Art Exhibit showcases Henry Ford's home

View photographs, drawings, paintings of Fair Lane in the Rotunda Lobby of the Henry Ford Centennial Library

Detroit – An art exhibit opening in April will pay tribute to Dearborn's most notable former resident, and his beloved home.

Henry Ford's Fair Lane - 150 Years will debut in the Rotunda Lobby of the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Avenue, on April 18.

The exhibit honors Henry Ford-who would have celebrated his 150th birthday on July 31, 2013-as well as his wife, Clara.

The showcase will feature works created by members of the Artists' Society of Dearborn (ASD) and inspired by the Fair Lane Estate. The estate, a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1909.

According to ASD President and local photographer Teresa Lousias, the works were created at the request of former Estate Curator Susan McCabe, who approached the society in April of last year regarding a tribute to the Fords.

"The ASD accepted this challenge to create their own interpretation by visiting the inside of the estate," Lousias said. "We were able to photograph and sketch the interior."

Also included in this exhibit will be some past works by the society focusing on the Model T, the estate, and its grounds and gardens.

An opening reception will be 6-8 p.m. on April 18 in the HFCL Rotunda Lobby, and is free and open to the public.
Attendees will be able to view a video history of the Fair Lane Estate, as well as Henry and Clara Ford.

A program will begin at 7 p.m. Speakers will include Dearborn Mayor John B. O'Reilly, Jr.; Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Vice President of Collections and Visitor Experience Mark Heppner; Artists' Society of Dearborn President Teresa Lousias; Dearborn Public Library Director Maryanne Bartles; and Edsel and Eleanor Ford House President Kathleen Mullins.

Refreshments will be provided by the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House.
The exhibit will continue through May 10.
Artworks at the show, created by the society's 40 members, will include photographs, drawings, paintings and three-dimensional pieces. All works will be for sale.

"It is our pleasure to create an exhibit for Henry Ford-one of the most prominent citizens of the City of Dearborn," Lousias said.

The Artists' Society of Dearborn is a 40-member group that works toward promoting the arts and local artists in the city. Formed in 1949, members include painters, pen and ink artists, photographers, wood carvers, sculptors, fabric designers, quilt makers, and jewelry and tile makers.