Sixteen Metro Detroit artists will fill the Northville Art House with portraits painted from live models when "Inspired by Sargent" opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 215 W. Cady St.
The exhibition draws on the work of John Singer Sargent (1856–1925), the American painter known for luminous portraits and dramatic brushwork. Each of the 16 artists used Sargent's compositions, palettes and poses as starting points, then shaped the results through their own styles and mediums, according to the Art House's exhibition page.
The show runs through Sept. 26. Admission is free.
A public opening reception is set for Friday, Sept. 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the gallery.
The participating artists are Candace Brancik, Jayne Brophy, Carole Cooper, Kathy Fish, Sara Hadley, Catherine Hetherington, Jim Karell, Janet Kondziela, Darlene McBroom, Brant MacLean, Kathleen McNamee, Kathleen O'Connell, Linda Pelowski, Susan S. Perrish, Sandra Schou and Mary Step.
The Art House is pairing the exhibition with several companion events. A "From Page to Palette Book Club" meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., co-hosted with the Northville District Library, will discuss "I Am Madame X" by Gioia Diliberto. The novel reimagines the life of Virginie Gautreau, the subject of Sargent's famous 1884 painting "Madame X."
On Saturday, Sept. 12, instructor Amy Foster leads an all-day "Inspired by Sargent Workshop" from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hands-on session, open to ages 16 and up, explores Sargent's approach to drawing and painting with a live model present. Cost is $120 for Art House members and $132 for non-members.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, the exhibition's final day, the Art House hosts a Preschool Playdate Workshop from 10 to 11 a.m. for ages 2 to 5, themed around Sargent's work ($10 for members, $12 for non-members, covering both adult and child). At 1 p.m. that same day, Executive Director Shannon Karol gives a free Director's Talk, "Who Is John Singer Sargent?," exploring the artist's life and legacy.
Sargent shifted away from commissioned portraits late in his career. In his final 15 years, he painted only 30 oil portraits but produced more than 500 two-hour charcoal studies, according to the Art House.
Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The gallery is closed Saturday and Sunday. More information is available at northvillearthouse.org.
Upcoming at the Northville Art House
- Sept. 1–26: "Inspired by Sargent" exhibition, free admission
- Wednesday, Sept. 9, 6:30–7:30 p.m.: "From Page to Palette Book Club" with Northville District Library
- Friday, Sept. 11, 5–8 p.m.: Free opening reception
- Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.: "Inspired by Sargent Workshop" with Amy Foster (ages 16+), $120 members/$132 non-members
- Saturday, Sept. 26, 10–11 a.m.: Preschool Playdate Workshop (ages 2-5), $10 members/$12 non-members
- Saturday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m.: Director's Talk, "Who Is John Singer Sargent?" — free
