Detroit Institute of Arts’ Statement on the Passing of Artist Charles McGee
Updated Feb 5, 2021
DETROIT (February 5, 2021) -- The Detroit Institute of Arts joins the Detroit community in celebrating the life of artist Charles McGee, who passed away yesterday at the age of 96. McGee is a local, regional and national treasure, with works in the collections of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Dennos Museum, and 10 works in the collection of the DIA. His public art projects are installed throughout the region, including at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak and the Rackham Building across the street from the DIA.
“Charles McGee left a tremendous legacy for all Detroiters, and for all those who visit our city and see his work in our museums, in our parks, and even on our buildings,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA Director. “I can think of no other artist who has so profoundly impacted the daily lives of those in our community – from the tens of thousands of students who visit ‘Noah’s Ark: Genesis’ on field trips to the DIA to workers and visitors that experience a downtown made more beautiful with his murals and installations.”
An artist for more than 70 years, McGee was the inaugural Kresge Eminent Artist in 2008. In a 2009 film about his work, McGee said “I am mandated by nature to do this, to make art. I have no choice, you know. I breathe it. I sleep it. It’s one of the only things that I really worship.”
DETROIT (February 5, 2021) -- The Detroit Institute of Arts joins the Detroit community in celebrating the life of artist Charles McGee, who passed away yesterday at the age of 96. McGee is a local, regional and national treasure, with works in the collections of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Dennos Museum, and 10 works in the collection of the DIA. His public art projects are installed throughout the region, including at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak and the Rackham Building across the street from the DIA.
“Charles McGee left a tremendous legacy for all Detroiters, and for all those who visit our city and see his work in our museums, in our parks, and even on our buildings,” said Salvador Salort-Pons, DIA Director. “I can think of no other artist who has so profoundly impacted the daily lives of those in our community – from the tens of thousands of students who visit ‘Noah’s Ark: Genesis’ on field trips to the DIA to workers and visitors that experience a downtown made more beautiful with his murals and installations.”
An artist for more than 70 years, McGee was the inaugural Kresge Eminent Artist in 2008. In a 2009 film about his work, McGee said “I am mandated by nature to do this, to make art. I have no choice, you know. I breathe it. I sleep it. It’s one of the only things that I really worship.”