DETROIT – A liquor store on Detroit’s east side is getting a lot of community buzz.
People stopping inside Liquor Basket Gratiot on Gratiot Avenue will find more than spirits and snacks. The store is also an art gallery.
“We have art hanging from the ceilings,” said Dominick Lemonious, store manager and gallery curator.
Vibrant paintings of all sizes and scales hang from the ceiling and decorate the walls. Paintings and sculptures are along the aisles for customers and art lovers to enjoy or purchase.
“So, the idea behind it is to really have a cultural space,” Lemonious said. “A space for us to highlight our talents.”
The current exhibit in this unique art gallery showcases work from more than 30 artists specializing in different mediums, most of whom are from Detroit.
There are paintings on canvas, abstract works, and photography. Members of the Black-owned family business said having a gallery in this space is intentional.
Lemonious said, “A lot of the artists don’t really feel comfortable in traditional gallery spaces. So, that’s where we come in.”
Emerging artists said having access to a unique gallery like the one inside Liquor Basket Gratiot opens up doors of opportunity.
Oshun Williams is new to Detroit’s art scene.
“I think they’re making a big difference,” said Williams. “I think they are being very authentic by putting community first. And they’re just giving emerging artist, pretty much, just a chance to get out there and showcase their stuff.”
The innovative environment doesn’t just stop at a liquor store and the visual arts. Culinary artist Chef Montrell is part of the family.
Montrell also has a space in Liquor Basket Gratiot.
“I wanted to, kind of, offer something that everybody can eat,” said Montrell.
He’s opened a late-night vegan kitchen for his culinary creations.
Liquor Basket Gratiot is located on the 3643 block of Gratiot Avenue.
The current art exhibit runs through Friday, May 17. The next exhibit, which will focus on photography, opens May 24.