Gravitas

Paintings by Dawn Smith

May 2–31, 2025
Opening Reception: Friday, May 2 at 5–9 pm
Closing Reception: Friday, May 30 at 6-9 pm
Artist Talk: Saturday, May 31 at 2-4 pm

Color | Ink Studio & Gallery is pleased to present “Gravitas”, a solo exhibition of powerful paintings by artist Dawn Smith centered around the topics of grief and hope. The show opens Friday, May 2 and runs through May 31.

According to Dawn, “The intention behind these paintings is to cultivate understanding, healing and unity surrounding the human experience of grief—a topic that is so universal and yet still so taboo in our culture.”

“Gravitas” is a comprehensive body of work from 2023–2024, comprising 21 paintings that delve into the realms of collective and individual grief. “Dawn has masterfully channeled, in this whimsical collection, the themes of loss and transition in various imaginative realms,” says Gallery Director Candace Law.

The public is invited to attend the Opening Reception on Friday evening, May 2 from 5-9 pm. It’s free, and guests will have the opportunity to meet Dawn and discuss the artwork in person. Light refreshments will be available, along with entertainment (see below). There is ample free parking in the adjacent lot and on the side streets.

In conjunction with the show, the Gallery is hosting a series of events celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month in collaboration with various local practitioners and performers providing entertainment, guided meditations, tarot reading and other opportunities to heal in community. The events are free and open to the public. Donations to the artists, performers and practitioners are welcome during the events.

“I wanted to unite fellow creatives, musicians, performers and practitioners to share their gifts and insight to provide a space for grieving and healing in a community setting. Grief can be isolating. We need a space to grieve, heal and celebrate life together so we see that on the other side there is hope and joy,” adds Dawn.

Dawn is a local Detroit artist who has been painting professionally for 10 years. Her work is imaginative and surreal, incorporating symbolism and whimsy. She is also known for her tattoo career spanning two decades. She owns and operates Harlequin Tattoo in Hamtramck and paints out of her studio at Hatch Gallery. Her work can be seen at DawnMarieSmith.com or on instagram @dawnsmith_art and her tattoo work @prettytoughtattoos

Event Schedule

Join us in May as we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with events that inspire reflection, connection, and hope. They are held in collaboration with local practitioners and performers providing entertainment, guided meditations, tarot reading and other opportunities to heal in community. All events are free and open to the public.

Opening Reception
Friday, May 2, 5–9 pm
with Musical Performances by Makenna Fain, Emily Rose, Annie Bacon, Stacey MacLeod
and Aerial Performance by Dari Blythe. Light refreshments.

Angelic Meditation & Tarot Readings
Saturday, May 3, 6–9 pm
with Alejandra Villegas

Death Talk with KristySue Bishop
Saturday, May 10, 6–9 pm. Light refreshments.

Grief Ceremony
Saturday, May 24, 2–4 pm
A grief ritual ceremony inviting community participation,
conducted by KristySue Bishop

Closing Reception
Friday, May 30, 6–9 pm

Artist Talk
Saturday, May 31, 2–4 pm

Part of the proceeds from art sales will benefit Six Feet Over, a non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional support for survivors of suicide loss and individuals who have lived through the experience of suicide. They promote and engage in community prevention through mental health education and advocacy to support healthier futures. Visit sixftover.org for more information. Donations to the artists, performers and practitioners are welcome during the events.

Visiting the Gallery

We encourage you to start your visit to the Gallery by exploring the virtual tour of the exhibition below. Click or tap on the arrows to walk through the Gallery, click and drag to look around, or scroll to zoom in and out. If you see a work you’re interested in, scroll down to find it in the listing of the works on display.

If you would prefer to view the exhibition or see a particular piece in person, the Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 pm, and at other times by appointment. To schedule a visit either click here to make an appointment, send an email to Gallery@ColorInkStudio.com, or telephone us at 248-398-6119.

And before you leave, please take a minute to sign our guest book.

Artwork on View

The individual works on view in the exhibition are displayed below. Click on an image to see it larger or in a slideshow. If you are interested in buying a piece, you can complete your purchase securely online or contact us by email at Gallery@ColorInkStudio.com or by phone at 248-398-6119 and we’ll gladly assist you.