The Vella Group Hosts ‘Affections’ – the 3rd PASC Detroit Pop-Up Art Exhibit – Starting July 15

Affections, the third of a four-part exhibition series in the PASC Detroit Pop-Up Gallery, will open at our first-floor office space on July 15 and run through August 28.

The exhibition series, part of our partnership with nonprofit Services to Enhance Potential (STEP), represents the first Detroit gallery dedicated to artists with disabilities. STEP provides supports and services to those in Wayne County with developmental and mental health needs. Each exhibit features the work of artists from STEP’s Progressive Art Studio Collective (PASC), a program that supports professional artists with disabilities.

Affections, curated by Bridget Finn, a partner at Detroit’s Reyes | Finn art gallery, will feature the work of 11 PASC artists whose own affections are reflected in their work. Participating artists will include: Stanley Brown, Shawna Campbell, Ronald Griggs, Xavier Harris, Susan Hudson, Shawn Jackson, Darlene Mahan, Renee Rogan, Thomas Saunders, Ray Smith and Promise Vos.

The exhibit’s opening reception runs 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 15 (register to attend). From July 16 to August 28, the exhibit will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 6 p.m. at 1410 Gratiot Ave near Eastern Market. All art is for sale, and proceeds will be shared between the artists and PASC.

First & Second PASC Pop-Up Exhibits Featured in Detroit Media

PASC Detroit opened its first pop-up art exhibit, called Liberty Realm, in early May and followed with Electric Relaxation in early June. An article from Detroit Free Press featured the inaugural exhibit, highlighting PASC artist Ashley Hawkins among others.

When asked about her experience, Ashley replied, “Doing my art allows me to express myself and how I really feel. I get to use beautiful colors. I just love being creative.”

PASC artist Stanley Brown and his mom, Cynthia, were featured in a WXYZ Channel 7 piece in mid June on the Electric Relaxation exhibit. During the TV interview, Stanley showed his large painting called The Sun, which he created using water colors. Cynthia explained that Stanley has been creating art since he was five years old.

“I just bought artwork books, sketch books from Walmart and colored pencils, and let him go for it,” she said.

The full exhibition series has been partially funded by a grant from the Michigan Arts and Cultural Council. The fourth and final exhibit will run September 2 to 24 and be curated by Tyrrell Winston, an artist represented by Detroit’s Library Street Collective Gallery. Stay tuned for more details!

Artwork Featured Above: Pink Flower Heart, 2022, by Promise Vos

Opening Reception

Friday, July 15
6 to 8 PM
Register to Attend >>

Art Exhibit & Sale

July 16 – August 28
Fri, Sat & Sun
1 to 6 PM

The Vella Group
1410 Gratiot Ave
Detroit, MI 48207