10 Amazing Black Detroit Artists

My work is on display as permanent outdoor installations around the African Bead Museum in Detroit.

The work of Detroit artists transforms the city by teaching about culture group traditions, systems of thought, philosophy, creation myths, and by reminding the community of [the heritage] from which it came.

SABRINA NELSON

I paint, print and sew incorporating drawing techniques.

I have been working as an artist for 28 years.

My work has been exhibited in New Orleans, San Francisco, Miami and at galleries throughout Detroit. Currently, I have are on display at the Scarab Club in Detroit.

The work of Detroit artists transforms the city by engaging the community. By allowing the viewer to feel healing and hope. By creating more conversation about the freedom and space to create in a city where the ground is fertile [for] limitless passion.

ANITA BATES

I am an abstract painter.

I have been working as an artist for 20 years.

My work has been exhibited in New York and in Detroit galleries including the G. R. N’Namdi Gallery and the Dell Pryor Gallery. Some of my art is on display at the Brown and Juanita C. Ford Gallery at WCCCD’s downtown campus through July 9.

The work of Detroit artists transforms the city by educating and enhancing the people and the landscape, respectively. There should be a push to colonize many of our blighted neighborhoods and abandoned structures with artisans, artists, art educators and promoters. Imagine a whole neighborhood taken over by artists and transformed into something that is stable, visually stunning and purpose driven.

CAROLE MORISSEAU

I am a painter.

I have been working as an artist for more than 20 years.

My work has been exhibited in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and other cities. Later this year, some of my paintings will be displayed in Pasadena, Calif., and Durham, N.C. I have work now on exhibit at the Affirmations Gallery in Ferndale, the Michigan chapter of the National Conference of Artists’ gallery and the Scarab club in Detroit.

The work of Detroit artists transforms the city by bringing more global attention to our area. We have a unique story to tell and there are many areas in the nation and worldwide that are curious about our city, its problems and successes.

CLIFFORD HARRIS

I am a drawing portrait artist, working primarily in charcoal, graphite and oil pastels.

I have been working as an artist for more than 32 years.

My work has been exhibited at the Greater Flint Arts Council Gallery, the Pontiac Creative Arts Center, the Southfield Civic Center and other local galleries. Some of my drawings will be included in an exhibit, opening July 15, at the College for Creative Studies’ Center Galleries.

The work of Detroit artists transforms the city by representing the cultural richness of this city and its surrounding communities. During difficult economic times, arts often suffer in our school systems. Still, we artists continue to find and nurture the creative spirit of our Detroit youth. The future of the arts in Detroit is bright, innovative and eternal.

EILEEN MONTEIRO

I am a painter, primarily watercolor, and a photographer.

I have been working as an artist for 40 years.

My work has been exhibited in New York and Atlanta, as well as Birmingham Community House, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and other Detroit venues. This month, some of my art can be seen at the G. R. N’Namdi Gallery.

The work of Detroit artists transforms the city by providing a visual journal of the beauty and the struggles of a vibrant and troubled city. We are unique in that there are more African-American owned and operated galleries here than anywhere in the world. The quality of art produced here should be touted as one of the most positive aspects of our city.

RENEE M. DOOLEY

I am a mixed media and collage artist.

I have been working as an artist for 24 years.

My work has been exhibited at Detroit Artists Market, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Dell Pryor Gallery and other local art spaces. I will soon have art on display at the Affirmations Gallery in Ferndale

The work of Detroit artists transforms the city by sharing our various visions of beauty and creativity in ways that inspire others to express themselves in positive ways.