Gallery Renovation 2023

In early 2023, long-awaited renovations and upgrades of the HFC Sisson Gallery – which has showcased the artistry of student and professional (local, national, and international) artists since 1979 – have begun.

In 2019, the HFC Board of Trustees approved a Technology Improvement Fund (TIF) proposal to update and repair the gallery. Before any work could begin, the coronavirus pandemic postponed the project. Work began in January 2023.

The gallery is schedule to reopen during the Fall 2023 semester.

Upgrades and renovations

Some of the renovations and upgrades to the Sisson include:

• Replace carpeted floors with polished concrete
• Install new LED lights and track lighting
• Cover the walls with a blue-gray carpeting
• Remove and replace metal slats over the sunken area of the ceiling
• Add an upper border around the area of the gallery with raised ceiling
• Add a projector and a pull-down screen to display contemporary digital artwork
• Install a computer station

“We’re adding a projector and a hidden pull-down screen, so contemporary new media artwork can be presented in the Sisson,” said HFC Faculty Chair of Fine and Performing Arts Steve Glazer.

Future shows

Glazer, who is also the Sisson’s Director of Exhibitions, is working on the 2023-24 Sisson schedule.

“I would love to see at least one exhibition featuring art outside the southeast Michigan area every year,” he said. “I would like to see a faculty exhibition, too. Other goals are to host exhibitions showcasing the artwork of faculty at colleges and universities where we have transfer agreements. There are so many artists, both locally and beyond, who have started their art education and careers at HFC.”

As July turns to August, renovations are nearly complete.

“I can’t wait to see the finished product,” said Glazer. “I can’t wait to start putting on exhibitions again.”