Detroit's Scarab Club Explores Nature and Technology in Thought-Provoking New Show

The Scarab Club, one of Detroit's oldest arts organizations, will host an intriguing new exhibition titled "Sacred Garden Secret Service" from April 26 to May 25, 2024.

As the NFL Draft brings a celebratory atmosphere to Detroit, “Sacred Garden Secret Service” provides a sanctuary of reflection. The show, co-curated by Halima Afi Cassells and Dalia Reyes, includes 12 local and national artists who probe the sacred spaces of our inner lives amid today's digital landscape.

"This exhibition asks profound questions about our relationship with AI and technology in an increasingly digital world," said curator Halima Afi Cassells. "What happens when we continue melding with artificial intelligence? How do we maintain bodily autonomy and our soul's agency as our biometric data is commodified?"

There will be multi-media artworks on display by:

• Onyx Ashanti
• Halima Ali Cassells
• Jack Corley
• Wayne Curtis
• Bakpak Durden
• Kate Levy
• Shanna Merola
• Oiuzi
• Tawana Petty
• Beryl Satter
• Rory Scott

The Scarab Club has been a pillar of Detroit's arts community for over 115 years. The curators are excited to host this timely exhibition sparking dialogue around humanity's complex relationship with nature and our increasingly AI-driven world.

The exhibition opens on Friday, April 26 with a reception from 5-8pm.

Art enthusiasts are encouraged to attend this must-see show during the same weekend as the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit.

DETAILS

Sacred Garden Secret Service

April 25 - May 25, 2024

Co-Curated by Halima Afi Cassells + Dalia Reyes

Opens: Friday, April 26th, 5-8pm

Gallery Talk: May 9th, 6-7:30pm

Location: The Scarab Club, 217 Farnsworth St, Detroit, MI 48202

ABOUT THE SCARAB CLUB

Founded in 1907, the Scarab Club is one of the oldest arts organizations in Detroit. The club provides affordable studio spaces for local artists and hosts exhibitions, educational programs and cultural events throughout the year. Its mission is to nurture excellence in the arts community and public appreciation of the arts.

ABOUT HALIMA AFI CASSELLS

Halima Afi Cassells is an award-winning interdisciplinary community-engaged artist, facilitator, mom, and an avid urban gardener who calls Waawiiyaataanong (often referred to as Detroit, MI) home. She credits gardening as inspiring her move away from painting to a practice where she aspires to use materials and processes that lead to the thriving of all (human and non-human) communities. Halima is the founder and co-director of the Free Market of Detroit, which explores ideas of freedom, work, value, and disposability in a participatory context. As an advocate for all artists and cultural practitioners, she has spearheaded many community processes that uplift cultural capital from often-marginalized communities.

CONTACT

Halima Afi Cassells

Curator

halima.afi@gmail.com