Collaborative Canvas

By Caria Taylor

Oshun Williams
The Detroit Institute of Arts
Saturday, Sept. 13
By Caria Taylor

Painter and muralist Oshun Williams hosted a community workshop at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), inviting participants to collaborate on a large-scale canvas that will soon be displayed in the museum. Part of an ongoing series in the DIA’s Art-Making Studio, these workshops center on collaborative mural-making, giving community members the chance to see their own work embedded within the museum's walls.

While open to all ages, the sessions often draw in a younger crowd. Williams' workshop was designed to introduce participants to the mural making process, while also offering emerging artists to claim space in one of Detroit's most celebrated cultural institutions.

A man wearing a white shirt and black beanie sits on a wooden desk while people in the background engage with artwork. — Oshun Williams hosted a mural workshop at the Detroit Institute of Arts, where he shared insights as a muralist in Detroit. Photo credit: Caria Taylor

Williams is originally from Pontiac, but he has been living in Detroit for the past three years. Williams credits Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club, an art enthusiast group, for their support in his artistic journey. He now has a studio off of Jefferson Avenue.

Earlier this summer, Willams was named one of the Gilda Award recipients for 2025, which recognizes early career artists who have gained notable momentum.

A man wearing a white shirt stands in the center frame pointing at the table. A group of four people listen and draw beside him. — The DIA’s art-making studio is a part of a series of workshops that aims to engage with the community. Photo Credit: Caria Taylor

In an interview with Williams, he shares details about his journey and his impact as a Black artist in Detroit:

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

MIDBROW: How long have you been painting?

WILLIAMS: I've been painting for a while, but this is year three for me since being full-time and moving to Detroit.

MIDBROW: What brought you to Detroit?

WILLIAMS: I started attending the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club, and that's where I got my start as an artist and took off with my career.

A classroom of people are drawing and sitting at tables. In the background a projector with blue slides plays. — Art-Making Studio workshops are open to all ages, but they often attract younger participants, giving emerging artists the chance to explore new mediums. Photo Credit: Caria Taylor

MIDBROW: What do you hope people take away from your workshop?

WILLIAMS: A lot of times, these workshops are for younger kids, so I want to showcase what they can do with their imagination and just how far they can take it.

Children and families participate in a community mural workshop led by painter and muralist Oshun Williams at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Photo Credit: Caria Taylor

MIDBROW: What role do you think artists like you play in shaping Detroit's future?

WILLIAMS: I think I provide authenticity and a sense of overcoming adversity as well. I feel like especially being a Black individual — especially a Black male — I'm faced with adversity and get treated differently still to this day. But I think because of my experiences, and what I go through, that's what makes me a powerful artist — because I have a story to tell.

Two people, one wearing a black beanie the other wears a scarf, lean over a table collaborating on a piece of artwork. — While reflecting on his role as an artist, Williams and fellow artist Sabrina Nelson highlight how community events like this one play a vital role in fostering representation. Photo Credit: Caria Taylor

MIDBROW: What does it mean to be a 2025 recipient of the Gilda Award?

WILLIAMS: It feels pretty good. People were really impressed with my trajectory because that's not easy to win. My next goal is to keep going. If I just keep putting in the work and keep making an impact, anything is obtainable.