“Gathering of the Griots” exhibition

As part of the Henry Ford College Faculty Lectureship Award, the “Gathering of the Griots” (pronounced “GREE-oh”) exhibition will be on display in the HFC Sisson Art Gallery on the first floor of the MacKenzie Fine Arts Center (Building F on the main campus) until Thursday, January 29.

Gallery hours for the Winter 2026 semester are:

• Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

This exhibition features the artistry of HFC ceramics instructor Steve Glazer, who has been teaching since 1983. He taught at HFC (then Henry Ford Community College) for one semester in 1989 before returning full-time in 2004. Throughout his adult life, Glazer’s artwork has been a response to his environment. After coming back to Detroit 21 years ago, Glazer began crafting his “Motor City Griots” masks, the faces of the heroes who will protect Detroit.

Glazer has completed 160 griot masks over the last two decades. There will be 54 of Glazer’s griot masks on display as part of his exhibition. The exhibition will also include five of his new series entitled “The Motor City Griot Patrol,” which are free-standing busts of imaginary creatures. There will also be a "Wall of Mugs" created by Glazer.

The ‘Motor City Griots’ masks are about my connection to Detroit, which has been making a comeback since I returned to Michigan,” said Glazer, a Detroit native.

The Griot creatures, Griot masks, and mugs are for sale.

• The Griot creatures are priced at $1,200 each.
• The Griot masks are priced at $750 each.
• The mugs are priced at $40 each.
• 50% of all sales will be donated to an HFC art student scholarship fund.
• Students with a valid student ID will receive 50% off.

For questions or more information, contact Glazer at 313-845-6485 or sglazer@hfcc.edu.