Artist Paul Zenian Presents Work To Benefit Dearborn Gallery

DEARBORN, MI — A new exhibit showing off a local artist will soon be on display at the Padzieski Art Gallery in Dearborn. Artist Paul Zenian has developed a wide-ranging body of work through the years and will present an exhibition to help benefit the DCAC and the Padzieski Art Gallery. It opens Sept. 7 and runs through Oct. 3.

“Paul Zenian: Overview” showcases but a portion of the extensive output of this singular and established artist who expresses his creativity through large representational and abstract oil paintings. He has also worked in other media including charcoal, crayon and pencil as well as sculpture and printmaking.

“Personally, the issues of painting have never changed…what to paint, how to paint, and why bother in the first place,” Zenian said about his craft. “Every painter deals with these ‘problems’ either intuitively or (self) consciously.”

Born in New York City, Zenian began his career in science as a physicist before pursuing art at Detroit’s Society of Arts & Crafts (CCS), Wayne State University and receiving his MFA from the University of Michigan. Mr. Zenian’s scientific background also allowed him to experience art from the inside out and to appreciate and balance both method and freeform expression. He has exhibited around the state and around the country dating back to the 1960’s.

His work is included in various local, regional and national collections and his personal history also includes years as Art Instructor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and at Washtenaw Community College. It’s there at WCC that he produced a major work of sculpture for their plaza titled “Gateless Gateway”, and it’s also where he currently enjoys his status as Professor Emeritus.

“Dearborn’s art community and the DCAC are proud to have this esteemed artist residing here in Dearborn and are excited to be able to celebrate the fine art of Paul Zenian, an artist who’s work takes inspiration from the natural world and the spiritual,” organizers said in a statement.

Zenian has also offered to contribute a large percent of the sales from this exhibit to help support the DCAC and the Padzieski Art Gallery. Gallery Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and select weekends. For more information, call 313-943-5377.

The Padzieski Art Gallery is located in the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.

Image courtesy DCAC