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Looking to ring in spring with contemporary art? , a Detroit-based arts organization nearing its one-year anniversary, just unveiled its latest exhibition: “Vernal.”

The mix of paintings, video, immersive soft sculpture installations, and collage was created by a group of local artists, including Buffalo Prescott’s four artists-in-residence.

“The whole exhibition is titled ‘Vernal,’ because it really does have elements of a natural takeover that leads to a post-humanist future,” says Samara Furlong, founder and director of Buffalo Prescott, who curated the exhibition.

Visitors are invited inside an immersive lounge designed by Detroit artist Paula Schubatis, enveloped in an otherworldly forest made from textiles called The Garden of Earthly Delights. Other textile works include a 24-karat gold netting by Jessica Wildman Katz. Abstract videos and projections by Suzy Poling feature moving patterns that toe the line between digital and earthy.

The 3,000 square foot arts space, originally a tool and die shop (and most recently the personal studio of designer ), isn’t your typical one. As Furlong points out, “A lot of residencies don’t allow kids” — but Buffalo Prescott instead aims to create a space where resident artists, along with their children and partners, are welcomed with open arms.

Furlong, whose background includes roles at Cranbrook, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, returned from New York to Detroit in 2024 with a vision:

“I needed something where I could bring my daughter to the space,” says Furlong, the mother of a two-and-a-half-year-old. “And I wanted to create a place that offered the same thing to other people.”

Tables throughout are designed for kids’ activities like making friendship bracelets or doodling — each table is coated in chalkboard spray-paint. Additionally, the organization soon plans to host workshops where children can learn skills like furniture building.

In addition to its family-friendly design, it’s a place where up-and-coming creatives can hone their craft with affordable studio space. One current resident is interdisciplinary artist Rachel Elise Thomas, who along with the three others, is a recent graduate from the Cranbrook Academy of Art.

“I really like being part of this cohort; everyone’s really supportive,” says Thomas.

A Detroit native, Thomas creates collages that incorporate archival material. She avidly collects old copies of publications like Jet and Ebony (she spends a lot of time digging at John K. King Books and on Etsy) — and uses them to create works that explore interconnected themes like racial identity, colorism, and beauty standards — through the lens of her lived experience as a Black woman.

Sometimes, she even likes to pull from her own personal archives, still managing to convey a feeling that’s easy to connect with. One example is displayed on the wall right outside her studio: . The collage incorporates a 4×6 photo of a young girl hugging a taller girl. The taller girl’s head is obscured by a photo of a curtain and a hand-scrawled note that reads:

To: Rachel

Even though you may get on my nerves, remember how I will always love you! Keep your head up and don’t let people get you down, even me. Aren’t I beautiful? [smiley face] I know. Thank you, and I love you.

Ericka.

It’s a picture of a young Thomas and her older sister Ericka, who penned the snarky but sweet message to her on the back of a prom picture. This piece is part of a larger ongoing series that incorporates notes different family members have written to her.

“Having an older sister growing up, they often steal the spotlight,” Thomas says. “I intentionally covered her face so you can only see me, and that’s like my way of making sure that I’m the protagonist and the attention is on me.”

Besides creating a haven for artists, Buffalo Prescott also aims to give back to the community. For instance, its Casual Safe project harnesses art to promote harm reduction.�� Resident artist Shaina Kasztelan designed colorful packaging for Narcan and contraceptives.

Last summer, they were distributed in bars and venues hosting afterparties following the . In May, the organization plans to launch a vending machine that distributes the resources for free at .

Looking ahead, the organization is considering opening a community garden offering fresh produce to neighbors and partnering with local public schools to offer artist workshops to students.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to grow and be a part of the community,” Furlong says.

“Vernal” is on view through June 1, 2025 on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment, at . It features works from Shaina Kasztelan, Evan Mazellan, Sara Nickleson, Suzy Poling, Tony Printz, Jane Sasso, Paula Schubatis, Rachel Elise Thomas, Melissa Webb, Jessica Wildman Katz, and Renee Willoughby. For more information, visit or follow on Instagram. The exhibition is free to view —��but donations are accepted.