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A summer of art: Check out these exhibits at Detroit’s cultural institutions
By Micah Walker at BridgeDetroit
· June 18, 2026
· 9 min read
For more than 25 years, Olayami Dabls has invited Detroiters into his world of African art, jewelry and colorful outdoor installations through the Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum on the city’s west side.
So, the 77-year-old artist was surprised when the co-directors of the Museum of Contempora...
Key takeaway So, the 77-year-old artist was surprised when the co-directors of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), Jova Lynne and Marie Madison-Patton, contacted him a year ago to ask if he wanted to showcase his work in their space.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The exhibition "Olayami Dabls: Detroit Cosmologies" at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit marks a significant moment in the city's cultural scene, as it brings together 45 years of Dabls' work in a comprehensive retrospective. This showcase, along with other exhibits at MOCAD and other Detroit institutions, such as the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit Historical Museum, demonstrates the city's thriving arts community. The decision to feature Dabls, a long-time Detroit artist, in MOCAD's reopening lineup highlights the museum's commitment to showcasing local talent and preserving the city's cultural memory. As the city's cultural institutions continue to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see how they balance showcasing local artists with bringing in international exhibitions, and how this balance contributes to the city's vibrant arts scene. The summer's full slate of shows offers a unique opportunity for Detroiters to engage with the city's rich cultural landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by BridgeDetroit . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit BridgeDetroit . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: BridgeDetroit ·
Reading time: 9 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For more than 25 years, Olayami Dabls has invited Detroiters into his world of African art, jewelry and colorful outdoor installations through the Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum on the city’s west side.
So, the 77-year-old artist was surprised when the co-directors of the Museum of Contempora...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by BridgeDetroit and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Micah Walker at BridgeDetroit. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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