👉Members juried into recent shows can be found here.👈
Member News
Barb Weisenburg has been selected to design and facilitate 3 murals this summer for the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center in Millersburg MI. The Center is a historic facility that was built by the CCC.
Steffanie Samuels’ work is on display in an exhibition that opened April 4, 2024 at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina.
Jen Muse is exhibiting a piece in the annual, juried, national exhibition of floral and botanical artworks called Flourish at the d’ART Gallery, Norfolk, Virginia, April 20th - May 11th, 2024
Cheryl Boc-Chidester’s watercolor Textures of Lucca was chosen for the 2024 Art in Saline project. A copy of the painting will be hanging outside somewhere in downtown Saline.
In addition, Cheryl Boc-Chidester’s photograph, “Secret Garden” (of the Grand Hotel) is featured on the back cover of the March/April, 2024 Issue of Michigan History magazine.
Five works by Kathryn Poremski are included in “AI and the Creator” at the Hatch Gallery (Hamtramck, MI) May 4 - 26, 2024. She developed them by first creating a voice-to-image AI “photograph,” which she then used as a reference image for painting.
Laura Gabriel won 3rd place in the "Great Kitchens of the Midwest" art show sponsored by the Orion Art Center and the Orion Townshipe Library.
Vasu Tolia's painting Eyes 1 won third place in the Birmingham Society of Women Painters show "Delicate Balance," on view at the Color Ink Studio in Hazel Park, MI April 6 - May 3, 2024
Shirl Hathaway’s painting “African Safari,” created in the batik method with wax resist, has been selected for a world-wide internet exhibition from April 29 through June 20. View the exhibit at Biaframe.com (click on Animals of the Planet, 2024).
Nobuko Yamasaki’s Japanese woodblock print Nostalgia is part of the 2024 Juried International Mokuhanga Exhibition April 4 - 8, 2024 at the Imadate Art Center in Echizen City, Japan. Click here to learn more.
Juror Richard Lewis awarded Judith Bemis’ drawing first place in the Gilda Snowden Memorial Exhibition at the Scarab Club (Scarab Club, 217 Farnsworth St., Detroit), March 22 - April 20, 2024.
Linda Allen, Janis Filarski, Susan Kwolek, Carol LaChiusa, Marilynn Thomas, Chris Unwin, Nobuko Yamasaki, and Lori Zurvalec are all represented in the Michigan Water Color Society 2nd Annual Signature Exhibition (Charlevoix Circle of Art, 109 Clinton St, Charlevoix, MI, April 19 - May 18, 2024).
Vasu Tolia’s painting “Out of the Woods” won a Silver Award in the show “Abstracts in Red 2024” at the Camelback Gallery, virtual art gallery based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Vasu Tolia’s painting “Eyes 1” won Third Place in the Birmingham Society of Women Painters’ show “Delicate Threads,” on view at the Color|Ink Studio (Hazel Park, MI), April 6 – May 3, 2024.
Fran Seikaly won Best of Show in the Grosse Pointe Artists Association exhibition “Weather.”
A work by Alisa Stratton appeared the night of March 23, 2024 on an electronic billboard in Times Square (her painting is the upper left image in the photo below). The ad was for an online exhibit called "Girl Power" put on by HMVC Gallery New York. The virtual gallery show can be viewed on their website through March 30th, 2024.
Pat Vartanian won an Honorable Mention for her photograph “Summer in Pentwater” in the Lawrence Street Gallery’s exhibition Exposures ‘24.
Anne Furnaris’ sculpture “Omphalos of the World” won an Honorable Mention in the Lake Side Palette Club show at Grosse Pointe War Memorial, open March 4 to May 2 2024. The same sculpture won 3rd place in the August 2024 biennial exhibition at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum in Saginaw.
An art exhibit, “Black, White, and the Element of Color” is being organized by Pat Beard at The Bridge Gallery, 191 W. Parkhurst Place, Detroit 48203 for May 10, 11, and 12, 2024.
Barbara Clay’s painting “Outer Hebrides” was awarded first place in the Starkweather Arts Center Members Show annual Member's Show (February, March 2024), juried by Lori Zurvalec. In the same show, Janis Filarski earned an Honorable Mention for “Hawk” and Kim Santini an Honorable Mention for “Orchard.”
Barbara Clay, Outer Hebrides
Candace Brancik and Roselyn Rhodes are two members of a three-person show “As We See It” at the Northville Art House, May 17 - June 22, 2024.
Mary Anne Pilette won 3rd place for her painting “Panther” in the Lakeside Palette Show at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial (March 14 to May 2).
When There Are Nine is the second annual exhibition in honor of Women’s History Month. See it at the Kayrod Gallery in the Hannan Center (4750 Woodward, Detroit 48201) through April 18, 2024. This multi-media exhibit showcases the work of female artists, including DSWPS members Nina Ashraf Asmi, Martine MacDonald, and Sharlene Welton. An additional 9 artists are a part of a new 2024 focus called “Remembering Women's Suffrage.” It includes DSWPS members Patricia Baker, Sara Hadley, and Janet Kondziela. Also joining the exhibit is member Laura Earle's Fetish Project, a non-traditional fashion show displayed on mannequins.
Sharlene Welton, the organizer observes: “This year our women’s art exhibit… recalls the often forgotten past when women could not vote. [Our art] pays tribute to those who lectured, lobbied, marched, were arrested and jailed, and protested in hunger strikes. We must remember and not take this right for granted, especially in these turbulent recent times. We must band together and vote for legislation and representatives who promote women’s choices. The fight for women’s empowerment is not over. Come join us.“
Linda Boyle won Best of Show for her painting “Tyree Pre The Big D” at the Grosse Pointe Art Center’s exhibition Welcome to Detroit!, on view at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Dr, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236, through May 2, 2024.
With her photograph “A Detroit Monarch,” Marguerite Carroll Carlton took second place in the Grosse Pointe Art Center’s exhibition Welcome to Detroit!, on view at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Dr, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236, through May 2, 2024.
Kim Santini has just created and released an online workshop through the Kara Bullock Art School. Intuitive Painting takes students through the creation of three Momma Bear paintings while Kim reveals techniques and associative thinking strategies she uses. There are over 10 hours of instruction with a Facebook-based community (group) and lifetime access. Learn more here: https://karabullockart.com/product/intuitive-painting-call-and-response/
A solo show of Bette Prudden’s art— People, Places & Things, a Life in Art: Works by Bette Prudden is on view at the Grosse Pointe Congregational Church Arts Ministry Gallery March 10 – May 12, 2024. The gallery is open every Sunday from 9 to 4, or members are invited to call Lori Zurvalec to arrange a visit at another time.
Janet Almstadt-Davison had a solo show at the Orion Public Library during the months of January and February 2024.
Judith Bemis won an Honorable Mention at the Gutman Gallery in Ann Arbor. The exhibition "Anything Goes“ was on display from February 26 -March 3.
Loretta Markell has two paintings included in “Potpourri,” an exhibition of work by the Birmingham Society of Women Painters at the Livonia Fine Art Gallery (Livonia Civic Center), March 2 - March 27, 2023.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaking at the Anton Art Center in front of Sue Kwolek's work, part of the Michigan Annual LI exhibition. Other members with art juried into this show are Michelle Hunt, Anne Furnaris, and Kim Santini.
Jaclyn Gordyan has been invited to be an artist in residence for April 2024 at Pouch Cove in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Outer Hebrides by Barbara Clay was awarded First Place in the Starkweather Society Members show juried by Lori Zurvalec.
Roselyn Rhodes is one of three Metro Detroit artists whose paintings will be shown in “As We See It” at the Northville Art House from May 17 to June 22, 2024.
Judith Bemis won an Honorable Mention Award for a drawing on exhibit February 26 -March 3, 2024 in the exhibition "Anything Goes” at the Gutman Gallery in Ann Arbor.
Nobuko Yamasaki, along with installation artist Sao Ohtake and Japanese Calligrapher Kyoko Fujii, created an interactive art installation which was the centerpiece March 3, 2024 for this year's Japanese Girls Day festivities at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Kimberly Santini earned a merit award for January from the International Society of Experimental Artists in their 10th annual Making a Mark online exhibition.
“The Nude” by Danna Bowersock won an Honorable Mention at the Lawrence Street Gallery’s exhibition “The Body Eclectic ‘24.”
Multiple works by Pat Vartanian and Danna Bowersock have been featured this winter at the Northville Tuscan Café.
Kim Santini received an honorable mention for her piece "Orchard" in the Starkweather Art Gallery Members Show. She also earner a merit award for "January" from the International Society of Experimental Artists in their 10th annual “Making a Mark” online exhibition.
Orchard
January
Laura Gabriel brings news of an exciting educational opportunity: Sculptor Ron Diego Rodriguez will give an artist talk, demonstration, and studio tour at the 333 Midland Gallery (333 Midland Ave, Highland Park, MI 48303) on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 11 to 5.
Carol La Chiusa Lalapalooza! “Works in Watercolor” is on view in the Art Gallery of the Grosse Pointe Congregational Church through March 3, 2023. 240 Chalfonte Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms 48236. It is advisable to call first, (313) 884-3075.
Theresa Moore is one of two featured artists in the show “Prints in Common” in The Gallery at Brewery Park, 1155 Gratiot Ave, Detroit 48207, through Febraury 29, 2024.
Fran Seikaly was awarded first place for her painting "Eye of God" in the Grosse Pointe Artists Association show "Today's Weather." She is pictured with juror Kevin Kacan, Meteorologist at the National Weather Service. On view at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial through March 8, 2024.
Nobuko Yamasaki was awarded an honorable mention for her woodcut print in the Grosse Pointe Artists Association show "Today's Weather." The exhibition is on view at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial through March 8, 2024.
Twelve works by Loretta Markell are on display through March 28, 2024 at the Flagstar Strand Theater in Pontiac in the show “Intersections.”
Laura Earle, Jan Filarski, Susan Kwolek, and Loretta Markell are represented in the exhibition “Turning Point” at the Woods Gallery (26415 Scotia Rd, Huntington Woods, MI)
Nobuko Yamasaki is participating in an interactive art installation at Hinamatsuri, the annual Japanese cultural celebration at the Detroit Institute of Arts Sunday: March 3, 2024.
Pointe Studio ten, all of whom are DSWPS members (Linda Boyle, Isabelle Goosen, Ruth Harvey, Carol La Chiusa, Kathleen McNamee, Kathryn Poremski, Bette Prudden, Jackie Rybinski, Cindy Sommerville, Nobuko Yamasaki and Lori Zurvalec) had an exhibition of their work in January 2023 at the Manoogian Arts Wing of University Liggett School in Grosse Pointe Woods.
With great sadness, we report the passing away December 20, 2023 of Barbara Eko Murphy. A stalwart supporter of the arts, she was an unfailing champion and promoter of the Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors and she is sorely missed. You can read Jeff Cancelosi’s obituary of Barbara here.
Barbara Eko Murphy, December 30, 2014 Photo: (c) 2014 Jeff Cancelosi
Juror Shirley Gower awarded Kathryn Poremski’s “Lilith” Best of Show at Think Small, Lawrence Street Gallery (November 29, 2023 to January 19 2024)
New member Darleen Urbanek has a solo exhibition, Peaceful Moments, at the Anton Art Center in Mt Clemens, Second Floor Gallery, on display through December 23, 2023
Roselyn Rhodes and her students are presenting an exhibition of their work in the Emerging Artist Series at the Northville Art House from November 9 to December 16, 2023.
Nobuko Yamasaki’s Japanese Woodblock Print “Nostalgia” has been accepted in the 2024 Juried International Mokuhanga Exhibition in Japan. The show will run from April 4 to 8, 2024 in Japan.
Kimberly Santini’s one-woman show, “Fox,” will be on view at the Manoogian Arts Wing of University Liggett School (1045 Cook Rd, Grosse Pointe Woods 48236) November 10 to December 13. The opening reception is November 16 from 6 to 8 pm. The exhibition includes seven new larger-than-life fox paintings and an array of drawings, collage, recycled art and small studies.
Lori Zurvalec won a merit award at the Canton Fine Arts 29th Annual Exhibition held at the Village Theater Gallery at Cherry Hill.
Ancient Bur Oaks
Julie Sabit celebrates being included among the Hannan Center’s “70 Over Seventy” class of 2023 in the Art category. Deb Benedic delivered her award.
Laura Gabriel and others are part of the gala “Glimpse and Glimmer” in support of the arts for the benefit of the phyically and mentally disabled community.
Laura Gabriel won first place in the Portraits and Pottery show at the Orion Art Center, 115 S. Anderson Road, Lake Orion, Michigan 48362.
Six paintings by Roselyn Rhodes are included in “A Living Museum,” Northville Art House, September 30 to October 28. Pictured below: "Weavers Cottage", 11" x 14", oil on linen.
Rose writes: “I spent a lot of time painting at Mill Race Village in Northville this summer. Set next to babbling brook, it is kind of a smaller ‘Greenfield Village’ for Northville. It has beautiful old Victorian homes and other historic buildings that have been moved there from around the area. It’s a very welcoming place with the nicest volunteers. There is a lot going on at the Northville Art Center! Please stop by.“
Nobuko Yamasaki’s woodcut, “Her Dream” won Best of Show at the Grosse Pointe Art Center Black and White exhibition. Nearly 200 artists entered, with the works of 65 on view until November 10, 2023. The prize for winning first place is a solo show in the Manoogian Arts Wing at University Liggett school in Fall 2023.
Charmaine Kaptur Retrospective: A Life in Art is on view at the Grosse Pointe Congregational Church Arts Ministry Gallery from September 10 to 24, 2023.
Photo credit: K. Michelle Moran, Grosse Pointe Times
Linda Allen is participating in the Pioneer Building’s annual Open Artist Studio Saturday, October 14, 2023. For more information and a complete list of the artists involved, click here.
Five of the ten new artist members of the 70 Over Seventy Class of 2023 of the Hannan Center in Detroit are members of DSWPS:
Jeanne Bieri
Joan Britton
Shirley Hathaway
Betty McGraw
Julie Sabit
The "70 Over Seventy Award" was created to highlight the diverse interests, accomplishments and lifestyles of older adults in Michigan. The Center was established in 1925 "to preserve the dignity and enhance the quality of life of seniors in Michigan." Its motto is IMPACT IS AGELESS. The exhibit is free to the public at the Hannan Center, 4850 Woodward in Detroit. It will also be posted online for public voting on all the "Over 70 artists". Click here for more information. Because of a glitch, Shirl Hathaway’s accepted works are not on view at the gallery; they are included below.
Shirley Hathaway, Song of SOngs
Shirley Hathaway, Yellowstone
Julianna Sanroman’s work is part of the Summer Exhibition, The Art of BasBlue, which runs through October 27, 2023 at 110 East Ferry Street, Detroit, Michigan. For more information, click here.
Vasu Tolia will present a solo show of figurative paintings, “This is Every Woman” at Brewery Park (Brewery Park Blvd, Detroit, MI 48207), with a reception September 2, 2023.
Kim Santini was a guest July 24, 2023 on Alyson Stanfield's Art Biz podcast. She talked about how she used the pandemic as a sabbatical, the power of blogging, and teaching online with a student membership program. You can listen to the interview and see images here.
Carol La Chiusa was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Michigan Water Color Society at their annual meeting on June 3, 2023. Carol is a former president of DSWPS and has served on the MWCS Executive Board.
New member Mady Chen participated in the Riverside Art Festival in Bay City, Michigan June 10-11, 2023 and was awarded Best in Show.
Four members won prizes at the Michigan Water Color Society Annual Exhibition, which is on view at the Kruizenga Art Museum in Holland, Michigan from June 3 to August 5, 2023:
Kathleen McNamee, MWCS Founders Memorial Award
Carol LaChiusa, Rosie Mehaffey Honorarium Award
Linda Allen, MWCS Award
Jan Filarski, MWCS Travel Award
Twelve members have been juried into Lawrence Street Gallery’s Summer Invitational ‘23:
Janet Almstadt-Davison ~ Cheryl Barill ~ Danna Wolke Bowersox ~ Barbara Clay ~ Susan Eatmon ~ Susan Kwolek ~ Sunanda Mallick ~ Kathleen McNamee ~ Lynn Edwards Newman ~ Mary Taitt ~ Pat Vartanian ~ Lori Zurvalec
Eight DSWPS members are represented in the Inaugural Michigan Water Color Society Signature Exhibition. Opening reception Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 5 to 7, at the Stamelos Gallery (Mardigian Library, 1st floor) of the University of Michigan Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI 48128:
Jan Filarski ~ Susan Kwolek ~ Carol LaChiusa ~ Marilynn Thomas ~ Christine Unwin ~ Lori Zurvalec
Works by Pointe Studio Ten, whose members are also all DSWPS members, are on display through July 9, 2023, at the Grosse Pointe Congregational Church. Hours vary, so call 313 884-3075 to arrange to visit
Front row: Charmaine Kaptur, Isabelle Goosen, Zena Carnaghi, Bette Prudden. Back row: Nobuko Yamasaki, Lori Zurvalec, Linda Allen (with Linda Boyle behind her), Ruth Harvey, Jackie Rybinski, Cindy Somerville. Not pictured: Carol LaChiusa Kathleen McNamee
Roselyn Rhodes’ solo show at Posterity Gallery in Grosse Pointe in May was the subject of a feature article in the Grosse Pointe TImes: click here to read it.
Suzanne Allen has a solo show “Re-Creation: Upcycled Art” at Lawrence Street Gallery May 3 - 26, 2023. For more information, check out https://lawrencestreetgallery.com/
Work by Nobuko Yamasaki and her students (including DSWPS member Marcia Guestschow) is the subject of the “Nobuko Yamasaki Mokuhanga Workshop Show,” June 9 - July 7, 2023 at Color | Ink Studio and Gallery, 20919 John R. Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030
“After the Wildfire: Snowy and the Sky” by Alisa Liguori Stratton was chosen Best of Show at the Bloomfield Township Public Library’s Seventh Annual Photo contest.
Nobuko Yamasaki has been invited, along with eight other Michigan-based Asian artists, to contribute work to the show “Perspectives,” on display at the Southfield City Hall main lobby from May to July 2023.
On April 23, 2023, Mary Stebbins Taitt shared six poems she wrote that were inspired by photographs in the Lawrence Street Gallery exhibition “Exposures ‘23”. She also has a photograph in the show, "Ozark Spring, Eureka, Kansas”.
Mary Taitt was also awarded an Honorable Mention for "Seeking a Moment of Solitude"in the show “Sanctuary” at the Grosse Pointe Artist Association in January - February 2023.
gouache on colored paper
Ellen Doyle has FIVE paintings in “Full Bloom,” an exhibit featuring eight women artists at the Irwin House Gallery March 25 - April 30, 2023 (2351 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208): https://www.artsy.net/show/irwin-house-gallery-full-bloom…
April Showers
…and her painting “Apricity” from the Detroit Artists Market “Concerning Landscape” show has been purchased by Henry Ford Health...
….and she has TWELVE works in the Beaumont Hospital (Grosse Pointe) program “Arts for the Spirit”: https://www.beaumont.org/patients-families/support-services/arts-for-the-spirit.
Nobuko Yamasaki has been invited to contribute four pieces to the Southfield Public Arts Community Art Exhibition. Opening reception is May 5, 2023 in the Southfield City Hall Lobby.
Susan Eatmon has a solo show, “Listen to the Music,” at the Grosse Pointe Artists Association guest gallery through April 27.
Linda Boyle’s acrylic painting “Follow Fall” won second prize in the show Brighton with Art.
"Wildflowers" by Loretta Markell has been purchased by Henry Ford Health and will be part of their permanent collection.
Marguerite Carlton’s photograph, “Energy Exchange Red” is part of “Seeds of Change: Resilience,” a show sponsored by the Women’s Caucus for Arts Michigan at at 22 North Gallery, Ypsilanti. On May 5, 2023, along with other participating artists giving poetry and other readings, she will read her haiku. Opening reception April 21 from 6 to 9.
Marguerite Carlton is part of the Hatchback 17, the annual juried exhibit on display April 1 - 30, 2023 at Hatch Art Gallery, 3456 Evaline, Hamtramck, MI. The juror was Nancy Mitchnick. Marguerite will also give an artist’s talk Saturday April 22, 2-3pm.
Marguerite Carlton with “Almost There 2.” Photograph © Jeff Cancellosi 2023
Ellen Doyle won an Honorable mention for her painting “Green Space” in the Green show at the Grosse Pointe Artists Association in April 2023.
”Heat and Light,” an exhibitions of paintings by Jackie Rybinski and metal sculpture by her son Max Rybinski will be on view April 7 - May 14, 2023 at the Grosse Pointe Congregational Church (240 Chalfonte Ave, Grosse Pointe Farms 48236).
Twelve watercolors by Marilynn Thomas are featured in “Nature’s Eclectic” at The Gallery at Cherry Hill in Canton, March 30 - April 30, 2023.
The paintings of Roselyn Rhodes are featured in the solo show Fusions of Water, Light & Time April 22 to May 13, 2023. The opening reception is April 22, 3 to 7 pm, Posterity Art & Framing Gallery, 17005 Kercheval Avenue, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230.
Vasu Tolia’s painting “Ascent” won the People’s Choice Award at the exhibition Time•Place at Posterity Gallery in Grosse Pointe, MI, February 14 - March 18.
Nobuko Yamasaki has been invited to demonstrate Japanese woodblock carving and display her work in the Great Hall of the Detroit Institute of Arts at the Hinamatsuri festival March 5, 2023, from 10 am to 5 pm. For the full program of the day (including the traditional Hina doll display, flower arrangements, origami, a story teller, and Japanese music), please click here.
Laura Gabriel’s painting “Checkerboard Goat” was awarded an Honorable Mention at the Anton Arts Center "Small Works" show.
Vasu Tolia’s painting “A World United” was chosen for the cover of a COVID-19-Themed Supplement to the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal. Click the image to visit the journal.
Additionally, click here to see the November 2022 edition of Artsy Shark, where Vasu Tolia is the Featured Artist.
Puzzled, mixed media, 36x36
The following item not so recent, although recently discovered:
The late, much lamented Richie Campbell assisting Kenneth Gross as he juried a DSWPS show in 2012
Copy and paste this link in your browser to see more, and to hear Ken Gross reflect thoughtfully on the place of DSWPS in Detroit history:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK5wxr4m89Y
“What I’ve Seen,” an exhibition of paintings and prints by Kathleen McNamee
was on view October 6 - November 7, 2022 at the Manoogian Arts Wing Gallery of University Liggett School,
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Kimberly Santini’s solo show “Fox Medicine”
featured paintings and drawings inspired by fox magic
October 7-29, 2022, Starkweather Arts Center, Romeo, MI
Works by three DSWPS members were accepted for Art Prize 2022.
Click on their names for more information.
Pamela Alexander
Julianna Sanroman Rojas (2022 Scholarship winner)
Four DSWPS members are among the 15 Detroit women artists challenging the way that marketing and media shape our culture and hold us all back. Click here to learn more about the project and find its pop-up venues.
Lynn Edwards Newman, Out from Under
Martine McDonald, She Flies with her own Wings
Jeanne Bieri, Cross Your Heart
Vasu Tolia, Flying
DSWPS members picked up several awards at the 2022 West of Center Exhibition
Northville Art House, 215 W. Cady St, Northville, MI
Lori Zurvalec, Hostas with Honey-Bee Trails: 2nd place
Kathleen McNamee, Old Dock: 3rd place
Pat Vartanian (brand-new member!), Family Masquerade: People’s Choice Award
Nobuko Yamasaki is one of just four artists selected for the Michigan Artists Invitational
Greater Flint Arts Council Gallery, 816 S. Saginaw St, Flint 48502. June 10 - July 1, 2022
Julie Sabit will be showing six pieces of her artwork in Mighty Real Queer Detroit, MRQD, which will include 150 artists and 700 works of art displayed among 17 Detroit area galleries. Sabit will also include work by her late twin, Joyce Sabit, plus sculpture and ceramic work by her late partner, Peggy Sauer. Sauer was a very accomplished artist, having been an automotive designer for GM and for Raymond Loewy, and a very popular professor at the Columbus College Of Art and Design and at Henry Ford Community College. Her work will be displayed at the Anton Art Center in Mt Clemens and at Galerie Camille, Collected Detroit, Anton Art Center, and Hatch Art.
Randiah Camille Green in Metro TImes, June 1, 2022 writes:
At 90 years old, Julie Sabit is the oldest living artist in the Mighty Real/Queer Detroit exhibit. The show is sort of a coming out for Sabit, who was born and raised in the Motor City. Sabit tells Metro Times though she never lied when people asked about her sexuality, and many probably assumed she was gay, this exhibit is the first time she's openly broadcasting it to the world. "I don't expect that I'm shocking anybody when I tell them I'm in this big queer show, but it is the first time I'm admitting to everyone I'm gay, and just saying it out loud, so, in fact, it is a coming out," she says. "I don't particularly see gayness in my paintings, to be honest. I just love to paint people doing things."
Sabit finds excitement in painting people doing leisurely activities like sitting down, reading books, and simply existing. Detailed paintings in muted colors make the viewer pay attention to the seemingly mundane moments of human life. They hone in on the "unposed gestures" of how people relate to each other.
One of Sabit's most profound memories of being queer in Detroit is when her application to Wayne State's College of Education was denied because she was gay back in 1950. "They were purging suspected gays from the College of Education, so it stopped my registration," she says. "I had to register in the Liberal Arts College in sociology because I was a suspected gay person. I talked to a counselor they had there about my gayness and I ended up just saying, 'OK, I'm going to bed with a man now.' I guess they considered gay people as 'groomers.'" Other than the "1950 purge," as she calls it, Sabit says she isn't aware of being treated any differently for being queer.
While things are much different at Wayne State these days, some things never seem to change. Sabit's painting "CHOICE" depicts an abortion rights rally that she attended in Washington, D.C., back in 2004. Though the piece was completed in 2005, it's become relevant once again as the U.S. Supreme Court mulls over reversing Roe v. Wade and sending us all back to the 1920s. "We want to call ourselves the leaders of the free world, and we're going to force victims of rape and incest to carry babies? Sheesh," she says about the current fight around abortion rights and Michigan's antiquated reproductive laws. "It's ridiculous."
Kimberly Santini’s “Queen Anne” is a Finalist in AcrylicWorks 9: The “Best of Acrylic” competition.
She will be published in AcrylicWorks 9, a special issue edited by Artists Magazine, hitting newstands August 2022
Jes Zilla’s “reflection” won an Honorable Mention Award in the 37th Annual Our Town Art Show & Sale at The Community House in Birmingham, MI. The show ran April 1 - 15, 2022 (and the painting sold!)
Kim Santini’s Spruce placed in the top 15% (“FAV15%”) of Fine Arts Studio Online and Bold Brushes' Feb 2022 contest—out of nearly 3000 entries.
https://faso.com/boldbrush/fav15/265.
Amanda Koss has a solo exhibition at the Boll Family YMCA Gallery in Detroit
April 1 - April 21
https://ymcadetroit.org/locations/boll/
“Out of the Darkness: Celebrating Women Who Shine”
A fundraising event and exhibition benefiting organizations who uplift women in the Detroit area
The Riverside Detroit
April 2 from 1-7pm
https://outtathedarkness.eventbrite.com
Seven DSWPS members will be exhibiting art
Patricia Baker
Ellen Kennary Doyle
Amanda Koss
Carol Cook Reid
Sharlene Welton
Cheryl Widener
Jes Zilla
Jes Zilla won a Members’ Choice Award for From This Day Forward
at the Northville Art House 16th Annual Members Exhibition
Kimberly Santini has been honored with 2nd place for her painting "Moss" in Making our Marks, the
International Society of Experimental Artists' Membership Show
Kimberly Santini also won 2nd place with “Fox” in the
Starkweather Arts Center Annual Members Show (Romeo, MI; juried by Ken Kiernicki)
On view through March 25th
Suzanne Sillery had a Solo Show at the Detroit Athletic Club for the month of February 2022.
In honor of Women's History Month, several DSWPS members will be participating in the exhibit "When There Are Nine 2" at the Kayrod Gallery, 4750 Woodward, Detroit, March 13 to April 8
Rochelle Riley, Director of Arts and Culture for the City of Detroit, was the main speaker at the reception. This is a reprise of the spectacular exhibit "When There Are Nine" that debuted at the Canton Village Theater just prior to the pandemic.
Other DSWPS members will also be displaying their work simultaneously at the Kayrod Gallery as part of a
Women's Wall: One for All and All for One!
Patricia Baker
Marta Carvajal
Erica Chappuis
Lori Zurvalec’s “Hostas with Honey Bees”
was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Michigan Annual XLIX Exhibition
Anton Art Center, Mt Clemens, January 29 - March 1, 2022
Fran Seikaly’s painting “Yve and Amy” has been chosen to hang at Farmington City Hall for two years.
Three members won awards in
Think Small ‘21
Lawrence Street Gallery
December 1 - 23, 2021; Candace Law, juror
Cheryl Barill (left) with award winners Marcia Guetschow, Lori Zurvalec, Amanda Koss. See their award-winning pieces below.
Best of Show: Marcia Guetschow, "Spring's Secret"
2nd Place: Amanda Koss, "Early Mornin'"
Honorable Mention: Lori Zurvalec, "Chair with Moon and Stars"
Nobuko Yamasaki’s Japanese woodblock print “Underneath Shadows” has been selected for the Sumi-Fusion: International Mokuhanga Exhibition in Japan. The show is runs from December 1 to 4, 2021.
Marta Carvajal has a one-woman show at The Gallery at Brewery Park in the Crain Communications Building on Gration in Detroit.
Sadly, Lily Dudgeon, former DSWPS president and longtime member, passed away in October 2021. She was 101.
When There Are Nine
New member Sharlene Welton curated the successful exhibition “When There are Nine” at the Women’s Work Art Gallery (https://www.wwagdet.com/about-1) in April 2020. Click below to see artists (including Members †Patricia Izzo and Martine MacDonald) discuss their work.
By popular demand, “When There Are Nine” will return in March 2022 to the Kayrod Gallery in Detroit (https://hannan.org/kayrod-gallery/) with a renewed group of women artists: Boisali Biswas, †Patricia Izzo, Janet Kondziela, Rose Lewandowski, Martine MacDonald, Alga Washington, Sharlene Welton, Jeni Wheeler and Charlene Uresy. The reception will be Sunday, March 13, 2022, from 1 to 5.
92nd Michigan Contemporary Art Exhibition
Muskegon, September 23 - November 10, 2021
Nobuko Yamasaki’s Japanese woodblock print “Big Catch” won the Robert and Veronica Youngman Memorial Award for Graphic Arts.
Art Prize 2021
Grand Rapids, September 16 - October 3, 2021
The Japanese woodblock print “Eventide” by new member Marcia Y. Guetschow is on exhibit at the AC Hotel Downtown Grand Rapids through October.
MetroArts Detroit
Check out episode 810 (link below) of MetroArts Detroit! This episode, first aired in summer 2019, features four members from the Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors who discuss the origins of the Society and their own creations:
Joan Smykowski (former president)
Joya Rush-Keli (former president)
Kimberly Santini
Nobuko Yamasaki
MetroArts is a television program that features artists in and around the Metropolitan Detroit area representing the disciplines of visual, performing, and communication arts. Their aim is to bring awareness to up-and-coming artists as well as support those artists whoʼve worked their entire lives in the Metro Detroit area by being arts advocates and taking an active role in their communities. MetroArts is made possible by support from Wayne State University and Detroit Public Television. See the entire interview by clicking below, and find more information and a picture of the participating members by clicking here.
Woman in Blue; oil on ampersand board
Detroit Artists Market All-Media Exhibition
Best of Show: Lori Zurvalec
August 13 - September 11, 2021
Moment of Being