New contemporary art gallery opening in Birmingham

A new chapter in Birmingham’s art scene is about to unfold as The Factorié, a new contemporary art gallery founded by artist Randi Matalas in partnership with longtime gallerist Corey Hampson, prepares to open its doors at 163 Townsend Street in downtown Birmingham, on Oct. 24.

Inspired by Detroit’s legacy of manufacturing, craftsmanship and reinvention, The Factorié explores the transformation of materials reinterpreted through art.

The gallery will bring together contemporary art, sculpture, femininity, fashion and design, offering collectors and visitors a distinctive way to experience and discover art.

Located in Birmingham, just beyond Motor City, The Factorié, pays homage to a region built on innovation, material, and the art of making.

New chapter in founder’s artistic journey

For Randi Matalas, 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.

Automotive flavor

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,” said Matalas. “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 objects of beauty.

More than an art display

The gallery is envisioned not simply as a place where art is displayed, but 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 Corey Hampson, a longtime leader in the art world and owner/president of Habatat Galleries, one of the country’s longest-established galleries devoted exclusively to contemporary glass art.

Hampson brings decades of experience working with artists, collectors, museums and institutions to the partnership. His career has been deeply rooted in the relationship between artist, material, craftsmanship and collector.

“What makes The Factorié exciting is the opportunity to bring different perspectives together,” said 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, with plans for exhibitions, artist appearances, private collector experiences and special events.

Located in Birmingham, the gallery aims to connect metro Detroit’s vibrant art, design and cultural communities while welcoming both established collectors and those discovering original art for the first time.