Scarab Club facts for kids
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Scarab Club
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| Location | 217 Farnsworth Street Detroit, Michigan |
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| Built | 1928 |
| Architect | Lancelot Sukert |
| Architectural style | Arts and Crafts |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001176 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 20, 1979 |
The Scarab Club is a special place in Detroit, Michigan. It's an artists' club, a gallery to show art, and a studio where artists create. You can find it at 217 Farnsworth Street, close to the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Science Center. This historic building was named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Contents
The Scarab Club's Beginning
How the Club Started
The Scarab Club began in 1907. It was first an informal group called the Hopkin Club. This name honored its founder, a marine painter named Robert Hopkin. Members would meet regularly to talk about art. They would also share meals and give feedback on each other's paintings.
The club had a clear goal from the start. They wanted to help art lovers and artists connect. They also aimed to encourage art in Detroit. The club worked to spread knowledge and love for fine arts. They also wanted a clubhouse for fun and social events. Plus, it would offer places for artists to work and show their art.
Growing and Building
The club changed its name to the "Scarab Club" in 1913. It quickly became very popular. Lancelot Sukert, a Detroit architect and club member, designed the current clubhouse. The building officially opened its doors on October 5, 1928.
The inside of the club is full of amazing art. Members have created and given these pieces over many years. You can see beautiful tile sculptures from Pewabic Pottery. This includes the Scarab Club's own special logo.
Famous Signatures
The ceiling beams in the lounge are very unique. They used to be the club's guest book! Poet Vachel Lindsay was one of the first to sign a beam. Since then, signing a beam has become a special honor. Many famous artists have signed them. These include John Sloan, Diego Rivera, Pablo Davis, Marcel Duchamp, and Norman Rockwell.
George Schuyler Hodges was an American artist and inventor. He was also a pioneer in the automobile industry. He was one of the first members of the Scarab Club.
Popular Events
From 1917 to 1950, the club held themed costume balls. These were huge social events in Detroit every year. Life magazine even covered the 1937 ball. They showed a two-page photo spread. Local newspapers like The Detroit News and The Detroit Free Press also featured the balls. Radio station WJR broadcast live from the 1937 "Scarabean Cruise" ball.
For many years, The Book Club of Detroit held its meetings at the Scarab Club.
Art Awards and Exhibitions
The Scarab Club started the annual Exhibition of Michigan Artists. This event began at the Detroit Institute of Arts in 1911. In 1915, the Scarab Club Prize became the top award. The first Scarab Club Gold Medal was given in 1917. This gold medal is still the club's most important award. It is given out every December at the Gold Medal Exhibition and Dinner.
The Scarab Club Building
Architecture and Design
The clubhouse was built in 1928. It was designed in the Arts and Crafts style. The architect was Lancelot Sukert, a club member. The outside of the building was planned to have mosaic tiles. These tiles were not finished until the 1980s. W.P.A. muralist and member Edgar Yaeger completed them. He was a junior member of the club in 1928.
A ceramic scarab is placed above the front entrance. Sculptor Horace Colby designed it. It was fired at Pewabic Pottery.
Inside the Club
The original wooden entry at the front hints at the interesting things inside. In the back, there is a brick-walled courtyard. It has beautiful flower gardens, a fountain, and statues. This area feels peaceful and natural.
The club has several galleries and lounges. It also has six working artist studios. The lounge on the second floor is very special. Its huge ceiling beams were painted by members in 1928. More than 230 artists have signed them since then. These include Diego Rivera, Norman Rockwell, Marshall Fredericks, and Pablo Davis. Other beams show events from the club's history.
The lounge also has a fireplace. It features a mural painted by Paul Honoré. This mural shows different levels of club membership. Original mica and metal lighting and furniture complete the club's unique look.
