During the Great Depression, in the year 1932 to be exact, a local group of art lovers saw there was a need for spaces where artists could exhibit and sell their work. Mrs. H. Lee Simpson founded what was then called the Detroit Young Artists Market, focusing on artists 30 and under who earned a living wage. Since its inaugural year, the nonprofit has grown and become an important fixture in Detroit’s arts and culture community.

After a brief hiatus, DAM returned this past weekend with Hot Dam. It features 40 local artists working in a variety of mediums, from sculpture and fiber art to classic painting. Hot Dam! is on display through August 23 at Detroit Artists Market on Woodward and Forest.

Miah Davis is the Executive Director of Detroit Artists Market. Dr. Kelli Morgan is a curator, educator, and activist, and the founder of The Black Artist Archive.