Grosse Pointe Artists Association remains vibrant War Memorial partner

At The War Memorial, we are continually inspired by our friends and resident partners of the Grosse Pointe Artists Association (GPAA) and its extensive art-based opportunities available to community members and programming for veterans.  

“The Grosse Pointe Artists Association has found a perfect partner in The War Memorial,” GPAA President Karen Pope said. “Not only do we have a beautiful space for our home, but there is irreplaceable synergy. We both focus our efforts on providing opportunities to enrich lives through the arts.” 

GPAA provides a diverse offering of art classes lead by high caliber instructors, exhibitions to celebrate local artists and inspire new talent, programming to engage and educate the public and more.    

The Association, established in 1927, initially got involved with what is now The War Memorial around 1941 when it had exhibits and classes at the Alger House Branch of the Detroit Institute of Arts. After years of moving from one commercial space to another, the Association returned to The War Memorial in May 2016.  

Regarding the importance of the arts, Pope is confident of its relevance. 

“We believe researchers Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross who wrote the New York Times bestseller ‘Your Brain on Art.’ They report ‘the arts can deliver potent, accessible and proven solutions for everyone’s well-being.’” 

Pope comments that the Artists Association is focused on the visual arts. 

“Its classes offer a wide range of topics for experienced to beginning artists taught by exceptional artists, from a gold medal-winning watercolorist to a courtroom artist whose work is sought after by national publications,” she said. 

The Association offers many experiences due to its diverse membership being willing to share several contacts. Input from the membership guides the direction of the Artists Association. For instance, at the gallery talks that open each of its exhibitions, the Association asks the audience to suggest themes for upcoming exhibitions. 

The Association’s general programming is also in response to community suggestions. An Evening Out on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. is for veterans and their families. A Morning Out on the first and third Tuesday mornings of the month from 10:30 a.m. to noon includes discussions on art topics followed by artmaking. 

A current Association exhibit in the Patriot Gallery at The War Memorial is Soulful Stitches: 21 Quilts/21Stories, an exhibition by the Cre8tive Circles. The exhibit runs through May 2 and features quilted artwork. The gallery is in the lower level of the Fred M. Alger Center.   

Further examples of current Association collaborations include hosting an exhibition by the Lakeshore Palette Club of St. Clair Shores through May 2 in the Association’s Art Gallery near the Business Center entrance of The War Memorial. The Association is also working with the Grosse Pointe Historical Society, Grosse Pointe Public Schools and the Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society of Eastpointe on an exhibition and lecture series to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. That exhibit will lead up to The War Memorial’s 80th Anniversary of D-Day Ceremony on Thursday, June 6 at 6 p.m. To register for the free event, click here.  

Learn more about GPAA by visiting its website by clicking here.