ARS Gallery and Culture Center will unveil an exhibit showcasing ‘Detroit Sculptors’ next week. According to ARS owner Anna Russo-Sieber, “We are so excited to have these Detroit Sculptors at ARS Gallery. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about the world of sculpture in Detroit!”
Russo-Siebeer eplains that this unique exhibit will showcase selected works by six talented artists, including Foster Willey, who co-curated the show with Anna Russo-Sieber, along with Robert Sestok, Ken Thompson, Rob Onnes, Richard Bennet, and Saffell Gardner. Each artist will be exhibiting 3 to 4 sculptures.
An opening reception will launch the exhibit Saturday, November 16, 4:30-7:00 pm at ARS Gallery, 147 Fifth Street in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Guests are invited to enjoy small bites, light refreshments, & live music while interacting with the artists.
about the artists
Foster Willey is a sculptor and public artist who has maintained his studio in Detroit, MI since 2019, after moving with his wife Valerie from Minneapolis. He is originally from St. Joseph, Michigan and student of Andrews University where he met his mentor, British Sculptor, Allan Collins.
Robert Sestok is a painter and sculptor living and working in Detroit. A mentor to young artists, Sestok established City Sculpture Park (2014-2021), an art park in Detroit’s Cass Corridor for public use and enjoyment.
Kenneth Thompson has been making sculpture since 1978 out of a former car dealership now turned studio in Blissfield, Michigan. From this facility, he and his assistants also operate Flatlanders Sculpture Supply & Art Galleries and the Midwest Sculpture Initiative.
Robert Onnes is an established sculptor from New Zealand working predominantly with steel and copper, exhibiting in many group and solo shows in New Zealand and Michigan. In 2014, with the help of Robert Sestock he opened 333 Midland, an historic factory that he has transformed into art studios and gathering spaces that provide exceptional resources for artists’ work to grow.
Richard Bennet is a sculptor, furniture designer, custom fabricator, and certified journeyman welder. He is the founder and president of RBA (Richard Bennett Associates), which has been in business in the city of Detroit for over 40 years.
Saffell Gardner is a multi-disciplinary artist, art historian, curator, lecturer and educator. Mr. Gardner’s work is in the permanent collection of The Henry Ford Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield, DMC, Total Healthcare, The Federal Reserve, Chicago, Renaissance High School and Southeastern High School and Detroit School of the Arts.
