CATCHING FIREFLIES: WHAT WE HELD ONTO
A collaborative exhibition by sisters, DaJaniere and Gyona Rice
Exhibition On-View: August 7- September 2, 2026
in the A2AC Spotlight Gallery
Opening Reception: Friday, August 7, 6-8pm
About this Exhibition
Catching Fireflies: What We Held Onto is a collaborative exhibition by sisters DaJaniere and Gyona Rice that explores home as an archive of memory, care, and creativity. Raised in Inkster, Michigan, they grew up surrounded by family members who made, sold, stitched, cooked, repurposed, and created as a way of surviving and loving. Those everyday acts became the foundation for their artistic practices.
About The Artists
DaJaniere Rice is a multidisciplinary artist and designer from Inkster, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Science in User Experience Design and Research from the University of Michigan. Through her ventures, Janier Co. and Thrive Art Collective, Rice creates spaces where artists and community members can thrive, reflect, and find belonging. Her artistic practice often explores themes of identity, memory, and care through painting and fiber art. Rice’s work has been exhibited at Irwin House, Norwest Gallery, Detroit Public Library, the University of Michigan, and other spaces across Michigan and Ohio.
Gyona Rice (b. 1998) is a Detroit-based printmaker, designer, and mixed media artist whose work explores memory, identity, and the everyday rituals of Black life. Rooted in her upbringing in Inkster, Michigan, she uses linocut and collage to transform personal and communal histories into visual archives of care and belonging. Rice earned her BFA in Graphic Design from Bowling Green State University in 2020 and has exhibited widely across Michigan and beyond, including The Scarab Club, Playground Detroit, the Carr Center, Buckham Gallery, Ann Arbor Art Center, Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, Detroit Contemporary, and Just Lookin’ Gallery in Maryland. Her work has been featured in Creative Perspectives Journal and Detroit Metro Times and recognized with awards, including the Gold ADDY Award, Mosaic Award, and Medici Best of Show.
Events
Opening Reception
Friday, August 7, 6-8 pm
Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Join us for the opening reception of Catching Fireflies in the Spotlight Gallery on the 2nd floor of the A2AC.
Free
PlayLab: Exploring Block Printing
Saturday, August 22, 10am-11:30 pm
Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
In this engaging and hands-on free art workshop for kids and caregivers in Ann Arbor, students will explore the elements of art and principles of design while completing a custom tote bag and postcard using block-printing techniques!
During this session, children and caregivers will collaborate to design their own custom tote using pre-cut stamps made by featured Spotlight Gallery artists Gyona Rice and DaJaniere Rice. Participants will be guided step-by-step through the printing process, including selecting and mixing ink colors and printing their design onto fabric and paper.
free for ages 8-12 and caregivers with registration
PlayLab is supported by a grant from DTE Energy Foundation
Quilt Collage Drop-In
Saturday, August 22, 1-4 pm
Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Featuring artists and sisters DaJaniere Rice and Gyona Rice, the workshop will have participants create a small quilt-inspired collage using fabric scraps, patterned paper, and mixed media. Inspired by family traditions, childhood memories, and the storytelling found in quilts, each piece will reflect a place, person, or memory that feels like home. No sewing experience is needed. This beginner-friendly, drop-in workshop is open to all ages, with materials provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are welcome to bring additional materials. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
$15
Artist Talk
Friday, August 28, 7-8:30 pm
Ann Arbor Art Center
117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
Join us in Spotlight Gallery and Studio 201 for an Artist Talk by Catching Fireflies artists and sisters, DaJaniere Rice and Gyona Rice, where they will walk through their artistic practice and inspiration, and highlight their favorite works.
free
Explore Past Exhibitions
