-American art. Emphasis on abstract and expressionist art. JOHANSON CHARLES GALLERY Very hip gallery features cutting-edge art, both above and below ground, from established local and international artists. They also have live performances, including the Last Poets and none other than Rudy Ray Moore, aka: Dolemite!, mother… LAWRENCE STREET GALLERY A collective of artists who apparently didn’t read the street sign (it’s on Woodward, not Lawrence) put together a variety of eclectic monthly shows. LEMBERG GALLERY This former Birmingham gallery still deftly merges established artists with emerging ones in a new location in the burgeoning SoRo District. MOCAD The Museum of Contemporary Art features temporary exhibitions, primarily by respected international artists. Reactions to the conceptual pieces may range from awestruck to “What the….?” Very cool façade—graffiti with three-dimensional figure caught in the act of tagging created by Barry McGee, the artist known to many as Twist. MONA Expect the unexpected. This is the third and snazziest venue for the Museum of New Art and its quite often controversial curator, Jef Bourgeau. PARK WEST GALLERY On display, you’ll see the biggest names in the art world including Picasso, Chagall, Dali and even Old Masters like Rembrandt. PEWABIC POTTERY Nationally renowned for its distinctive glazes and incredible tile and pottery since the Arts and Crafts movement. (See Museums) THE PRINT GALLERY Amazing selection of original posters and reproductions, from the turn of the century to the ’70s. There are pop art posters like Warhol and Roy Lichtenstien as well as the more traditional. We especially appreciate the vintage French advertising posters for liquor, food and travel, and if someone would buy us the 1900 absinthe poster, they would be our best friend. Print Gallery showcases a number of artists, and they bring in some pretty big names. Décor Magazine named them one of the top 100 galleries in the US. It is also a very fun store full of unusual objects, décor and arty gifts. They do conservation on the posters and offer expert framing as well. PRIMARY SPACE It might be small, but this gritty gallery thinks big. Primary Space features exhibits from emerging local and national artists—often while their work is still affordable. RIVER’S EDGE GALLERY As the hub of the Downriver art scene, River’s Edge runs the gamut from pop to photos, silkscreen posters to environmental art. Two floors of fine art fun with hip local artists like Niagara and Slaw as well as some amazing works by the late great Jim Slack. SCARAB CLUB The venerable Scarab Club has been a fine art institution since 1910. A prime exhibition space which plays host to some of the better local juried exhibits and creative competitions. SHERRUS GALLERY OF FINE ART Sherrus Gallery of Fine Art continues to expand the scope of its contemporary fine art offerings, fast making it a destination gallery for southeast Michigan art lovers. Located in scenic downtown Northville, Sherrus Gallery features original oils, acrylics, sculpture and fine art glass created by national and international established and emerging artists. The contemporary gallery offers collector-quality works for both aspiring and veteran collectors. SHERRY WASHINGTON GALLERY Since 1989, the SWG has hosted some of the most innovative and spirited exhibits in the region. Specializing in artists with multicultural motifs; African, Asian and American works are beautifully integrated into this wonderful artspace. STARVING ARTIST National and local art on the walls meet culinary art on the plates. The Ferndale funspot features nice wines and cocktails along with reasonably priced, creatively plated, inspired dishes. Outdoor sidewalk café as well…bring your chalk. SUSANNE HILBERRY GALLERY The Grand Dame of Detroit Art, the prescient Hilberry has exhibited some of the most challenging art exhibits in Michigan’s history. ZEITGEIST GALLERY Bohemian ground zero for over a decade. Outsider art, films and theater are but a few patches of the crazy cultural quilt that is the Zeitgeist. Home of energetic yet down-to-earth urban artists. RETAIL MILLER’S ART SUPPLY One of the last indie art stores—they can actually answer your technical questions. Great sales going on all the time plus amazing framing and mounting. RAINY DAY ART & FRAMING CO. Since 1971, Rainy Day has been turning every day into a creative one with their large selection of art supplies, clever children’s crafts and toys. They offer a wonderful selection of decorative papers, mat boards, and thousands of picture mouldings to choose from. Professional framing for your creation or art investment is a specialty, with prices that meet or beat the big box chains and local competition. A knowledgeable, friendly staff (all artists themselves!) provides helpful, personal service. A great place to pick up a unique gift.
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