Five Minutes with Stephanie Smothers
Updated Jul 20, 2022
Artist Feature
Ahead of the 10th Annual Community Group Art Exhibition that opens December 6, 2018, we sat down with a new participant, Stephanie Smothers, who graciously shared with us the story of her artwork.
The DIA’s Community Group Program has been serving social service agencies in the Detroit area for over 20 years, providing meaningful experiences through art with gallery tours and hands-on art making, and creating a safe, nurturing space for participants’ creative expression and socialization. The annual community group exhibition, in particular, provides a unique opportunity for group members to share their artistic work with museum visitors.
DIA: What could you tell us about your project?
SS: The title of my book is Stephanie’s Story and it reflects my family origin (Stargel side of family & Smothers side of family) in addition to highlights from my career and interests.
DIA: Do you make art outside of this program at the museum?
SS: No.
DIA: What was your favorite thing you saw on the tour?
SS: My favorite work of art observed on the tour was the veiled woman in granite.
DIA: In what way did the tour relate to your project?
SS: The prayer books on our first tour for the Hannan group were my inspiration.
DIA: How did this project help you explore or express your interests or experiences?
SS: This project helps me explore how I want my friends & family to remember my life. I hope to display this work as a part of my funeral celebration of life. Reflecting my strong family ties, my education at Wayne State, career & professional development with Henry Ford Health System as a Laboratory Scientist, and my interest in synchronized team ice skating and skating in ice shows.
Stephanie Smolders Art-Making for the 10th Annual Community Group Art Exhibition
Artist Feature
Ahead of the 10th Annual Community Group Art Exhibition that opens December 6, 2018, we sat down with a new participant, Stephanie Smothers, who graciously shared with us the story of her artwork.
The DIA’s Community Group Program has been serving social service agencies in the Detroit area for over 20 years, providing meaningful experiences through art with gallery tours and hands-on art making, and creating a safe, nurturing space for participants’ creative expression and socialization. The annual community group exhibition, in particular, provides a unique opportunity for group members to share their artistic work with museum visitors.
DIA: What could you tell us about your project?
SS: The title of my book is Stephanie’s Story and it reflects my family origin (Stargel side of family & Smothers side of family) in addition to highlights from my career and interests.
DIA: Do you make art outside of this program at the museum?
SS: No.
DIA: What was your favorite thing you saw on the tour?
SS: My favorite work of art observed on the tour was the veiled woman in granite.
DIA: In what way did the tour relate to your project?
SS: The prayer books on our first tour for the Hannan group were my inspiration.
DIA: How did this project help you explore or express your interests or experiences?
SS: This project helps me explore how I want my friends & family to remember my life. I hope to display this work as a part of my funeral celebration of life. Reflecting my strong family ties, my education at Wayne State, career & professional development with Henry Ford Health System as a Laboratory Scientist, and my interest in synchronized team ice skating and skating in ice shows.
