Detroit Artists Market collects, connects and cultivates WSU's art alumni and students

Midtown's Detroit Artists Market (DAM) prides itself on connecting artists, collectors and communities, while also serving as a conduit and curator of Wayne State University alumni.

So much so that DAM 's entire staff is comprised of James Pearson Duffy Department of Art, Art History, and Design alumni. While it seems strategic, and they recruit from WSU, DAM Executive Director Miah Davis Gardner '13 says "the full staff mix is entirely coincidental."

The Detroit Artists Market's all-Warrior staff consists of Gardner, Assistant Director Kelly Ferrell Simmons '22, Gallery Manager Hayla Hay '21, and Gallery Assistant Amara Murphy '25. While the foursome was not acquainted during their respective times at Wayne State, they all credit the similar courses that prepared them for careers in the arts, especially galleries and arts administration.

Hay credits the university for playing a significant role in her success, in particular, instructor Tom Pyrzewski's Gallery Management course which she says, "introduced her to the behind-the-scenes work of art institutions." Farrell echoed that gratitude for Pyrzewski, saying his course "expanded student networks through meeting professionals from local arts and cultural organizations."

Pyrzewski, director of galleries and special programming at WSU, remembers the DAM alumni well.

"These students were extraordinary, hungry for knowledge and willing to work hard, whether that be in class or assisting in the Galleries," Pyrzewski says. "We have a long-standing relationship with DAM. They embrace and provide a myriad of opportunities, for not only our students but the entire art community."

The Wayne State University Art Collection and Galleries were a proving ground for Murphy, who worked as an assistant in the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery under Preparator Laura Makar. "It reinforced my passion for the arts and culture, allowing me to connect with artists and the community," Murphy says.

DAM and WSU are intricately intertwined, with many members, exhibiting artists, and current and former board members earning their degrees from WSU. Dr. Anita Bates '98, '21, sits on the Volunteer Exhibitions Advisory Committee, a diverse group of local artists, curators, educators and arts professionals who work with the DAM team to review exhibition proposals and select those to feature.

Meanwhile, current students benefit from DAM's Annual Scholarship Award and Exhibition, which rotates between Wayne State, Cranbrook and the College for Creative Studies. In Spring 2025, the Scholarship Exhibition featured WSU students and was hosted by The Detroit Historical Museum.

Gardner is proud of the unique position DAM holds in Southeast Michigan.

"We serve over 400 artists each year, providing space to show and sell their work, to make a living off their art," she says.

Gardner is excited about this year's Creative Entrepreneurship Initiative, which she notes provides critical business skills for artists to grow their creative practices.

The multigeneration DAM team works seamlessly together handling the details of running and funding a nonprofit, guiding the process that determines which artists to exhibit, and negotiating the details of making the exhibitions a reality. The team's creative and industrious collaboration ensures an arresting series of exhibitions for 2026.

Ultimately, artists want to sell their work to support themselves, their art and community. In addition to an on-site gift shop, DAM artists sell their work at exhibitions and in the online store.

Now in its 89th year, DAM's annual Art for the Holidays, which runs through Dec. 20, is another avenue to promote visibility and opportunity for local artists.

"The event offers a relaxed way to explore new work," says Gardner, "find gifts with meaning and connect with artists who shape the region's cultural landscape."