Behind the Scenes
Silver Maple's Gallery 100, founded in 2009 by resident architect Glen Paulsen, emerged as a unique and hidden gem within a vibrant community. Initially an empty hall with no windows, it evolved into a marvelous artistic hub, driven by the vision of becoming a great connector in the community.
Lois DeLeon, gallery manager since 2007, has played a pivotal role in shaping Gallery 100's transformation. With a background in creative arts, textiles, and history, Lois was well-suited for the gallery's diverse needs. Her journey from designing textiles in New York City to studying textiles in England and curating art at the Cleveland Museum of Art led her to a Master's in Social Work, reflecting her desire
to connect with people.
Lois cherished the artwork and the artists, fostering friendships within Chelsea's art community. Her commitment shone through diverse and engaging exhibitions, including a display by the Detroit Chapter of a National group of black artists; and a captivating Prisoners Art exhibit through the University of Michigan’s Prison Creative Arts Project, “PCAP”. These shows displayed remarkable art and underscored the gallery's potential to connect with the broader community.
Concerns arose as Lois considered retirement, raising questions about who would continue her legacy. Enter Winn Nichols, Director of Programming and Wellness at Silver Maples, armed with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a deep passion for the arts. Winn shared Lois's vision of art uniting people across generations and cultural backgrounds. She designed diverse wellness programs and collaborated with residents to further elevate Gallery 100's role as an artistic hub, reinforcing its significance within the Silver Maples community.
Despite its transformative impact, Gallery 100 remained relatively unknown. Lois, Winn, and the Silver Maples community recognize the opportunity to connect with a broader audience and the benefits of sharing the gallery's artistic treasures.
Gallery 100 stands as a testament to the power of art and community. Lois DeLeon's dedication and Winn Nichols' creative leadership ensured this hidden gem continues to shine, bridging generational and cultural divides within the
Silver Maples of Chelsea community.