Affections

 

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 eleven 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 that 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 fantasy has the power to expand 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.

 

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).

 

Bridget Finn is Partner at Reyes | Finn, a contemporary art gallery in Detroit, MI. She is also co-founder of Art Mile | Detroit, a citywide digital art exhibition that champions Detroit's vibrant and diverse arts community. Prior to 2017 she was Director at Mitchell-Innes & Nash, NY. She is also the former Director of Strategic Planning & ICI Projects at Independent Curators International (ICI.) She is co-founder/curator of Cleopatra’s, an art space located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn that was active from 2008-2018. Cleopatra’s realized hundreds of projects with artists during its ten year span. Bridget received her BFA from The College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. She is active on The Board of Trustees of Independent Curators International (ICI) and New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA).

 

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 supports for 1300+ individuals with disabilities and mental health issues across Southeastern Michigan.