Community Arts Gallery 150 Community Arts Building Detroit, MI 48202 (313) 993-7813 Exhibition: Best of the Best: Works by WSU Arts Achievement Award Recipients, 1975-2007 Dates: November 2 – December 7, 2007 Opening: Friday, November 2, 5 – 8 pm Hours: Tuesdays – Thursdays 10AM-6PM and Fridays 10AM-7PM

Each year, Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts (CFPCA) recognizes outstanding alumni for their dedication to the arts and achievements in their respective disciplines. The exhibition Best of the Best features, for the first time as a grouping, works of art by Arts Achievement Award recipients (1975-2007) from the Department of Art & Art History, showcasing the tremendous talent of 25 acclaimed artists educated at Wayne State University. Included in this special exhibition are paintings, works on paper, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber works – including selections from WSU’s permanent collection, some never before on view.

Artists represented in Best of the Best include: David Barr, Mary Jane Bigler, Lori Christmastree, Kathryn Clark, Arthur Danto, Sergio De Giusti, John Glick, Susan Hauptman, Richard Kinney, Jr., Stanley Lechtzin, Hughie Lee-Smith, Carey Loren, Nancy Mitchnick, Louise Nobili, Addison Franklin Page, John Nick Pappas, Ellen Phelan, Carol Pylant, David Small, G. Alden Smith, and Larry Walker, among others.

“This will be the first time that we have presented an exhibition focused on the work of Arts Achievement Award winners from WSU’s Department of Art & Art History, and it is a great opportunity for us to share the truly fine work of important artists educated at Wayne, now living and working around the country,” said Lisa Baylis Gonzalez, Director of WSU’s Community Arts Gallery and Elaine L. Jacob Gallery. “It is a true pleasure to be able to show the work of such a stellar line-up of artists.”

The Department of Art & Art History has a long tradition of producing some of the countries finest visual artists, designers, art critics, art historians, gallery owners, and other professionals in visual arts fields. WSU’s Department of Art and Art History has also bestowed Arts Achievement Awards to art critic Joy Hakanson Colby, gallery owner and arts advocate Susanne Hilberry, among others.

The opening reception for Best of the Best will be on Friday, November 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and is free and open to the general public. WSU’s Community Arts Gallery is located in the Community Arts Building at 450 Reuther Mall on the campus of Wayne State University, near Cass and Ferry.



Contact: Stephany Sowards
Voice: (313)577-0770
Email: ap2984@wayne.edu