In 2006, a diverse group of artists gathered in Hamtramck, MI to plan the founding of an art center. Over the subsequent months, these artists refined their ideas and formed what was then known as Hatch: A Hamtramck Art Collective. 

United under the mission of Education, Expression, & Exhibition, the collective rapidly grew in followers and supporters alike. Regular meetings were held in various places like community centers, local businesses, and various artist studios. At the end of the year, Hatch befriended the newly-opened Café 1923. The Café hosted Hatch’s first gallery show, and continues to host exhibits in their space to this day.

Hatch achieved 501[c]3 nonprofit status in 2007 and established a full calendar of events. Within its first year of existence, Hatch founded the Detroit chapter of Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, represented Hamtramck artists at art fairs, and hosted a variety of events including concerts, critiques, and educational workshops.

In 2008, Hatch purchased what would become the Hatch Art Center from the City of Hamtramck. The building was originally constructed as a dormitory for nuns and nursing students, and then used for the city’s police headquarters for three decades. 

Over the next four years renovations were made to the building, concurrent with fundraising and maintaining a full event calendar. A new roof and central heating system were made possible through grants and crowdsourcing campaigns. Volunteers spent countless hours converting the building into a space for making and exhibiting art. 

Public access to the building started with the opening of the Hatch Art Gallery in April 2012. Artist studios became available for rent in July, and at full occupancy by the end of the year. Classroom space was finished in March 2013, and the darkroom was completed in 2016. The building also features a shared workspace on the first floor, and a preserved jail cell for installation projects.

Hatch took ownership of Hamtramck Disneyland in May of 2016, a year after the owner-creator Dmytro Szylak had died. Work on this folk-art landmark began almost immediately, in which volunteers repair and maintain the installation in accordance with Szylak’s vision. With this acquisition, Hatch established an artist-in-residence program a year later.

As of today, Hatch continues to thrive as an institution serving the community. We welcome you to be a part of our journey!