Hannan Center hosted its 2nd Annual Emerge! Art Festival on Saturday, September 19, a juried art prize which highlights older adult artists (60 years of age+) who emerged as artists later in life or have started to work in new artistic mediums. Seventy-seven works were submitted and then narrowed down by a jury of professional artists to determine the top three awardees. Additionally, 6,667 votes were cast for the People’s Choice Award.
Special thanks to…..
Randal Charlton, Hannan Center Trustee
The Charlton Foundation
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
Jurors: Asia Hamilton and Shirley Woodson Reid
Congratulations to our 2020 awardees!
First Place (Juried)
Walter Bailey, Women at the Well of Creation, Acrylic Fusion Art
Second Place (Juried)
Anita Gibbs, At Last After Quarantine, Acrylic on Canvas
Third Place (Juried)
Victoria Hart, Hope, Acrylic on Canvas
People’s Choice Award
Anita Gibbs, At Last After Quarantine, Acrylic on Canvas
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S WINNERS!!!
An exhibit featuring the winning art will be open through October 30th. Please call 313.833.1300 to make an appointment.
EMERGE! ART FESTIVAL 2020 SUBMISSIONS
Thanks to all who voted for the People’s Choice Award!
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Emerge!
At Last Love After Quarantine
This sixth decade of my life has been challenging, to say the least. A surprise layoff, and then another, forced my catapult into unknown creativity. I had never painted in any medium, much less on canvas.
Read the restWe Missed You
Acrylic on Canvas 48″x36″
This sixth decade of my life has been challenging, to say the least. A surprise layoff, and then another, forced my catapult into unknown creativity. I had never painted in any medium, much less on canvas.
Read the restConeflower
Acrylic on Canvas 36″ x 36″
In transitioning from a traditional 9-to-5 job, I look forward to emerging as a more productive fine artist! Using vivid colors and bold textures, I create paintings that comment on the world’s complexities and rhythms from the perspective of a 1950s-born African American woman.
Read the restAmazing Grace
Acrylic on Canvas 24″ x 36”
In transitioning from a traditional 9-to-5 job, I look forward to emerging as a more productive fine artist! Using vivid colors and bold textures, I create paintings that comment on the world’s complexities and rhythms from the perspective of a 1950s-born African American woman.
Read the restEutopia
Oil on Canvas 28″H22″W 2“D
I am a painter because art grants me the ability to stop for a second and take in my surroundings. While doing so I hope to engage the admirer as well. Hopefully my search for beauty in forms can be translated to the eyes of the viewer in such a way as to validate my emotions and theirs.
Read the restDestiny
Oil on Canvas 20“x24“
I am a painter because art grants me the ability to stop for a second and take in my surroundings. While doing so I hope to engage the admirer as well. Hopefully my search for beauty in forms can be translated to the eyes of the viewer in such a way as to validate my emotions and theirs.
Read the restFractured Existence
Oil on Canvas 36”x24”
I am in the second phase of a second career. At first I was just exploring how to develop my talent, but now I am challenging myself to grow as a serious artist. Both of my paintings reflect COVID times.
Read the restEmergence
Oil on Canvas 24”x36”
I am in the second phase of a second career. At first I was just exploring how to develop my talent, but now I am challenging myself to grow as a serious artist. Both of my paintings reflect COVID times.
Read the restTaj Mahal
Ink 9×12
After retiring about eight years ago I took my first art class at Hannan Center under Jim Puntigam.
She Wait
Ink 9×12
After retiring about eight years ago I took my first art class at Hannan Center under Jim Puntigam.
Snow in Trees
Acrylic on Canvas 12″x12″
When I retired I resumed a long interrupted practice of painting. As my life experiences have expanded, my inspiration to express imagery has also grown. It is a great joy to me that I continue to emerge as a visual artist.
Resistance
Acrylic on Canvas 10″x20”
When I retired I resumed a long interrupted practice of painting. As my life experiences have expanded, my inspiration to express imagery has also grown. It is a great joy to me that I continue to emerge as a visual artist.
Social Distancing
Acrylic on Canvas 11”x14”
I have enjoyed and practiced drawing, painting and sculpture from my youth, but I have begun to practice my art full-time only over the last four years. With every painting I feel and see the change or growth.
Read the restBoyhood Friends
Acrylic on Canvas 30”x11”
I have enjoyed and practiced drawing, painting and sculpture from my youth, but I have begun to practice my art full-time only over the last four years. With every painting I feel and see the change or growth.
Read the restWhat a Little Rain Can Do
Mixed Media 23″X33”
When I was 8 years old I won a children’s Play-Doh competition. This started me on a try-anything arty path, sewing my own clothes, doing needlepoint, embroidery and papier-mâché, and painting furniture.
Read the restA Fishy Fiesta
Mixed Media 18″X20″
When I was 8 years old I won a children’s Play-Doh competition. This started me on a try-anything arty path, sewing my own clothes, doing needlepoint, embroidery and papier-mâché, and painting furniture. When I moved into mixed media, I knew I had found my passion.
Where’s the Exit?
Acrylic and Gel Pen Board 24”x19”
I’m truly an emerging artist. Just three years ago, my husband Paul encouraged me to venture into the world of art. I resisted because I had no formal or informal art training or schooling— stick figures were the extent of my artistic talent.
Read the restBelonging
Acrylic and Gel Pen on Board 24”x19”
I’m truly an emerging artist. Just three years ago, my husband Paul encouraged me to venture into the world of art. I resisted because I had no formal or informal art training or schooling— stick figures were the extent of my artistic talent.
Read the restElegant Lady
Clay 15”x8”
I began my career over 35 years ago. I have loved making art and attending art shows for many years. My work is created by hand, building and glazing each ceramic tile to give it an effect that is very organic.
Read the restGay Pride and Lady Justice
Acrylic on Canvas 30”x40”
I have been an emerging artist all my life. At 7 I began to crochet, then turned to quilting, oil pastels, tile work, macramé and floral design. My desire to paint arose in 5th Grade when I visited the DIA and saw the works of Van Gogh.
Read the restRainbow Lava
Acrylic Paint Pour 20“x16″
This year’s entries build on one of the techniques, “The Art of Acrylic Paint Pouring,” that I was trying to perfect when I entered last year’s Emerge’ Art Festival. For a while I gave up on acrylic pour painting, as I found better success with alcohol inks.
Read the restMoon Stone Jewels
Acrylic Paint Pour 14″x12″
This year’s entries build on one of the techniques, “The Art of Acrylic Paint Pouring,” that I was trying to perfect when I entered last year’s Emerge’ Art Festival. For a while I gave up on acrylic pour painting, as I found better success with alcohol inks.
Read the restBlues Chanteuse
Photography 16”x20”
I have loved listening to music for as long as I can remember. The music was aural only—radio and records—until my 60s, when I began attending live performances, mostly of Blues music, beginning in small bars at first, then at concerts and festivals.
Read the restLong Tall Guitar Man
Photography 14”x11”
I have loved listening to music for as long as I can remember. The music was aural only—radio and records—until my 60s, when I began attending live performances, mostly of Blues music, beginning in small bars at first, then at concerts and festivals.
Read the restMoody Blue
Oil on Canvas 22.75”x18.125”
I’ve spent a career in advertising, doing layouts and designing sets for TV commercials. In 1996, a computer was rolled into my office and my drawing board days were over. I improved my computer skills, learning Indesign and Photoshop; but I really missed drawing.
Read the restHow Bout Them Apples
Oil on Canvas 24”x20”
I’ve spent a career in advertising, doing layouts and designing sets for TV commercials. In 1996, a computer was rolled into my office and my drawing board days were over. I improved my computer skills, learning Indesign and Photoshop; but I really missed drawing.
Read the restWest African Inspired Village Bag
Authentic African Fabrics Enhanced with Domestic Fabrics 23″x33″
I have been creating wearable art (jewelry and textiles) for over 45 years. This was my first piece of non-wearable art. I created it to honor my life with my husband Rod after he left this life last year.
Walk with Me
Fiber Appliqué, Embroidery, Fabric Dye, Paint and Beading 27″x24″
I have been creating wearable art (jewelry and textiles) for over 45 years. This was my first piece of non-wearable art. I created it to honor my life with my husband Rod after he left this life last year.
Property Relations
Pochoir with Hand Embellishments 48″x71“
All art is political. Social justice themes have always been important in my practice as an artist and engaged citizen.
Long before BLM, my work has been about historic precedents and the spiritual transformation necessary for sustainable change.
Polly Don’t Like That Cracker
Pochoir 2.5″x6″ (unframed)
All art is political. Social justice themes have always been important in my practice as an artist and engaged citizen.
Long before BLM, my work has been about historic precedents and the spiritual transformation necessary for sustainable change.
Silver and Gold
Mix Media 24”x30”
I am 67 years old. At the end of the 2019-20 school year I retired from 45 years as an art educator. I have a great love and passion for art. I dedicate my life to living creatively.
Read the restDate with the Rain
Mix Media 25”x25”
I am 67 years old. At the end of the 2019-20 school year I retired from 45 years as an art educator. I have a great love and passion for art. I dedicate my life to living creatively.
Read the restMother and Child
Mixed Media 16”x20”
I have been doing art since I was a little kid but never seriously until I turned 70. It is my busting-out time. My art takes something from nothing and makes something.
All That Hat
Mixed Media 16”x20”
I have been doing art since I was a little kid but never seriously until I turned 70. It is my busting-out time. My art takes something from nothing and makes something.
Gele
Ink and Pencil 11”x14”
Working with ink block lets me explore new areas of medium and imagination. The pandemic brings out thought processes that confront the positive and negative feelings of being black and locked down.
Tiny Dancer
Acrylic 12”x12”
I’m primarily self-taught, but most recently I’ve been taking painting classes at the Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA). This led to displays at the PCCA, the Rochester Hills City Hall, and the Northville Art Center .
Read the restAmore e Onore
Acrylic 24”x24”
I’m primarily self-taught, but most recently I’ve been taking painting classes at the Paint Creek Center for the Arts (PCCA). This led to displays at the PCCA, the Rochester Hills City Hall, and the Northville Art Center .
Intersections
Mixed Media Collage 8”x10 .5”
I am a creative artist working with mixed media collage. I am working to be seen by more of the public than my current circle. This year I am expanding to new color choices and mark making, and including new types of water media in my work.
Captured in Place
Acrylic Paper Collage 8”x10”
I am a creative artist working with mixed media collage. I am working to be seen by more of the public than my current circle. This year I am expanding to new color choices and mark making, and including new types of water media in my work.
Pretty Yellow Bow
Graphite and Colored Pencil 14”x17”
I fell in love with drawing as a child, but did not pursue art as a career. After 32 years of teaching English, I am now rekindling the love I had for art and the euphoria of turning a blank paper into a beautiful composition with strokes of my pencils.
Read the restHarpist Princess Mae
Graphite 18”x24”
I fell in love with drawing as a child, but did not pursue art as a career. After 32 years of teaching English, I am now rekindling the love I had for art and the euphoria of turning a blank paper into a beautiful composition with strokes of my pencils.
Read the restThe Genius of Thelonius
Acrylic on Canvas 48”x36”
I’m an interdisciplinary artist, merging music and improvisational visual art on the stage, a presentation that blends both disciplines, singing and painting. I paint sounds that I hear. Music from both past and current jazz musicians translates into color and texture.
Read the restThe Prophecy Of Miles
Acrylic on Canvas 20”x20”
I’m an interdisciplinary artist, merging music and improvisational visual art on the stage, a presentation that blends both disciplines, singing and painting. I paint sounds that I hear. Music from both past and current jazz musicians translates into color and texture.
Read the restContemplation Two
Acrylic on Board 12”x12”
After self-quarantining for three months I went back to the studio and found that my head had changed, my direction had changed, and my work was totally different. The complexity of our times and the questionable future are my theme.
Contemplation One
Acrylic on Board 12”x12”
After self-quarantining for three months I went back to the studio and found that my head had changed, my direction had changed, and my work was totally different. The complexity of our times and the questionable future are my theme.
Social Fabric 1
Photographic Monoprint 24”x20”
I am emerging in that I have only lately combined my technical facility as a photographer and graphic designer to create digital art compositions and commit each one to objective value as a single impression.
Read the restDescent 3
Photographic Monoprint 24”x20”
I am emerging in that I have only lately combined my technical facility as a photographer and graphic designer to create digital art compositions and commit each one to objective value as a single impression. My body of work since last year’s Festival is the result of an entirely new way of seeing the ordinary, realized through new processes.
Read the restBudapest Man
Photo 18“x24”
I am primarily a photographer concentrating on a wide variety of subject matter. Having lived and worked in many places and countries, I have a broad range of subject matter. With these submissions I have undertaken a different view.
Read the restBlue Jester
Photo 18″x24″
I am primarily a photographer concentrating on a wide variety of subject matter. Having lived and worked in many places and countries, I have a broad range of subject matter. With these submissions I have undertaken a different view.
Read the restNaked Truth
Acrylic Pour 18“x24”
I consider myself an emerging artist because I am new to the art world. I am humbled even to consider myself an artist; but I truly believe that anyone has the chance to create art so interesting to others that it will gain them notice and a place where their work can be enjoyed publicly.
Read the restLadybird
Acrylic Pour 16“x20”
I consider myself an emerging artist because I am new to the art world. I am humbled even to consider myself an artist; but I truly believe that anyone has the chance to create art so interesting to others that it will gain them notice and a place where their work can be enjoyed publicly.
Read the restFamily Reunion Dinner Dance
Oil on Canvas 20”x16”
I am an emerging artist after neglecting my love for drawing and painting for several years since college. About 5 years ago I started back into art, looking to make it my new career.
Read the restBlue Swings
Oil on Hardboard 14”x16″
I am an emerging artist after neglecting my love for drawing and painting for several years since college. About 5 years ago I started back into art, looking to make it my new career. Knowing that art is a very competitive field I tried to define my niche by using different surfaces for my painting and drawing.
Read the restThe Eye of Horus
Mixed Media 18“x24”
I began painting seriously in the summer of 2018 after being encouraged by members of the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club. I have since explored in acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil and drawing. There is nothing so constant as change and I love evolving.
Read the restThe Egyptian Queen
Mixed Media 18“x24”
I began painting seriously in the summer of 2018 after being encouraged by members of the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club. I have since explored in acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil and drawing. There is nothing so constant as change and I love evolving.
Read the restShealian
Acrylic on Wood with Paper 48”x30”
When I retired, I felt as though I were emerging from a creative hibernation. I now had the time and energy to express myself artistically. I am still learning, experimenting and doing. I stoke my creative fire continuously by creating visual art, acting and writing.
Read the restJ’aime Mon Cafe Noir
Acrylic on Wood with Paper 48”x30”
When I retired, I felt as though I were emerging from a creative hibernation. I now had the time and energy to express myself artistically. I am still learning, experimenting and doing.
Read the restInter Vivos
Mixed Media 48”x36”
At 68 years of age, with no formal art education or training, I am venturing into a community of amazements. Before now I could not imagine the satisfaction of expressing my views through pencil and paint.
Read the restCapsulate
Mixed Media 30”x23”
At 68 years of age, with no formal art education or training, I am venturing into a community of amazements. Before now I could not imagine the satisfaction of expressing my views through pencil and paint. My submissions seek to reflect both personal change and the changes in the art world.
Read the restCommunity Spread The Elephant in the Room
Acrylic 24”x36”
I consider myself an emerging artist because, at this age, I’ve decided to share my paintings with the world. My submission fits this year’s theme perfectly because it represents the heart of our nation—the communities and how we as a people have the power to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
Read the restWhirlwind
Acrylic 24”x18”
I feel that I’m an emerging artist, because I have been searching for ways to express my feeling about today’s situation. I’m frustrated. Thousands have died simply because too many people don’t seem to understand the importance of following mandated, scientifically proven rules.
Read the restNatural Spacing
Acrylic 22.5”x28”
I feel that I’m an emerging artist, because I have been searching for ways to express my feeling about today’s situation. I’m frustrated. Thousands have died simply because too many people don’t seem to understand the importance of following mandated, scientifically proven rules.
Read the restCome Dance with Me
Leather 18”x22”
I am starting over in the field of art, learning new techniques, creating my own techniques by using my creative mind.
Brothers
Paper 30”x24”
I am starting over in the field of art, learning new techniques, creating my own techniques by using my creative mind.
Paper Doll
Graphite, Pencil, and Conti Crayon on Board 10”x10”
I am emerging into the art world from that place of voluntary obscurity in which one attends to the obligations of raising and supporting a family. Although I was unable to devote as much of my time as I would have liked, I continued to engage in making art.
Read the restDisco Morphic Dancers #2
Acrylic on Paper 11.5”x7.5”
I am emerging into the art world from that place of voluntary obscurity in which one attends to the obligations of raising and supporting a family. Although I was unable to devote as much of my time as I would have liked, I continued to engage in making art.
Read the restRuben
Metal 9“x9“x23“
Because I deal with life and the everyday environment, I try to represent topics like the Coronavirus, George Floyd, and today’s civil unrest in my art.
Civil Unrest
Oil 35”x40”
Because I deal with life and the everyday environment, I try to represent topics like the Coronavirus, George Floyd, and today’s civil unrest in my art.
Lost in a Daydream
Acrylic 16”x40”
I consider myself an emerging artist because, although I’ve been an artist for many years, I’ve been exhibiting for only two years. My art fits this year’s theme because the new normal, during this pandemic is inside-the-house, wishing to be outside.
Read the restHope
Acrylic 36”x48”
I consider myself an emerging artist because, although I’ve been an artist for many years, I’ve been exhibiting for only two years. My art fits this year’s theme because the new normal, during this pandemic is inside-the-house, wishing to be outside.
Read the restWomen at the Well of Creation
aCRYLIC Fusion aRTs 48”x36”
The visual aRTs adapt and change periodically so that new aRT may be born. Though I have worked in acrylic polymers, as aRT, for the last fifty years I have searched and found an innovative aCRYLIC Fusion aRTs medium that reflects such a change in the visual aRTs.
Read the restQueen Tye of the 18th Dynasty
aCRYLIC Fusion aRTs 48”x40”
The visual aRTs adapt and change periodically so that new aRT may be born. Though I have worked in acrylic polymers, as aRT, for the last fifty years I have searched and found an innovative aCRYLIC Fusion aRTs medium that reflects such a change in the visual aRTs.
Read the restIn the Eyes of God
Oil 71.5”x48”
I am a painter. I consider myself “old school.” I feel that, if it cannot achieved by paint, then it’s crafts. I feel that I am an emerging artist because I have health challenges and have relocated quite a bit.
Read the restIn a Moment Honey
Oil 71.5”X46.5”
I am a painter. I consider myself “old school.” I feel that, if it cannot achieved by paint, then it’s crafts. I feel that I am an emerging artist because I have health challenges and have relocated quite a bit.
Read the restEmerge!
Martha Graham Emerges Video Dance performance
As a retired teacher living through the challenges of 2020 I am more inspired than ever to make a difference in our world! With Zoom meetings and countless new global friends, I have created a company called “Moving the Arts Through the Universe,” through which businesses and fundraising groups can hire musicians, dancers, sculptors, poets, theater groups and other artists to perform at their virtual events.
Read the restSpencer’s Slightly Imperfect Peep Show A.K.A. Micro-Burlesque Short Film
Microscopes emerge as transmogrified beings.

Founding Sponsor

This activity is supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs
The mission of Hannan Center is to preserve the dignity and enhance the quality of life for seniors in Michigan. In 1925, Luella Hannan founded the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation to serve older adults in Detroit. Today, over 95 years later, Hannan continues to ensure that seniors are respected, valued, empowered to reach their potential and connected to a community of their choice. Through lifelong learning opportunities and care coordination, Hannan Center assists older adults with their social, educational, medical, financial and housing needs. For more information, visit www.hannan.org or call (313)833-1300.