The Factorié, a new contemporary art gallery founded by artist Randi Matalas in partnership with longtime gallerist Corey Hampson, will open at 163 Townsend St. in downtown Birmingham on Oct. 24.
Inspired by Detroit’s legacy of manufacturing, craftsmanship and reinvention, The Factorié, located between Bella Piatti and Blue Yoga, and across from the Townsend Hotel, explores the transformation of materials reinterpreted through art. The space was formerly occupied by David Klein Gallery, which moved to Ferndale.
The Factorié will bring together contemporary art, sculpture, femininity, fashion, and design, offering collectors and visitors a distinctive way to experience and discover art. It pays homage to a region built on innovation, material, and the art of making.
Matalas says the gallery represents a new chapter in her artistic journey, with her first permanent gallery environment around her artistic vision. Known for her distinctive artwork inspired by butterflies and transformation, Matalas has developed a creative language that “blurs the boundaries between fine art, sculpture, fashion, and wearable art.”
Her work has been featured in outlets including Vogue and The New York Times and has taken her to New York and Stockholm Fashion Weeks. For the first time, she expands her collection into a new artistic medium that embraces Detroit’s automotive spirit.
Using automotive materials, high-gloss paints, metallic finishes, and industrial forms, she reimagines these elements as fine art and sculptures, exploring the intersection of machinery, nature, industry, and femininity. Chameleon automotive paint will be a defining feature of her work. Its ability to shift in color and appearance with changing light and perspective creates a compelling connection to her existing artistic language of metamorphosis.
“Transformation has always been at the center of my work,” says Matalas, founder of The Factorié. “I’m fascinated by the idea of taking something and seeing what it can become. The Factorié extends that philosophy into a space where creativity, craftsmanship, and imagination come together, allowing people to experience art in new ways.”
The name The Factorié reflects both Detroit’s manufacturing heritage and the creative process of transforming raw materials into art objects. The gallery is envisioned as a place where art is created, experienced, discussed, and transformed into people’s lives. Artists, materials, ideas, fashion, and culture will be brought together to create something new.
Through materials such as glass, stainless steel, and butterflies, the gallery will explore contrasts between industry and nature, strength and softness, and craftsmanship and creativity.
Joining Matalas in the venture is Hampson, a longtime leader in the art world and owner/president of Habatat Galleries in Royal Oak, one of the country’s longest-established galleries devoted exclusively to contemporary glass art. It was established in 1971.
Hampson brings decades of experience working with artists, collectors, museums, and institutions to the partnership. His career has been rooted in the relationship between artist, material, craftsmanship and collector.
“What makes The Factorié exciting is the opportunity to bring different perspectives together,” says Hampson. “Randi approaches art as a creator, while I bring decades of experience working with artists and collectors. Together, we want to create a place where people can connect with art and discover work that resonates with them.”
The Factorié will be a new destination for art and collecting, and will feature unique works of art from around the globe. There are plans for exhibitions, artist appearances, private collector experiences, and special events.
The Factorié Grand Opening will take place on Oct. 24 from 6-11 p.m. Following the event, the gallery will be open by appointment only.
For more information, visit factoriegallery.com.
