the Shepherd

On the spur of the moment, just before Christmas, we decided to visit Detroit. We had heard about The Shepard and stayed in Aleo next door. The whole experience was magical. I love that the former church was converted into a stunning gallery and the use of space enhanced the incredible art. I am looking forward to visiting again...and again ♥️

As an artist, I've long called galleries places of worship for atheists. Well, this is an actual church with delightful curving geometry and the show I saw, Grace Under Fire, is a testament to the faith inherent in art. Highly recommendeg

I attended the inaugural art show at the Shepherd, and the space is wonderful inside and outside. I am also blown away with how the art scene in Detroit has taken not just steps but leaps because of the Library Street Collective. I've been around Detroit my whole life. We've had some wonderful, half hoping, coming and going, galleries/art spaces--even a couple of major institutions, but something more is going on lately, and it's noticeable. Momentum is building. Significance is in the air.

We enjoyed a walk through of the gardens, former church, art galleries, and small library on a Saturday morning and it was a beautiful experience. The outdoor gardens have several small spaces to enjoy and interesting sculptures and outdoor artworks to enjoy. There's a small skateboard park/skate park and we saw some skaters enjoying that space as well. The inside of the church is a truly grand space with 50 foot? 60 foot? ceilings and the airy interior draws your eye upward. We were able to see Charles McGee's works and the large scale of the work was complimented by the large scale of the space. There's a library - it looks like an old confessional space / one of the apses was converted into a small library with tables and mostly art books, featuring artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, perhaps a collaboration with the Detroit Public Library. The Shepherd is worth your time and worth a visit, perhaps paired with a trip to Pewabic Pottery (two blocks away).

Excellent gallery experience of contemporary art in various styles and forms. Located in a former church building that retains the energy of sacredness, creativity, and intentional community. On street parking. Beautiful and inspiring outdoor installations add to the indoor experience. Friendly greeter at the reception desk. A must see.

Enjoyed viewing an interesting selection of Charles McGee's works. Unique and distinctive pieces, enhanced by the fact that it was in a restored building in Detroit. Hats off to whoever did the restoration of the old church- a superb job. A welcome initiative, and look forward to seeing the rest of the neighborhood revive as well.

Wonderful experience! The gallery and the grounds are both worth a visit - really lovely and unique!

Haven’t been inside yet but great place to hang outside for free!

I had heard of The Shepherd when it was first announced but then completely forgot about it until one evening when I was driving by after a meeting in the area. I missed my turn and had to go through the side streets and saw a purple structure glowing in through the trees. It was dark so I wasn't exactly sure how to enter but after circling a few times I managed to find my way to the parking area and not only found the purple glowing thing but a beautiful sculpture garden and green space surrounding a gorgeous community center housed in (according to their website) a one hundred ten-year-old Romanesque-style building, previously home to the Good Shepherd church (hence the name) that hosts workshops, The sculpture garden is dedicated to the late artist Charles McGee who designed the pieces before his death. There's also a bed & breakfast on the premises, skate park co-designed by Tony Hawk, and a new eatery in the works. I wasn't able to make it inside since I came after hours but just walking around the grounds was inspiring and invigorating and the sculptures were gorgeous in the evening all lit up. I think I took photos from every angle because every angle afforded me a new appreciation for each piece. What a special place. I can't wait for the opportunity to visit sometime during the daytime soon!

Gorgeous concept from a couple at library street collective with plans for more to come in little village part of town.