“A Palette for the People,” a monograph on the life, art and community contributions of 2021 Kresge Eminent Artist Shirley Woodson.

Earlier this year, Woodson — superb figurative painter, arts educator, advocate and organizer — was named the 13th Kresge Eminent Artist. The annual honor for a metro Detroit artist is based on a lifetime of artistic excellence and contributions to their chosen art forms, and for contributions to the cultural community of metropolitan Detroit.

Subtitled “The Vibrant World of Shirley Woodson,” “A Palette for the People” traces Woodson’s life, from her parents’ arrival in Detroit with three-month-old Shirley — seeking greater opportunity for themselves and their first-born than the South they left behind — to Woodson’s birth and youth in Detroit where her talent was recognized in her kindergarten class and nurtured both at home and at schools. The monograph covers the evolution and themes of Woodson’s mature art; her career as an educator-administrator in the Highland Park, Michigan, and Detroit schools; her efforts as an advocate, organizer and mentor for African American artists; her collaboration with Detroit’s iconic Broadside Press and more.

“A Palette for the People” also includes reflections on her work through the eyes of her artist-son Senghor Reid, gallerists Dell Pryor, gallerist-artists Jocelyn Rainey and Yvette Rock, art historian Camille Brewer and artist Allie McGhee. Most important, the 9-by-12 inch, 80-page book displays numerous examples of Woodson’s work across her career.

The monograph was created by editor-lead writer Nichole Christian and art director Patrick Barber in partnership with Kresge’s Communications Department.

This publication was funded by the Kresge Foundation and made available for free, while supplies last. POST is charging a small fee to cover shipping/handling for anyone who cannot make it in to pick up a free copy.