DSE

Art is a universal language.

Don't take it for granted.

From a distance, the work of James Charles Morris () may appear to be a masterfully painted canvas, but a closer look reveals something entirely unexpected. Rather than relying on traditional media or brushwork, Morris constructs his pieces from countless photographic fragments — images he personally captures from the overlooked moments and textures of everyday life. Each photograph is meticulously layered and assembled, forming richly detailed compositions that blur the line between photography, collage, and painting. The result is a distinctive body of work that captivates viewers through both its visual complexity and its innovative approach to storytelling.

"We're not outnumbered, we're out-organized" - Malcolm X

"Some Days I'm Malcolm, Some Days I'm Detroit Red"
Digital photo collage
40 x 48 in
2024

Read all the slides.

You know the Pistons won again.

Being seen is showing up when it benefits you. Being present is showing up when it benefits something beyond you. Being present doesn't require photo ops or press. It’s the work that we do when no one is looking, and the effort comes from our hearts, not our egos.

"The Hendrie Salon: A Survey of Black Artists in Detroit, Vol. 2"
Opens Friday, April 24th, 2026
4pm to 8pm

The Hendrie ()
556 Hendrie St.
Detroit, MI 48202

"The Hendrie Salon: A Survey of Black Artists in Detroit, Vol. 2" is the second edition of a series of exhibitions that honors the legacy of Detroit’s Black art community by showcasing a selection of works by established masters, mid-career artists, and emerging talents.

For generations, Detroit has stood as a sanctuary for Black artistic expression, creating an environment where innovation and culture thrive. The exhibition not only highlights the individual accomplishments of these artists, but also illustrates the collective influence they have had in shaping the narrative of Black artistry.

Featuring the works of:
`Jide Ajé . Harold Allen - Austen Brantley - Camille Ann Brewer - Ta**us Burns - Cydney Camp - Brian Day - Zuri Dean - Jamea Richmond-Edwards - Javier Gonzalez - Tyree Guyton - Ernest Hardman - Henry Heading - Booker T. Helm - Michael Horner - Takeisha Jefferson - Gregory Johnson - Lester Johnson - Miranda Kyle - Mario Moore - Carole Morisseau - Sabrina Nelson - Carl Owens - Maliek Phillips - David Philpot - Jocelyn Rainey - Byron Reed - Nielle Renee - Ron Rutherford - Bill Sanders - Seth Sharp - Tylonn J. Sawyer - Reggie Singleton - Hughie Lee-Smith - Reuben Telushkin - Rachel Elise Thomas - Bre'Ann White

Curated by James Charles Morris

This is not a suggestion.

Detroit lost a giant today. Dr. Cledie Taylor, artist, educator, gallerist, and mentor to so many in the art community and beyond, passed away at the age of 100. Her impact on Detroit’s Black artist community can not be measured. She was the co-founder of one of the nation's longest running Black art organizations in Arts Extended, which was also the first Black owned art galley in Detroit. She was an accomplished artist whose work has been exhibited countless times in Detroit and beyond. As an educator, she cultivated generations of young minds to push further and utilize the most out of their gifts. As a gallerist, she gave numerous artists a space to be seen. Her impact is immeasurable, and her spirit will live on. Rest well, Dr. Taylor.

Photo: Hugh Grannum