Marcus Glenn unveils new art at “Detroit’s Finest” exhibition

“The Trumpet Blows in Detroit” (2015) by Marcus Glenn. From the
Universal Music 2015 Series.

For artist Marcus Glenn, kicking off a three-part exhibition featuring Park West Detroit artists is akin to a homecoming.

“After traveling the world with Park West Gallery for almost 20 years, it’s exciting to have an opening here in my hometown,” says Glenn.

Park West Gallery presents the first in its three-part exhibition, “Detroit’s Finest,” with a show featuring the artwork of Glenn, a Detroit native. The show will run from June 28 to July 12 at the gallery’s Southfield, Michigan location.

Collectors and art enthusiasts alike can meet Glenn in person during the opening reception, held 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on June 28. Admission is complimentary and refreshments will be served. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP.

Glenn is known for combining painting and sculpture in a bas-relief effect he calls “Flat Life.” His use of bright colors, paper and fabric create textured works of art that resemble collages. Much of his imagery is drawn from his love of jazz music and his purpose to create a connection between art and the viewer.

Marcus Glenn with a poster version of his Grammy artwork.

Glenn’s artwork, “One Nite Outta This World,” was chosen as the official art for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Glenn also served as the official artist of the 2014 Amelia Island Jazz Festival.

“Glenn’s three-dimensional, musically themed works are a feast for the senses,” says David Gorman, Gallery Director for Park West Gallery. “One can almost hear the improvisational jazz composition reverberating off the surface.”

More than 45 new works will be on display and available to collect. Among the art on display will be large, 7-foot works. Glenn says he wanted to test his limits as an artist for the upcoming exhibition.

“I miss the whole essence of doing shows here in Detroit,” he says. “I thought for a homecoming I would represent myself on the large scale, and I think doing these large pieces was a challenge, but it was important.”

“Stepping out at the Gallery with Tarkay” (2015) by Marcus Glenn.

Glenn has well-established roots in Detroit. Before becoming a professional artist, Glenn worked for DaimlerChrysler, but constantly practiced his drawing. The auto company took notice and commissioned him to create a mural.

“I was part of the whole Motor City manufacturing capital of the world where I played a role in working in a plant, and I realized that my true calling was to be an artist, and now to capture the essence of what Detroit is,” he says.

He became the first African-American and youngest cartoonist in the “Detroit News” with his comic strip, “Double Trouble.” He has the honor of having a painting in the permanent collection of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit.

The artist was discovered by Park West Gallery thanks to a mural he created for “Beans and Cornbread,” a local soul food restaurant.

The Glenn exhibition will be the first of three featuring Park West Detroit artists. A show featuring Tim Yanke will open July 12, and on July 26, Park West will showcase Dominic Pangborn.

Admission is free to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 248-354-2343 or visit www.parkwestgallery.com.