Presenting:
Stanley Brown
Shawna Campbell
Ronald Griggs
Xavier Harris
DeRon Hudson
Susan Hudson
Shawn Jackson
Darlene Mahan
Renee Rogan
Thomas Saunders
Ray Smith
Promise Vos
Curated by Bridget Finn
Click here to acquire works in "Affections" through PASC
100% of all sales benefit the artists and Progressive Art Studio Collective.
July 16 – August 28, 2022
Opening Reception, Friday, July 15, 6-8pm
Register for the Eventbrite for the opening reception here
PASC Detroit Pop Up Gallery
At The Vella Group
1410 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
progressiveart@stepcentral.org
www.progressiveartstudiocollective.org
Affection is an act of self-expression. It can manifest in touches, looks, words, gestures– even creative acts, like singing a song or making an artwork. Affection conveys fondness (sometimes love); it promotes greater social connection and community. Each of the twelve artists in this exhibition invite the viewer to engage in an act of appreciation around a personal affection of their own.
Ray Smith shares his favorite records, holding them up for moments of recognition or discovery. Promise Vos offers drawings of abundant love and admiration. Shawn Jackson pays homage to an influential movie, which illustrates bonds of friendship can bridge gaps and overcome difference. Ronald Griggs praises the glory of the human body through imaginatively exploring the complex intimacy of family units. Renee Rogen, Thomas Saunders, and Stanley Brown warmly highlight nostalgic figures who remind us that make-believe has the power to expand one’s experience. Darlene Mahan, Susan Hudson, Xavier Harris, and Shawna Campbell express the profound satisfaction of mark and pattern making– repetition can be a form of devotion.
These acts are crucial to a thriving, resilient life. Exchanging affection is an adaptive behavior that leads to improved physical and mental well-being. Let this exhibition act as a moment to reciprocate the affection each respective artist has generously shared with us. Additional artworks from each artist are available for viewing in an online exhibition component featured on the Reyes | Finn Gallery‘s website.
This is the third of four exhibitions during a five month run in the PASC Detroit Pop-up Gallery, the first gallery space in Detroit dedicated to supporting artists with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. This gallery has been made possible through a partnership with The Vella Group, an organization that provides strategic and communications services to nonprofits. It is also partially funded through a grant from The Michigan Arts and Cultural Council, (MACC). This opening is also being sponsored by Detroit's Batch Brewing Company.
PASC was launched in January 2021 as the first progressive art and design studio in Detroit and Wayne County dedicated to supporting adults with developmental disabilities and mental health needs to advance independent artistic practices and individual career paths in the art and design fields. PASC runs three studios in Westland, Detroit and Southgate, Michigan, as well as a virtual art studio program, and we support over 100 artists across Wayne County. PASC is a program of Services to Enhance Potential (STEP) a non-profit service organization, founded in 1972, that provides services and support for 1300+ individuals with disabilities and mental health issues across Southeastern Michigan.