The Hannan Center in Detroit has opened its 2025 Emerge! Art Festival, a juried exhibition featuring 98 artists aged 55 and older and 175 artworks in various media, including sculptures, pottery, and fiber art. The festival runs through January 14 at the Ellen Kayrod Gallery and coincides with the center's 100th anniversary, celebrated under the theme “100 Years Unbound: The Power of Aging.” The center also opened a historical exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum and will host its 70 Over Seventy Awards honoring community contributors aged 70 and older.
The festival matters because it highlights the creative contributions of older adults, challenging ageist stereotypes and affirming the value of lifelong artistic expression. By centering senior artists in a juried exhibition and linking the event to the organization’s centennial, the Hannan Center underscores the cultural and social significance of aging, offering a model for inclusive community arts programming that celebrates life and creativity at every stage.