See Detroit’s Best at Irwin House’s ‘Prodigy’ Exhibition

Last Saturday, Irwin House Gallery opened “Prodigy” — a group exhibition observing ten flourishing emerging artists who stand as a representation of 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 Sept. 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 2–6 p.m., on both days, and is free to attend, with 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. but this is our most powerful show  yet.” 

Irwin Gallerist and Curator Misha McGlown

“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. Meanwhile, 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. Meanwhile, Marlon Ivory is showing in Detroit for the first time, upon the invitation of his protégé, Terrell Anglin. Anglin also 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. 

In addition to the upcoming open house, the gallery will host a collaborative conversation with Cassells and her installation, “Enjoy the Game,” on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. It’ll be followed by a “Family Art Day” on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, with programming to take place throughout the exhibit, additional artist talk dates will be announced in the coming days. Finally, the closing reception is to be held on the eve of the exhibition’s end, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. 

The “Prodigy” exhibition runs through Oct. 15, 2022. Exhibition hours of operation are 12–7 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays and 12–6 p.m. on Sundays — by appointment on other days/times.

Any inquiries may be directed to Gallery Director Misha McGlown at irwinhousegallery@gmail.com or (313) 932-7690. The Irwin House Global Art Center & Gallery is located at 2351 W. Grand Blvd. (between LaSalle and Linwood), Detroit, Michigan. You can check their website: http://irwinhousegallery.org. And follow them on Facebook and Instagram with their handle @irwinhousegallery.