Exhibition will be on display in City Hall through July 31, 2025

The Southfield Public Arts Commission curates new exhibits of local artists’ work on a quarterly basis. “This initiative is something the Commission has envisioned as a way to network, promote diversity and inclusion, engage with the community, and support local artists,” said Delores Flagg, Chairperson of the Southfield Public Arts Commission. “We recognize the abundance of talented artists in Southfield and the metro area. They just need a platform, and we are providing them with a showcase for their work. We understand the importance of highlighting art and artists. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

For more information, contact Southfield Public Arts Chairperson Delores Flagg at (248) 420-3396.

Azhr Matti

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azhrmatti/ 
Azhr Matti was born in northern Iraq, in the village of Karemlash, in Nineveh. Matti studied art at the City of Mosul Institute of Fine Arts. Matti has a special interest in history and culture and base’s his art around his culture. “Our culture is our identity, and it is important not to lose it.) Matti does many different types of visual art, such as drawing and pottery.

Wilson Sarkis

Website: https://wilsonsarkisphotography.com/
Wilson Sarkis is an American citizen who is part of the Chaldean Assyrian community in Detroit and has roots in the communities of Iraq. For 30 years, Sarkis has worked to make a name for himself in the photographic world, and all that experience is reflected at “Wilson Sarkis Photography and Cinematography.” His impeccable use of lighting has gained national attention, and he has been booked out for years in the metro Detroit area. His knowledge of the subject, posing, lighting, and focus all combine to create the most beautiful photographs. He has perfected his cinematography, creating trailers for engaged couples that follow naturally through to the wedding. Sarkis does commercial work as well. Corporate and nonprofit stories are brought to life with a specific style that stems from his creativity and imagery, capturing the brand’s essence. Sarkis has been slated to photograph Iraq for a future documentary. He is committed to making an impact in the future of photography and to helping the people in his homeland not only survive but thrive. The winner of the Plowshares Theatre Company Sankofa Arts Award, Calloway’s work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions with such organizations as the Detroit Institute of Arts, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Arts Extended Gallery, Delta Sigma Theta, Liberal Arts Gallery, and National Conference of Artists Gallery. Calloway currently lives, creates, and exhibits at his home on W. Grand Blvd as part of the Irwin House Gallery arts estate.

Reni Stephan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reni_art81/
Reni Stephan was born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1981. In hopes of a brighter future, Stephan’s family made the decision to leave their home country just 10 years later. This dream was made a reality as they entered the United States in 1993. Stephan was immediately enrolled in elementary school. With his new opportunities, Reni discovered a profound love for drawing. His talent was undeniable, even at an early age. This continued through what was left of his childhood, and upon entering high school, art became his priority. Taking many classes in this field, Stephan’s interest expanded. Slowly, Stephan began to realize that he could merge his passion for art with the dedication he had for the culture he'd left behind. He attended college for Creative Studies in 2005, where he furthered his reach and began painting and sculpting. Inspired by Western art, as well as legendary artists, Stephan has dedicated his life to his crafts. With each piece he creates, Stephan’s hope is that he will remain true to his Assyrian Babylonian heritage and ensure its survival. Not only does he seek to move all generations of Assyrians, but he hopes his work will inspire all people of the world.

Sam Selou Wazi

Pinterest: https://es.pinterest.com/Sam1555/ 
Sam Selou Wazi was born in Nineveh, Iraq and grew up in Baghdad. He left Iraq in 1977 and followed his passion for art to Europe. Later, he immigrated to the United States in 1979 to seek a better future and pursue his dream of attending art school. Although he felt he wasn't well-versed in English, he was able to attend Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan, where he especially enjoyed painting and sculpture. He received a great amount of satisfaction in continuing his dream within this country's wonderful institutions.

One of Wazi’s  highest achievements was sculpting a full-sized statue of William Ballenger, who was one of the founders of The Buick Company. Mr. Ballenger did many great things for his community, and this statue now appears in Ballenger Park. He also produced a statue for the Catholic Church in Detroit to honor one of the Saints. In addition to that, he created two sculptures of ancient Babylonian Art permanently displayed in the Chaldean Cultural Center, located at Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield, MI. One example of his published works is featured in the book, The Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936-1937: Witnesses and Warriors. There are also large, private collections in several private buyers’ homes.

Emad Tamo

Artist Emad Tamo was born in Iraq in 1970 as a child, he grew up, drawing and painting throughout his career, he did many caricature drawings which some was featured in very prominent newspapers and magazines he developed his skill throughout his life. 
His passion for art was always inspiring to others. 

Tamo spent most of his life drawing and painting. He also taught arts and had many students that followed his work. In 2013 Tamo moved to the United States. 

After visiting many museums and galleries, Tamo was so inspired by the work of the masters. He learned many new skills. Emad continues to paint and draw. His first project in the United States was a Merrill that was 26 ft wide at the heller elementary school Library. Tamo participated in many shows and galleries. Tamo continues his career as an artist and inspires many by his work and unique style as he is more passionate than ever. Tamo continues to develop his skill and passion for the arts to this day

Artist Statement: Decoding Matter

In my new series Decoding Matter, I explore the intersection of art, design, and science, blurring the lines that traditionally separate these disciplines. This body of work challenges conventional thinking, urging a shift from passive consumption of technology to an active engagement with its creation. Decoding Matter represents a call to think anti-disciplinarily, rejecting the outdated division between humanistic and scientific thought.

Through a series of abstract drawings, I depict imaginary particles of matter, interwoven with my own emotions. These visual expressions are not only artistic interpretations but also reflections on the complexity of our existence, both physical and emotional.

Sipya Kado

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sipyakado/

Sipya Kado is an Assyrian visual artist originally from the historic city of Alqosh, Iraq, born in 1997. From a young age, Kado developed a deep passion for capturing moments, beginning his journey into photography at age 13 using just an iPhone camera.
In 2014, at the age of 15, Kado moved to Michigan, USA, where he began to pursue his passion more seriously. By 2016, he was professionally photographing weddings, developing a reputation for his storytelling approach and creative vision.

In 2018, Kado expanded into videography, particularly music video directing. Since then, he has directed and filmed over 50 music videos, primarily for Assyrian artists, with several Arabic productions as well. His work is known for its cinematic quality, emotional depth, and cultural authenticity.

Kado has also participated in the annual Mar Mikha Art Show, showcasing his talent within the broader Assyrian creative community. In addition to his independent projects, he contributed as a Director of Photography (D.O.P) assistant on two Assyrian films, including The Journey of Journey and one other yet to be titled.

With a passion rooted in heritage and a lens focused on storytelling, Kado continues to push the boundaries of visual art in both photography and videography.

Taif Alheety

Taif Alheety was born in Iraq in 1996 and moved to the United States in 2014. She studied Interior Design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, where her passion for visual storytelling and spatial aesthetics was further refined. Over the past decade, Alheety has devoted herself to painting, building a body of work that bridges her cultural heritage with contemporary artistic expression. Through her art, Alheety explores themes of identity, memory, and transformation. Her paintings often evoke a sense of emotional depth and quiet strength, reflecting both her personal journey and her broader cultural experience. With a refined sense of composition and a painterly attention to detail, Alheety creates pieces that resonate deeply with viewers, inviting them into an intimate dialogue between the past and the present. Today, Alheety continues to develop her practice, drawing inspiration from her heritage, her education, and her life in America, offering a unique and compelling voice to the contemporary art scene. She’s currently studying drawing and painting.

Habib Hannona

Habib Hannona’s personal journey is one of determination and accomplishments. His achievements in the United States, Kuwait and Iraq exemplify human strength, an enduring spirit, survival, and success. Hannona has had illustrious careers illuminating the way as an author, engineer, linguist, painter, poet, historian and grand master of culture. Hannona was born in the Chaldean town of Karemlesh - Nineveh province in 1943. In 1959, he moved with his family to Baghdad, where he graduated from high school. He then spent two years studying English and German at the Higher Institute of Languages. Hannona later traveled to West Germany to study architecture, returning to Iraq in 1964. Eager to further his education, Hannona took advantage of opportunities offered by the Jesuit’s at Al-Hikma University in Baghdad to study civil engineering. There, many of his talents emerged and were supported by a creative environment that encouraged painting, literature, poetry and theater, in addition to scientific research. Hannona came to the United States with his family on Christmas Eve in 1991. Hannona says, “My journey was not easy; America is the place you come to change your life - America is the place to start a new life, and that is why I came here.”