The Clyde Burroughs Dinner and Lecture Series

ABOUT THE CLYDE BURROUGHS LECTURE SERIES

The Burroughs Lecture Series is a vibrant forum where artists, art historians, members, and guests gather at the Scarab Club to explore American art spanning the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Distinguished speakers have included celebrated figures like Michele Oka Doner, Michael Hodges, Ron Staley, and Barbara Haskell, each bringing their expertise to illuminate different facets of America's artistic legacy. These presentations reveal the depth and complexity of American art, architecture and design through varied scholarly and creative lenses.

The experience extends beyond the lecture itself, beginning with an exclusive cocktail reception and an elegant dinner shared with the featured speaker in the Scarab Club's storied Lounge.

The Program:

6p - Cocktails in the garden and/or gallery

7p - Dinner in the Scarab Members' Lounge

8p - Presentation in the Gallery

The Series:

October 8, 2025 - David DiRita, Found and Principal, The Roxbury Group

David Di Rita is a founder and principal of the Roxbury Group. He has over 30 years of corporate, legal, and transactional experience. David is actively involved in the firm's real estate development and asset management work, typically involving challenging and complex projects, utilizing public and private financing. Prior to the Roxbury Group, David was a corporate and transaction attorney and real estate executive including senior positions at Tower Automotive, Visteon Corporation, and Johnson Controls, as well as associate and of-counsel positions at both Dickinson Wright and Foley & Lardner. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan. David serves on the Board of Directors for the downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone and is the President of the Detroit Theatre District Business Association.

Join us for an illuminating exploration of historic preservation through the lens of two decades of transformative work in Detroit. This presentation will unveil the fundamental principles that guide successful preservation projects, demonstrated through compelling case studies of iconic Detroit landmarks. Discover the stories behind the meticulous restoration of the elegant Hotel David Whitney, the majestic Metropolitan Building, the distinguished Cadillac House, the culturally significant Bonstelle Playhouse, and the striking Lee Plaza. Through these remarkable projects, learn how thoughtful preservation practice not only saves architectural treasures but revitalizes communities and honors our shared heritage. This behind-the-scenes look at Detroit's preservation renaissance offers valuable insights into the art and science of bringing historic buildings back to life

November 2025 - Martha Fleischman, Founder and Owner, Kennedy Galleries, NYC

February 25, 2026 - Hubert Massey, Artist and Educator

April 22, 2026 - Sharon Que, Artist

May 27, 2026 - Casey Granton, Historian

Ticket Information:

Dinner & Lecture:

• Scarab member - $70
• Non-member - $80

Lecture Only:

• Scarab member - $25
• Non-Scarab - $35
• $15/student with ID

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

• Sponsor one lecture: $1,250 Includes one complimentary ticket and acknowledgment in digital & printed materials.
• Patron Sponsor: $5,000 Includes two complimentary tickets to each lecture and acknowledgment in all digital & printed materials.
• Student Sponsorship: $500 Help sponsor students at a discounted ticket price. Acknowledgment will be included in digital materials, and the lecture will be publicized across local colleges and universities.

For more information contact: Kathryn Dimond, a2RpbW9uZCB8IHNjYXJhYmNsdWIgISBvcmc=

Also check out other Arts events in Detroit, Business events in Detroit, Nonprofit events in Detroit.