Detroit Art Exhibition Celebrates Community Elders' Wisdom

New show 'We Give Thanks to the Elders' honors the influence of older generations in Detroit.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 11:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new art exhibition in Detroit, titled 'We Give Thanks to the Elders,' celebrates the wisdom and impact of community elders. The show, curated by artist James Charles Morris, features work from 16 local artists and was inspired by a chance encounter where Morris heard three women discussing their grandparents and parents growing food in their backyards, reminding him of his own upbringing. The exhibition aims to highlight the importance of elders in the community and the lessons, family bonds, and community ties they provide.

Why it matters

This exhibition shines a light on the vital role that elders play in shaping families and communities, particularly in Detroit where intergenerational knowledge and values have long been cornerstones of neighborhood life. By honoring the wisdom of older generations, the show celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the city and the enduring influence of those who have come before.

The details

The 'We Give Thanks to the Elders' exhibition opens on February 27th at The Hendrie in Detroit's Cultural Center. It will feature work from 16 local artists, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia pieces that pay tribute to community elders. Curator James Charles Morris was inspired to create the show after a chance conversation with three women discussing their grandparents and parents growing food in their backyards, which reminded him of his own upbringing and the importance of elders in shaping one's identity and values.

  • The exhibition opens on Friday, February 27, 2026 with a 4-8 pm reception.
  • The show will be on view Thursdays through Sundays from 12-4 pm.
  • An artist talk is scheduled for March 7 from 2-4 pm.
  • The closing reception will be held on Sunday, March 14.

The players

James Charles Morris

The artist and curator who conceived of the 'We Give Thanks to the Elders' exhibition after a chance encounter with three women discussing their grandparents and parents.

Kayla Johnson

A Texas-based artist whose piece depicting a young woman and her grandmother picking greens in the kitchen particularly resonated with Morris.

Dianne Reeves

A jazz singer whose song 'Better Days' was evoked by Johnson's artwork, as the tune explores themes of guidance, resilience, and wisdom passed down through generations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think about the difference between those who you can tell are influenced by the elders and those who may not necessarily have had that or weren't given that. So it became this whole idea of, when you have that understanding, the only thing you can do is give thanks.”

— James Charles Morris, Artist and Curator

“There's a piece by an artist out of Texas named Kayla Johnson that depicts a young lady with her grandmother picking greens in the kitchen. I immediately thought of the song 'Better Days' by Dianne Reeves. When I saw it, I posted the piece on Instagram with that song playing, and there were at least a couple of comments where folks were sending the crying emoji. Like, really take that in — not only what we have, but those who are no longer here, and what they've given us as far as their spirit and presence.”

— James Charles Morris, Artist and Curator

What’s next

The exhibition will continue its run through March 14, with an artist talk scheduled for March 7.

The takeaway

This exhibition celebrates the vital role that elders play in shaping families and communities in Detroit, highlighting the importance of intergenerational knowledge, values, and wisdom that have long been cornerstones of the city's cultural heritage.