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19TH GALA + AUCTION: PHOENIX RISING

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MOCAD’s 19th Gala + Auction: Phoenix Rising


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Saturday, November 1, 7pm

HARMONIE CLUB – 311 E. GRAND RIVER, DETROIT, MI

Theme: Phoenix Rising

This year’s gala celebrates a pivotal moment in the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit’s history — nineteen years of fearless creativity and the exciting dawn of our 20th anniversary. Themed “Phoenix Rising,” the evening reflects MOCAD’s continual process of reinvention, resilience, and transformation.

Just as the mythical phoenix emerges renewed from its own ashes, MOCAD has spent nearly two decades adapting to the changing cultural landscape while staying rooted in our mission: to present daring contemporary art that sparks dialogue and reflects Detroit’s unstoppable creative energy. From our early days in a repurposed auto dealership to becoming a nationally recognized center for experimental exhibitions, performance, and community programming, MOCAD has risen time and again—stronger, bolder, and more connected to the city we serve.

The gala will be a night of celebration and forward vision, uniting artists, patrons, community leaders, and cultural innovators to honor where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Guests will experience dynamic art installations, immersive performances, and an auction of exceptional works that directly support MOCAD’s exhibitions and programs.

GALA Entertainment


EMCEE:
JESSICA CARE MOORE is not only an award-winning poet, publisher, activist, and cultural curator — she’s a voice that has shaped generations. Executive Producer + Founder of Black Women Rock!, as well as Founder of both The Moore Art House and Moore Black Press, her work spans the worlds of literature, music, and performance, always
centering Detroit’s creative brilliance on the global stage.

ACCOMPANIED BY KENNY WATSON
As a Motor City native, Watson is carved out of musical
excellence and is equipped with the message of love for one’s self and community. He humbly garnishes the versatility of refined vocals that span across the genres of R+B, Jazz, Alternative, Classical, as well as Broadway style music.

jessica Care moore

PERFORMANCE:
SHIGETO is one of the city’s most dynamic musical voices bridging the lines between jazz, hip-hop, and electronic sound. Rooted in the traditions of his Japanese and Midwestern heritage, Shigeto’s music carries both ancestral memory and futuristic vision.

Performing live with an ensemble including:
Dez Andrés (Congas)
Marcus Elliot (Saxophone)
Josef Deas (Keys)
Tim Shella (Bass Guitar)

Shigeto

Our Honorees


At MOCAD, we honor individuals and organizations whose work transforms culture and inspires new ways of thinking. Our honorees are visionaries—artists, innovators, and community leaders—who expand the intersections of art, design, social impact, and community building. Through their creativity, advocacy, and entrepreneurial spirit, they redefine how culture is created, shared, and celebrated. Each honoree exemplifies a deep commitment to shaping vibrant, inclusive cultural landscapes, leaving an impact that resonates locally and beyond.

dream hampton is an award-winning filmmaker and writer. She was Showrunner and Executive Producer on the Emmy-nominated documentary series Surviving R. Kelly, which earned her a Peabody Award.  Hers is a practice that combats erasure and exposes the entanglement of art, violence, and power.  In 2019, TIME magazine named hampton one of the most influential people in the world.

dream hampton

CARY LOREN has shaped Detroit’s cultural landscape through fearless experimentation across writing, music, visual art, and community building. Beginning with self-published art zines in the 1970s, he went on to co-found the influential band Destroy All Monsters, publish poetry and essays, and create zines, videos, and collage-based art. As co-owner of The Book Beat in Oak Park, Loren fosters dialogue through world literature discussions and champions independent art and music. We celebrate him for his enduring commitment to nurturing Detroit’s creative spirit and documenting its rich, complex history.

Carey Loren

CHRIS SCHANCK transforms decay into elegance, uncovering beauty in imperfection through a fusion of the weathered and the opulent. After earning degrees from the School of Visual Arts and Cranbrook Academy of Art, he founded a Detroit studio in 2011 that engages local artists and community members in producing distinctive, handcrafted pieces. Best known for his Alufoil series, Schanck transforms discarded materials into fantastical yet functional objects, merging practical use with dreamlike forms. We celebrate him for reimagining how art, design, and place intersect in Detroit and beyond.

Chris Schanck

THE KRESGE FOUNDATION has been a steadfast supporter of MOCAD since its earliest days, championing arts-based leadership and uplifting cultural movements that strengthen communities. A private, national foundation, Kresge works to expand equity and opportunity in America’s cities through grantmaking and social investing in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, and community development— nationally and in Detroit, Memphis, New Orleans, and Fresno. We celebrate the Foundation for its visionary commitment to creative, lasting change and its profound impact on how MOCAD can show up for Detroit and beyond.

JON GRAY is the cofounder of Ghetto Gastro, the Bronx-born culinary collective reshaping food as a cultural force. Blending his roots with a background in fashion and design, Gray creates immersive experiences that challenge narratives and celebrate the Bronx’s global influence. A TED speaker and Civic Practice Artist in Residence at The Met, he also guest-curated Jon Gray of Ghetto Gastro Selects at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, exploring Afrofuturist themes.

Jon Gray

ch for art auction

Carole Harris, Moving On, 2021. Miscellaneous textile fragments and mulberry paper. 9 x 14 in.

Art Auction


Over the years, funds raised from MOCAD’s Art Auction have helped the Museum provide MORE THAN 1,200 PUBLIC PROGRAMS, welcome OVER 600,000 VISITORS, and spotlight OVER 700 ARTISTS through groundbreaking exhibitions and community-centered initiatives. Artists featured at MOCAD continue to represent some of the strongest voices in contemporary art today.

This year’s auction features an outstanding lineup of participating artists and galleries, including:

56 Henry, Alberte Tranberg, Alex Dodge, Amna Asghar, Andrew Kreps Gallery, Burt Aaron, Carole Harris, Cary Loren, Cecily Brown, Chelsea Harris, Corita Kent, Daniel Ribar, Danielle Dean, Davariz Broaden, David Klein Gallery, Derrick Adams, Emmy Bright, Evan Fay, Gagosian, Galerie Templon, Hadi Falapishi, Hank Willis Thomas, Hoffman Donahue, Iris Eichenberg, Jessi Reaves, Jim Shaw, Klaus von Nichtssagend Gallery, LaKela Brown, Leif Ritchey, Library Street Collective, Lorena Cruz Santiago, María Cecilia Ferrer, Martyna Alexander, Mary-Ann Monforton, Matéria Gallery, Michael Steinberg Fine Art, Pat Phillips, Paula Cooper Gallery, Paul Verdell, Susan Goethel Campbell, and Will Cotton.

js art auction

Jim Shaw, Untitled Study, 2002. Pencil on paper. 17 x 14 in.

da art auction

Derrick Adams, Interior Life (Man), 2019. Pigment print. 24 x 18 in.

FEATURED AUCTION ARTISTS

Derrick Adams
Farah Al Qasimi
Martyna Alexander
Cassandra Mayela Allen
ASMA
Ebitenyefa Baralaye
Sarah Bedford
Emmy Bright
LaKela Brown
Tyanna Buie
Julia Callis
Cydney Camp
Jim Chatelain
Olayami Dabls
Danielle Dean
David Dupuis
Bakpak Durden
Ricki Dwyer
Conrad Egyir
Iris Eichenberg
Jackie Ferrara
Saffell Gardner
Clare Gatto
Kati Gegenheimer

Joanne Greenbaum
Kara Güt
Olivia Guterson
Mike Han
Carol Harris
Matthew Hawtin
Alisa Henriquez
Mariana Honório
Lester Johnson
Deja Milany Jones
Julian Jamaal Jones
Yashua Klos
Natalia Lassalle-Morillo + Sofía Gallisá Muriente
Hamlet Lavastida
Judy Ledgerwood
Sol LeWitt
Ian McDonald
Lester Álvarez Meno
Shanna Merola
Nancy Mitchnick
Mary-Ann Monforton
Ivan Montoya
Sam Moyer
Cody Norman

Karyn Olivier
Dennis Oppenheim
Pat Phillips
Benjamin Pritchard
Daid Puppypaws
Joey Quiñones
Victor Reyes
Leif Ritchey
Guillermo Rodríguez
Anders Ruhwald
Ellen Rutt
Tylonn J. Sawyer
Chris Schanck
Lauren Semivan
Robert Sestok
Himali Singh Soin
Tony Tasset
Toomas Toomepuu
Marco Antonio Castillo Valdes
Rafael Villares
Ricky Weaver
Elizabeth Youngblood
Chang Yuchen

Sponsor the Event


WANT TO SPONSOR THE GALA?

As we prepare to shape the next 20 years of MOCAD, we invite sponsorship or ticket purchases that serve as an investment in community engagement, lasting relationships, and a powerful voice in the museum’s future.

Becoming a sponsor connects you to Detroit’s dynamic arts and culture scene through exclusive gatherings, including:

  • VIP first-look viewings of MOCAD’s 20th anniversary exhibitions
  • Private curator-led tours
  • An intimate dinner with an artist and MOCAD’s artistic director

This year, we’re also opening space for deeper connection: each sponsorship and ticket level includes access to share your voice and vision with MOCAD leadership and fellow supporters. Because shaping the future of art in Detroit takes a community—and that community starts with you. TOGETHER, WE RISE!

Artist led exhibition tour of Tal R: this is not Detroit, 2018, Photo: Trista Dymond

JOIN US IN RISING HIGHER!

Be a part of MOCAD’s next chapter as we prepare to celebrate 20 years of groundbreaking art, bold ideas, and community impact. Your sponsorship directly fuels the exhibitions, performances, and programs that make Detroit a global destination for contemporary art.

BE A SPONSOR TODAY — and rise with us.

Contact Mark Sleeman at board@mocadetroit.org or Natalie Johnson at development@mocadetroit.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and/or purchase of individual tickets to the event today!

Our Sponsors


LUMINARY

Charles Boyd, MD
Jennifer Gilbert

SUPER NOVA

Dan Hibbert

NOVA

Lisa Applebaum
Roz + Scott Jacobson

ART STAR

JJ + Anthony Curis
Eileen + Matt Kiriluk
Gretchen + Ethan Davidson
Keith + Sonia Pomeroy
Lauren Rakolta
Cathy + Jom Rosenthal
Cate Strumbos + Dozer Strangway
Mr. + Mrs. Stephen Tobias
Tracy Williams

SUPER STAR

Bluma Schechter
Cézanne Charles + John Marshall
Jason Bucholz + Lee Kirtley
Marc Schwartz + Emily Camiener
Marsha Miro
Linda + Rob Powers

Details

Date:
November 1
Time:
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
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