Originally Published: Social House News
Client: Hannan Center

Color, movement, and storytelling converge at the Emerge! Art Festival, opening Oct. 18 at the Ellen Kayrod Gallery inside Hannan Center located at 4750 Woodward Ave. in Detroit.

The exhibition celebrates the creativity and resilience of older adults through more than 170 works of art inspired by the theme “100 Years Unbound: The Power of Aging.”

“For 100 years, Hannan Center has championed the value, voice, and vitality of older adults,” said Vincent Tilford, CEO of Hannan Center.

“The Emerge! Art Festival embodies that legacy by celebrating the incredible creativity that continues to flourish across generations. Each work of art tells a story of resilience, purpose, and joy, reminding us that aging is not an ending, but a powerful continuation of growth and expression.”

Highlighting creativity of senior artists

Presented by Hannan Center as part of its centennial celebration, the Emerge! Art Festival is a juried exhibition featuring more than 170 works of art by artists age 55 and older from across metro Detroit.

From painting and sculpture to spoken word and live performance, the festival honors the creativity and resilience of older adults who continue to shape and enrich the cultural fabric of the region.

The festival kicks off with an Opening Day Celebration from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, featuring an awards presentation, live entertainment, food, an interactive art project, and artist remarks.

The exhibition will remain open to the public through January 14, 2026, with gallery hours Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.

Happy 100th!

For a century, Hannan Center has been a lifeline for older adults in Detroit, a place where seniors find connection, creativity, and care when they need it most.

Founded in 1925 by Luella Hannan, the organization remains dedicated to preserving dignity and enhancing quality of life for seniors across metro Detroit.

Today, Hannan serves more than 1,500 older adults each year through programs that range from dementia care and caregiver respite to social work support, lifelong learning, and creative arts initiatives that foster connection, dignity, and purpose.

Additional events spotlighting seniors

As part of its centennial celebration, Hannan Center is hosting a series of events that honor its legacy and spotlight the resilience of aging, including:

-Detroit Historical Museum Exhibit (Oct. 11, 2025 – Jan. 20, 2026): Showcasing a century of Hannan’s impact through historic artifacts, photographs, and art.

-Emerge! Art Festival (Oct. 18, 2025 – Jan. 14, 2026): Featuring more than 170 works by artists aged 55+.

-100th Anniversary Celebration (Oct. 25, 2025): A community event at Hannan Center honoring centenarians and community partners.

-70 Over Seventy – The Next Chapter Awards (Nov. 1, 2025): Recognizing Michigan residents 70+ excelling in art, civic leadership, entrepreneurship, and more.

For more information about the Emerge! Art Festival and Hannan Center, click here.

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