Back to the DIA

I used to draw. I don’t think I was on track to be the first African-American artist selected to paint the POTUS or FLOTUS for the Smithsonian, but I was pretty good. Good enough to be selected as one of the young artist showcased in the Detroit Institute of Arts Annual Detroit Public Schools Student Exhibition. This was a very big deal for me at the time! If you read my Three One Three Forever post I talked about my middle school art teacher, Mrs. Sheryl Heading, playing a big part in my art exposure and exposure of my art. This is kind of an extension of that.

My pencil and an occasional pen, that’s all I ever liked using for my pictures. I absolutely loved smearing the lead of a number 2 pencil across white paper!

Here are pics of some of my first serious pieces:

A few Saturdays ago was the beginning of the 81st Student Exhibition at the DIA and I was all kinds of excited to go back and be an admirer. Why was this exhibition a big deal for me over 20 years ago and why is it a big deal for students today? Hundreds of pieces are submitted from across the Detroit Public School system, students K through grade 12, but only a selected number are chosen to be displayed. Talk about making the cut! This year 547 pieces were submitted, of which 177 were selected. The display includes ceramics, collages, drawings, videos, jewelry, paintings, photography, and sculptures.

Let me say, the talent siphoning through the DPS is clearly evolutionary! I was so not as good as these talented young artists! To those 177, I see you *eye winkie emoji*.

While I was there of course I also had to stroll through the Riveria Court and take some pics in front of the beautiful Detroit Industry Murals!

I was also more than a little excited to have lunch at Kresge Court! I’m so in love with the furniture there! Peep my baby daddy in the background!

…and just because the DIA is all types of beautiful everywhere….

Every so often I question if I still “have it” but I am scared to pick up a pencil in fear that I don’t. A famous Picasso quote, “every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once you grow up.” Oh the truth on so many levels!

I didn’t want this post to just be an eulogy to my abandoned talent. After my visit to the DIA, I decided that my month of May goal is to pick up a number 2 pencil and draw a picture! Can’t wait to share it with you!

A big, warm thank you to the DIA and the beautiful and talented young Detroit artists who took me on a trip down memory lane this past weekend. You reminded me of the joy that comes from using your God-given talents. You inspired me to get back to nurturing a talent I had put away on the top shelf. I’ll be back next year for the 82nd annual student exhibition!

The student exhibition runs through May 13th! If you are hanging out in the city, stop by! Residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county residents are admitted free. The exhibition is on view in the Kirby Gallery.

Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except the birds that sang best! -Henry Van Dyke

Photo credit: Timothy Blanks

P.S. Three one three forever

P.P.S African Mona Lisa