Engage your creative mind at a class or event.
In addition to exhibits that enrich the community’s cultural life, we host a variety of educational programs for adults and children, designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of art. All Janice Charach Gallery classes, events, workshops and lectures are led by trained art educators and artists, and cover different art forms and techniques, including painting, drawing, photography, and ceramics.
Sunday, August 30, 2 PM
Pre-registration Required
Hear the inspiration from the artists themselves! Fiber on the Edge pushes the boundaries of craft, unifying traditional fiber techniques into an avant-garde sensory experience. Curated by Susan Aaron-Taylor, this exhibition features visionary artists taking fibers into the future. By fusing alternative materials with striking mixed media, exploring both traditional and experimental 2D and 3D techniques, and prioritizing conceptual depth, these creators challenge our understanding of structure and form. Witness fiber pushed to its absolute limit.
Sunday, August 16, 10 AM – 12 PM at The J
Pre-registration Required
In this creative workshop, we will explore the beautiful concept of hiddur mitzvah—beautifying the commandment—by transforming raw fabric into an heirloom-quality, one-of-a-kind Challah cover for your Shabbat table.
Using Shibori, the exquisite Japanese art of resist-dyeing, you will learn how to fold, bind, twist, and clamp fabric to unlock breathtaking geometric patterns. As we dip our textiles into a rich, organic indigo vat, you’ll watch the magic of oxidation turn your fabric from bright green to brilliant blue right before your eyes.
Registration deadline: Sunday, August 9
Tuesdays beginning July 28 – 12:30 – 2 PM at The J
$75, pre-register
The humble granny square is back in a big way, and it is the ultimate gateway to textile creativity! Whether you want to fashion a cozy vintage blanket, a trendy patchwork sweater, a boho tote bag, or a stylish bucket hat, the classic granny square is the building block that makes it all possible.
Over four weeks, you will be guided by the legendary Rochelle Imber, former owner of the beloved local staple Knit Knit Knit and a celebrated master of design. Rochelle brings decades of professional design expertise, patience, and a touch of magic to the classroom. She won’t just teach you the stitches—she will help you look at yarn as a canvas.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 21
Multiple Sessions Available in the Janice Charach Gallery
$145 per student, up to two students per session
Join artist Michael Daitch for a hands-on introduction to loom weaving inside Janice Charach Gallery at The J. Students will learn the fundamentals of the loom and create a beautiful, usable tote bag from start to finish. Each session is limited to two participants, allowing for personalized guidance and a relaxed pace. No prior experience is needed, and all materials are provided, just bring your curiosity and creativity!
Tuesdays 12:30 – 2 PM in the Janice Charach Gallery
$10 per class, or $40 for 5 classes if you pre-register**
Join us for a brand-new knitting adventure at the J with the fabulous Rochelle Imber, beloved former owner of Knit Knit Knit! Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just picking up needles (or hooks!) for the first time, this class is for you.
Don’t forget your yarn stash! Bring your own materials and tools, Rochelle is ready to help you turn it into something beautiful. But if it’s your first time, we’ll have some materials to help you get started.
**Purchase a punch card to attend up to 5 classes.
Wednesdays 11:30 AM – 1 PM at The J
$15/class, Drop in
Led by the amazingly creative Marci Bykat, this weekly class is open to artists of all levels who want to practice their drawing and painting skills alongside other artists. In this class you have the opportunity to work independently on your own art projects, and get advice from Marci when needed. If you want some inspiration, we have reference materials or a still life to work from.
If you are a beginner, Marci is here to show you the way! She is proficient in all drawing and painting mediums, and would be happy to help you explore something new.
Bring your own preferred art materials with you, including: water-based paints, brushes, palettes, drawing tools, paper or canvas. But if it’s your first time, we will have some materials to help you get started.
*No oil-based paint allowed at this time.
More coming soon!
Frequently asked questions
The Janice Charach Gallery is located on the campus of the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit in West Bloomfield, Michigan. More specifically, you’ll find us at 6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322.
NEW HOURS DURING EXHIBITS:
Sunday: By Appointment Only
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday: By Appointment Only
Thursday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: CLOSED
Call 248.432.5579 to make an appointment. Reservations must be made at least 7 days in advance.
Questions? Please call (248) 432-5579 or email [email protected].
To apply to our open calls, click here.
Exhibit proposals, complete with the following information, can be sent to [email protected]:
- Your contact information, including name, phone and email
- A link to your website or portfolio
- An artist statement, bio and CV/resume
- An exhibition statement that answers the following questions: What is the purpose/message of the exhibit? Who are the artist(s) involved? Are there any lectures or programs linked to the exhibit? Is this a traveling exhibition? If so, what are the fees and regulations involved? Will there be shipping of artwork or media? Are there educational materials?
- We are currently not accepting solo exhibit proposals.
Do you love art? Do you enjoy teaching? Are you looking for an opportunity to share your craft with the community? The Janice Charach Gallery is looking to expand our art programming by hosting more workshops and classes taught by local artists. If you’re interested, please send the following information to [email protected]:
- Information about you
- A title and description of the workshop
- Any images of what would be created
- Any additional information that may be helpful for us to know about your workshop
You can explore our past gallery exhibits by clicking on our archive link at the bottom of the page.
Founded on the passion and vision of a young Jewish artist, the Janice Charach Gallery honors the legacy of it’s namesake. Janice Charach, a graduate of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, believed deeply in the concerns of emerging artists before she lost her battle with cancer at age 39. In her memory, we have created a world-class forum for creators of all backgrounds, inspired by her love of art and the Jewish value of tikkun olam, or repairing the world. We believe that art has the power to connect people and build community, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and creative environment for all.
See more about Janice here.
Yes! The Janice Charach Gallery is a bright, open, airy space with two levels lit by gorgeous skylights. Housing regularly rotating art exhibitions, the Charach Gallery is the ideal spot to host a lecture, brunch or exposition. Complete with projector and screen, and full sound capabilities, the Janice Charach Gallery will add an air of elegance to your next gathering. Our team is excited to help you make your event a success. Please contact us with your inquiry and let us know what you are envisioning. We will do our very best to help you find the right space.
Text or call our J Rentals phone: (248) 406-6323.
Email us at [email protected].
All of our exhibits are free and open to the public, and the artwork is for sale.
The best way to support our gallery & local artists is to BUY ARTWORK!
We are a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Exhibitions and programs are made possible by supporters like you.
Exhibit Sponsors:
Judy Balan Pearl
Prudence Bernstein Trust
Natalie & Manny Charach (z”l)
Esther Hankin
Rebecca & Fred Hankin
Helene & Arthur Indianer*
Manat Foundation*
Nancy & Sam Shamie*
Bluma Schechter*
Doris Shulman (z”l)
Nancy Wanchik
Andi & Larry Wolfe
Program Sponsors:
Susan & Eden Henkin
Sheri & David Jaffa*
Judy & Dr. John Marx
Arlene & Jack Schultz
Gallery Supporters: Jonathan and Beth Lowe Family Foundation, Donna & Michael Maddin
Art Appreciators: Jeff Aleman, Helen Brown, Marge Duncanson, Dr. David Jacobs, James Lantz, Martin Brown, Debra & Robert Holt, Lesley & Julius Kutinsky
Perpetual Endowment Funds:
Janice Charach Gallery Endowment Fund, Boris & Beatrice Katz Endowment Fund for the Janice Charach Gallery, Harold & Myrtle Lenhoff Endowment Fund, William R. Ross Art & Education Fund, H. Soble Endowment Fund for the Janice Charach Gallery
*Denotes Pillar of Light. Pillars of Light donate $5,000 or more annually to Jewish Community Center programming. For more information on becoming a Pillar of Light, please call the Development department at 248.432.5418.
List represents gifts between June 1, 2025 to present.
