City of Stars
2529 Orleans St.
Detroit
March 13, 2026
After buying a hand-painted hoodie from a Detroit designer and a pair of big purple “D” earrings at a local streetwear art market — then getting matching 313 tattoos with some of my favorite people at Motown Tattoo Company — I ended my 313 Day with a bang at Detroit’s City of Stars show.
As soon as I walked into the building, I could feel the energy of support and connection. This was not just an art exhibition — it was a celebration of the city’s current generation of visual artists.
City of Stars, a one-day group exhibition curated by Oshun Williams, Cashiesh, and Kya Britney — in partnership with Remy Martin and Detroit vs. Everybody — showcased the diversity of talent in Detroit fine art right now.
Still, it was clear the room held space for stars beyond just the ones on the walls. Artists, creatives, and supporters packed out the space, connecting with each other on a night dedicated to celebrating the city.
The piece that caught my eye most was fittingly placed across the entrance — featuring three of the most recognizable names in Detroit visual art today: Sheefy McFly, Tony Whlgn, and Phil Simpson.
It felt as if the three men were overlooking the room, standing firm in their place as iconic Detroit creatives whose impact will live far beyond this current moment.
Longstanding Detroit artist Sydney James painted the piece, and I loved seeing one artist highlight the next generation of icons through her own lens.
Some of the biggest stars in Detroit’s modern art became the focal point of a room full of stars — not just the other visual artists present, but the entire creative community gathered there.
My other favorite thing about the show was the community art board. I appreciate that while the exhibition showcased some of the city’s most celebrated talents, there was still room for everyday creatives to contribute and create something new together.
Attendees flocked to the canvas to paint their own unique feelings on 313 Day — from messages and portraits to random doodles — in a beautiful collage of colors.
It was a reminder that Detroit has plenty more creatives coming up behind this generation, and shows like this help bridge the gap between established artists and the wider creative community.
I only wish the show lasted more than one night.
Published in conjunction with Detroit Metro Times.
