Detroit Artists Market Join Forces with Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit to Present GIRLHOOD 

The Detroit Artists Market (DAM) is thrilled to announce a partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAD) for the presentation of GIRLHOOD, curated by Hayla Hay, which will open on Friday March 14. Originally scheduled for February 28, the Girlhood was directly impacted by a severe flood that DAM suffered on January 24, which resulted in the organization closing its doors for renovations. DAM has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from neighbors and community members like MOCAD, as these collaborations ensure that the artists featured in these shows continue to receive visibility and engagement from the public, despite DAM’s temporary closure.

“The flood is an immense challenge, but the support from our community and partners like MOCAD has been truly humbling. This collaboration ensures that GIRLHOOD and the incredible artists behind it still have the platform they deserve. We are grateful for MOCAD’s partnership in keeping this exhibition alive and for the continued engagement of our audience during this time.” – Miah J. Davis, Executive Director, DAM

“We are thrilled to support our neighboring institution, Detroit Artist Market, through exhibitions and public programming at MOCAD. We are committed to serving the community we live within and believe that this partnership will amplify the local arts ecosystem.” – Jova Lynne and Marie Madison-Patton, Co-Directors of MOCAD

GIRLHOOD invites us to reflect on youth with a sense of distance and clarity. Girlhood is often viewed through an innocent lens, reminiscing on the bows in our hair and ballet flats covering painted toes. However, these depictions frequently overlook the diversity of experiences shaped by race, ethnicity, identity, etc.

“These artists’ works are steeped in the sentimentality of their formative years. Watching these pieces come to life and engaging in meaningful conversations with the artists has been a profoundly connective experience that I am excited to share with the community.,” said Hayla Hay, Curator. 

Through this exhibition, GIRLHOOD seeks to expand the narrative, inviting an inclusive dialogue about what girlhood means across different lived experiences.

Participating Artists: 

Kaleigh Blevins, Judy Bowman, Sue Carman-Vian, Bella Kiser, Mars McCuiston, Emilia Nawrocki, Sabrina Nelson, Julianna Sanroman, Maddie Shubeck

Featured Artist:

Nina Ashraf, curated by Veronica Bielat

Key Details: 

• Exhibition Dates: March 14 – April 6, 2025 
• Location: Museum of Contemporary Art, 4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
• Hours: Closed Monday & Tuesday; Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday 11am-5pm, Thursday & Friday 11am-8pm

To celebrate the launch of GIRLHOOD, DAM x MOCAD will host an opening reception on Friday, March 14 from 5 – 8 pm, where guests can meet the curator and participating artists, and be among the first to browse the exhibition. This opening is free and open to the public.

Curator of GIRLHOOD:

Hayla Hay

Hayla Hay is a Detroit-based artist, arts administrator, and emerging curator. She earned her BFA in Painting and Photography, with a minor in Art History, from Wayne State University. In addition to her artistic practice, she has supported the creative community for about 4 years as Gallery Manager at Detroit Artists Market. Her curatorial debut, GIRLHOOD, reflects themes she often explores in her own work and writings. Through this exhibition, Hayla is excited to foster meaningful dialogue among artists and audiences alike.