Contemporary art gallery opens at 1260 Library

A new gallery, Long-Sharp/Curis Modern + Contemporary Fine Art, will open its doors Sept. 2 in the newly-renovated mixed-use 1260 Library building.

Gallery co-owner Anthony Curis, who recently brought the El Guapo taco truck to the streets of downtown, says the minimalist 1,200 sq. ft space will feature works by some of the art world's biggest names, like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein, while hosting shows for current artists.

The first show, beginning Sept. 17, will introduce Detroiters to celebrated British artist Russell Young, who will be in attendance to showcase his newest series American Envy. It's one of only four appearances he'll make across the world. "The fact that we are opening with an artist of this caliber is a testament to the changing cultural landscape in Detroit," Curis says.

Curis partnered with blue-chip art dealer Rhonda Long-Sharp, whom he had contacted 18 months ago about purchasing a piece by Young. Out of that transaction, the two decided to open a gallery in Detroit, currently listed by Art Basel-Miami as one of the top four up-and-coming artistic centers in the world.

"Rhonda could have opened a gallery anywhere in the country," Curis says. "The fact that Detroit was on her radar is a testament to Detroit's relevance in the art world."

Curis's wife, JJ Curis, will serve as gallery director.

Long Sharp/Curis will be open for special evening hours over Labor Day weekend. The opening reception for Russell Young's American Envy begins at 7 p.m. on Sept. 17. More at longsharpcuris.com.

Source: Anthony Curis, co-owner, Long Sharp/Curis Modern + Contemporary Fine Art
Writer: Ashley C. Woods