If you’ve seen the 50th anniversary edition of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ iconic 1976 commercial “You Gotta Have Art,” you may have been hit with a wave of nostalgia and felt renewed pride in its timeless message. But there's even more to discover in this new rendition: special cameos by artists and museum staff that many viewers might otherwise miss.
The opening scene features DIA curator Chassica Kirchoff decked out in an impressive replica of medieval and Renaissance armor. Fewer than 10 arms and armor experts exist in the US, and Chassica is part of that specialized group of curators—and one of only two women in the country with this expertise. There could not be a more fitting person to play this role.
DIA curator Chassica Kirchoff is one of fewer than 10 arms and armor experts in the US.
In an early scene, Detroit artist Mario Moore strolls past his own painting, The Council, which comes to life as four figures “step out of the work,” dressed exactly like those portrayed on the canvas – artist Jamea Richmond-Edwards portrays herself. This moment includes a series of other wonderful cameos: former Detroit Lions player and photographer Romeo Okwara; and Mario’s parents, including his father, Kris Moore, who has worked on the DIA’s maintenance team for more than two decades.
Many other beloved Detroit artists appear in “You Gotta Have Art.” You’ll find Allie McGhee and Carole Harris dancing in the newly reinstalled African American galleries. The DIA is proud to hold works by both artists in its permanent collection.
Detroit artists Allie McGhee and Carole Harris
Detroit-area artists Susan Goethel Campbell, Tylonn Sawyer, David Dominic, and Konstance Patton appear alongside Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker. Works by Dominic and Patton are currently on view in the special exhibition Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation, while works by Campbell and Sawyer are part of the museum’s permanent collection.
In one of the video’s final moments, renowned Detroit artist Shirley Woodson and her son, Senghor Reid—an artist in his own right—can be spotted singing along next to Woodson’s vibrant Shield of the Nile.
Detroit artist Shirley Woodson and her son Senghor Reid
A couple familiar faces from the original 1976 commercial also reappear: museum employee Barbara Heller and longtime volunteer Sandy Moers, both scuttling past Rembrandt’s self-portrait.
At right: DIA employee Barbara Heller, left, and longtime volunteer Sandy Moers, middle, appeared in the original "You Gotta Have Art"
In addition to all this talent, about 200 DIA employees and volunteers appear in the new “You Gotta Have Art.” The video itself was directed and produced entirely in-house by our talented Visual Media team—a true reflection of the creativity and dedication found throughout the museum.
So, watch “You Gotta Have Art” one more time and see how many cameos you can spot. And good luck getting that catchy jingle out of your head.
