Inside out: Gallery features replica of DIA painting

Biddle Gallery is taking artwork to the streets.

A framed reproduction of Caravaggio’s “The Conversion of the Magdalen,” now hangs on one of the Wyandotte gallery’s outside walls as part of the Detroit Institute of Art’s “Inside/Out” exhibition for its 125th anniversary...The DIA approached the city of Wyandotte about locating a painting there, and Biddle Gallery was deemed the perfect spot.

Local artist Martine MacDonald and Dianne Woodruff, owner of Downriver Stone Design located next door to the gallery, met with DIA representatives. “They were looking for a location that was very visual,” MacDonald said. “We have people coming around the corner and seeing, oh, there’s a painting there.” Woodruff said she’s had quite a few customers mention the piece and she notices pedestrians taking a second look when they pass by.

“What’s better than a gallery wall?” MacDonald added, noting that the replica is weather resistant and close to the original painting’s quality. The life-like replicas are produced on waterproof vinyl by SM/ART Editions, a local company specializing in large-scale vinyl reproductions for home and office décor...