Business MeetingBeam SigningScarab Ball1949 Dinner PartyBall Photo of Edsel & Eleanor Ford1950s Boars Head DinnerScarab Ball1947 Decorating for Ball B Edwards Photos
For over 100 years, the Scarab Club has been active in the Detroit arts community. Thanks to the efforts of so many dedicated people, the history and mission of the organization have been carefully preserved over the decades
As the Scarab Club forges its way into the new century, it is committed to bridging its treasured past with a bright future.
Collection
Outside of exhibitions, workshops, and events, just visiting the Scarab Club building is an experience by itself. From the exterior to the interior, visitors will find historical elements carefully placed throughout the years by dedicated Scarab artists.
Within the building, the organization houses a permanent collection that highlights the work of several of the most talented Scarabs. The collection is not limited to works on canvas, paper, and the decorative arts, but also boast several murals, including Dennis Orlowski’s (b. 1944) recent effort entitled, “Scarab Club Centennial, 2007” that was painted above the main entrance.
Focusing on the exterior, the current building was built in 1928, one year after the completion of the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) Cret Building. The building’s close proximity to the DIA was intentional, having many shared members. This historical landmark is treasured by the organization because Scarab member artisans completed its design, construction, and decoration.
Paintings
The Chief Pueblo, 1927 Artist: Zoltan Sepeshy (1898-1974) Medium: Oil on canvasPortrait of Clyde H. Burroughs, 1947 or 1949 Artist: John Coppin (1904-1986) Medium: Oil on Canvas Gift of Lawrence BurroughsCompanions, ca. 1927 Artist: Percy Ives (1864-1928) Medium:Oil on Linen Collection of the Scarab ClubPortrait of Frank Scott Clark, ca. 1917 Artist: Joseph W. Gies (1860-1935) Medium:Oil on Canvas Collection of the Scarab ClubMaryArtist: Iris Andrews Miller (1881-1981)Medium: Oil on CanvasGift of Mrs. Ellis MerryThe Miner Artist: Tom Martin (1902-?) Medium: Oil on Canvas Collection of the Scarab ClubSeated Female Nude, ca. 1935 Artist: Russell Legge (1884-1941) Medium: Pastel Gift of John Peterson Adams in Memory of Russ Legge (1967)Petosky, 1926 Artist: Joseph Sparks Medium: Watercolor Gift of Lawrence BurroughsSeascape, ca. 1927 Artist: George Styles (1887-1949) Medium: Oil on Canvas Walter Piper Purchase Prize Collection of the Scarab ClubStraw Hat Artist: William Murcko (1946- ) Medium: Charcoal & White Chalk Gift of Joseph AjlounyScarab Costumed Ball, ca. 1950 Artist: Edward Geissler Medium: Gouache on Paper Collection of the Scarab Club
Building
Moorish Grills These intricate grills embellish the front of the building. Medium: Terracotta Location: South facadeScarab Club Centennial, 2007 Artist: Dennis Orlowski (b. 1944) Medium: Acrylic on Plaster Location: First floor, above main entrance/exitPhoenix This arresting sculpture stands as a symbol of strength and rebirth. Sculptor: Stephen Veresh Medium: Copper Location: West facadeFour of the Domains of Art (working title), 1928 Artist: Philip Sawyer (1877-1949) Medium: Oil, Metallic Paint on Plaster Location: 2nd floor lobbyThe Scarab Family Tree, 1928 Artist: Paul Honore (1885-1956) Medium: Oil on Wood Location: Second floor lounge above fireplaceDesigner: Victor Toothaker Medium: Mica and Wrought Iron, Gilt, and Brass Location: Second floor loungeThese captivating art deco style lights have unique bands of geometric patterns in green and gold paint near the top of each fixtureNine enchanting lights illuminate the room.Reception Desk, ca. 1922 Artist: Alfred Nygard Medium: Carved, Polychromed Gumwood Gift of the Artist Built for the Scarab Club Collection of the Scarab ClubDesigner: attributed to Detroit Stained Glass Company Medium: Leaded glass Location: Throughout the 1st and 2nd floorsLancelot Sukert (1888-1966) architect
