The Voices of Contemporary Studio is an exhibition on view from June 20
through July 11, 2026, at The Hendrie in Detroit’s Cultural Center. Curated by James Charles Morris, the exhibition celebrates and examines the enduring legacy and cultural impact of Contemporary Studio, one of the earliest Black-owned galleries in the United States and a pioneering force in Detroit’s artistic landscape.

Founded in 1958 by artists Henri Umbaji King, Ernest Hardman, Harold Neal, LeRoy Foster, and Charles McGee, Contemporary Studio began as a vibrant artist collective before evolving into Detroit’s second Black-owned gallery. By 1960, the group had established a gallery space in a commercial flat on Detroit’s west side, a venue art critic Morley Driver of the Detroit Free Press famously described as “the sort of place found in Rome or Paris.” 

 

The gallery became an important cultural center, presenting groundbreaking group and solo exhibitions featuring artists such as Larry Walker, James Lee, Carl Owens, and Oscar Graves. Beyond exhibitions, Contemporary Studio also served as a vital community hub, offering workshops and art classes for both children and adults while fostering artistic dialogue and creative development within Detroit’s Black arts community.

The Voices of Contemporary Studio will feature works by Cesante Alrey, Ernest Alston, LeRoy Foster, Oscar Graves, Ernest Hardman, Henri Umbaji King, James Lee, James Malone, Charles McGee, Harold Neal, Carl Owens, Leon Rice, James Strickland, Omar Shabazz, Larry Walker, and James D. Wilson.

In addition to the artwork on display, the exhibition will include archival photographs and historical artifacts documenting significant moments and interactions from Contemporary Studio’s history. Through these materials, the exhibition seeks to immerse visitors in the spirit of the gallery and illuminate its importance to the development of Detroit’s Black artistic community.

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CURATORIAL STATEMENT
It started with an image. There was something really powerful about seeing eleven Black artists based in Detroit standing on the steps of one of the nation’s most prestigious art institutions, boldly asserting their place within the art world of the 1960s. That single photograph sparked a mission: to uncover the story of this collective, to search for images and artifacts, to gather memories and testimonies, and most importantly, to rediscover the works of these artists whom
history had too often overlooked.

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EXHIBITION ENGAGEMENTS
Opening Reception
June 20th, 2026 | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
An evening of art, conversation, and community as we celebrate the opening of The Voices of
Contemporary Studio.

Curator Talk
July 10th, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
A panel of specially invited speakers, alongside curator James Charles Morris, will discuss the lasting impact of Contemporary Studio and the significance of Black-owned galleries within Detroit’s art history. A Q&A session will follow the discussion.
Location: TBA

Closing Reception
July 11th, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
As we wrap up the exhibition, join us for a final celebration. This will be a great chance to reflect on the stories shared during the exhibition and network with art enthusiasts, curators, and fellow attendees.

Curator Contact Information:
James Charles Morris
Curator
contact@jamescharlesmorris.com
(313) 289-9768