Irwin House Gallery has ushered in the holiday season with GIFTED VI, the sixth edition of its annual Gift of Art exhibition and its largest presentation yet. 

Opening on Black Friday and running through December 21, 2025, the show brings together 80 local and international artists and more than 200 works in a vibrant celebration of creativity and community. 

This year’s exhibition is guest-curated by Phil Simpson, widely known as Detroit’s “Chief Smile Guy,” whose murals and creative projects are familiar throughout the city. Simpson reviewed nearly 400 submissions to assemble a diverse collection representing a wide range of styles, generations, cultures, and artistic approaches. Artists from Metro Detroit form the core of the exhibition, while additional contributors from Ohio, Philadelphia, Oklahoma, and Africa expand its reach and richness. 

GIFTED VI is designed as an accessible, festive opportunity for holiday art-giving, with original pieces priced between $50 and $500. The month-long event launched with an energetic Black Friday reception, followed by a Wealth Management Social in partnership with NASP Detroit, and a lively collaboration with Kresge Artist Fellow Donald Calloway for his annual Cheap Wine & Chicken art party—imagery from which appears in the promotional visuals embedded in the exhibition materials.

 Additional programming continues on December 14 with a Glogg & Cookie Artist Social and concludes on December 21 with a soft closing celebration. 

The exhibition’s extensive roster includes both emerging and well-established creators, presenting visitors with opportunities to discover new talent and collect meaningful works. Featured artists include Ahmir Russell, Aliyah Moore, Arthur Rushin III, Ivan Quinones II, Jennifer Maples, Joshua Oyeleye—whose painting “Flower Boy” is highlighted in the provided imagery—and many others across a broad spectrum of media and artistic backgrounds. 

Open Thursday through Sunday, with additional hours available by appointment, GIFTED VI continues Irwin House Gallery’s tradition of fostering connection, creativity, and community engagement during the holiday season. Visitors can explore the full exhibition at 2351 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, and experience one of the region’s most expansive and inclusive holiday art events.