New Detroit Salon Puts Local Art in the Spotlight

A dynamic collective of seasoned arts organizers, known as Salonnière, has launched the ambitious Detroit Salon initiative to elevate Detroit's art scene onto the international stage. This multi-year endeavor aims to provide local artists with unprecedented exposure and opportunities.

 

The team, comprising Danielle Waddell, Erica Jackson, Julie Egan, Juana Williams, and Andi Harris, has partnered with prestigious organizations such as Art Basel and the 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair. Their collaborative efforts will present a series of exhibitions and events over the next three years, highlighting the rich talent within Detroit's art community.

 

The inaugural exhibitions are set to coincide with Art Basel Paris in October. These events will feature works from a diverse group of Detroit-based artists, selected through a rigorous nominations process involving over 50 community leaders and an independent jury of curators from Michigan and beyond.

 

Julie Egan, founder of Salonnière, emphasized the initiative's mission: "Detroit-based artists want to stay in Michigan, they want to stay in our city, they want to live and work here, but for that to happen, they need a seat at the table in key art world events and spaces outside of Michigan, and Detroit Salon aspires to do just that."

 

The upcoming exhibitions include:

 

- Art Basel Paris at the Grand Palais (October 23–26)

 

- Palais de Tokyo (October 18–November 9)

 

- Hôtel de Talleyrand (October 21–23)

 

These exhibitions mark the beginning of a series of seven additional showcases planned outside of Michigan, culminating in a multi-day art fair in Detroit in 2028. The initiative aims to draw the global art community to Detroit, showcasing the city's enduring artistic brilliance.

 

The full list of exhibiting artists includes:

 

Zahra Almajidi, Peter Bernal, Akea Brionne, Allana Clarke, Maya Davis, James Benjamin Franklin, Levon Kafafian, Lauren Kalman, Na Forest Lim, Kylie Lockwood, Tiff Massey, Mario Moore, Joey Quiñones, Jamea Richmond-Edwards, Tylonn J. Sawyer, Graem Whyte, Andrew Wilson, lisa waud, Bakpak Durden, Conrad Egyir, Carole Harris, Scott Hocking, Hubert Massey, Katie Mongoven, Keisha Miller, Senghor Reid, Rashaun Rucker, Shirley Woodson, Olayami Dabls, Clare Gatto, KESSWA, and Kesiena Wanogho.

 

This initiative underscores Detroit's commitment to nurturing its artistic community and solidifying its place on the global art map.