The Detroit Public Library Galleria promotes local artists in the metro Detroit area by providing a space to exhibit and display art in the community. Located in Main Library, the Galleria offers a comfortable, non-traditional gallery space for customers to casually view works of art, and for artists in the community to showcase their talent. Currently on display is a group exhibit from the Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors entitled Detroit Roots: A Shared History. The exhibit runs until April 30, 2026, and the public is invited to a reception on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm to view the art, learn about the organization, and enjoy refreshments.
The Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors (DSWPS) was founded back in 1903, and today includes 155 members and the distinction as the longest continuously operating women’s art group in the United States. The organization allows women artists to come together to exhibit their work, develop mentorships and friendships, and further develop their craft through active work and mutual helpfulness. The current exhibit, Detroit Roots: A Shared History brings the organization back to its roots—the city where it was founded 123 years ago.
According to Margaret Reese, Exhibitions Chairperson for DSWPS, “We are so excited to be able to exhibit at the Detroit Public Library (DPL) given its rich history, as well as it being nestled in the cultural nucleus of the city of Detroit. The benefits of partnering with DPL is that there are so many walks of life coming through the Library and the Galleria. It is truly accessible to everyone and anyone who is curious about our group and the wonderful art that we produce.”
Additionally, DSWPS are planning for the next 100 years and looking to grow their membership and are inviting women artists, or women interested in art, to check out the exhibit, attend the reception, and join the organization.
“The DPL Galleria came to life organically,” says AJ Funchess, Assistant Director of Marketing at the Detroit Public Library. “We would often get requests from the community to showcase their artwork and we soon became known as the 'community's art' exhibition space. The Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors (DSWPS) was one of those early community groups and we are ecstatic they chose to come back with another high-quality and varied artistic exhibition.”
The exhibit is on display until April 30 in the Detroit Public Library Galleria located at 5201 Woodward Ave. and can be viewed during open hours:
Monday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday and Wednesday: Noon – 8:00 pm
Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm