Inspired by Sargent

September 1 – September 26 | Reception: Friday, September 11, 5 – 8 pm

Inspired by Sargent celebrates the creative dialogue between great master and 16 Metro Detroit area artists. John Singer Sargent (1856–1925), renowned for his luminous portraits, expressive brushwork, and dramatic sense of costume and pose, provides the spark for this collection of work.

Each artist worked from live models using Sargent’s compositions, palettes, and sensibilities as starting points. The resulting portraits and figurative pieces, echo Sargent’s flair while offering fresh interpretations shaped by each artist’s medium and style. This exhibition invites viewers to discover how contemporary artists reimagine a celebrated painter’s vision, finding new energy and meaning in poses, gestures, and light first explored more than a century ago.

Artists include: 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.

Book Club

September 9, 6:30 – 7:30 pm | From Page to Palette Book Club

Join the Northville Art House and Northville District Library to discuss I am Madame X by Gioia Diliberto which reimagines the dramatic life of Virginie Gautreau, an American-born Paris socialite who became the subject of John Singer Sargent’s famous and highly controversial 1884 painting, Madame X.

Workshops

September 12, 10 am – 5 pm | Inspired by Sargent Workshop for ages 16+

John Singer Sargent is well-known for his large-scale oil portrait paintings. But many don’t realize that he had a passion for drawing as well. In fact, in his last 15 years, while he only painted 30 oil portraits, he created over 500 two-hour charcoal studies.

This workshop will explore his passion for drawing and painting by dedicating the first half of our day to working in black and white and the second half to color. A live model will be present for the duration of the day.

Instructor: Amy Foster
Cost: (M) $120; (NM) $132 | Students bring supplies (.pdf supply list coming soon)

Saturday, September 26, 10 am – 11 am| PRESCHOOL PLAYDATE WORKSHOP

Join Director Shannon Karol for this fun program designed for preschoolers (ages 2-5) and their favorite grown-up. In September, we’ll read a story about the artist John Singer Sargent, look at artworks, and create a special art project inspired by what we have seen. | $10 (m) $12 (nm) Registration covers adult and child participants.

Gallery Presentation

September 26, 1 pm | Director’s Talk: Who Is John Singer Sargent?

Executive Director Shannon Karol explores the life, work, and lasting influence of one of America’s greatest portrait painters, John Singer Sargent (1856–1925).

Sargent is admired for combining realism, impressionistic light, and extraordinary technical skill to his portraits, landscapes, watercolors, and charcoal drawings.

Join us for the Director’s Talk and the exhibition on its last day of public viewing. Free, donations welcomed.