The Detroit Institute of Arts recently received a generous bequest and rich art collection from James Pearson Duffy, one of Detroit’s most unorthodox collectors. Gift of a Lifetime: The James Pearson Duffy Collection, on view Sept. 14, 2011–March 18, 2012, showcases this varied collection of drawings, paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs. The exhibition is organized by the Detroit Institute of Arts and is free with museum admission.

For 40 years, Duffy was one of the great characters of the Detroit art scene, with a free-thinking approach to looking at and acquiring art. He was often guided by his intuition, and the collection that resulted represents a variety of interests—from contemporary photography to mixed-media work by Detroit’s Cass Corridor artists, to historical Chinese ceramics.

Throughout the exhibition, visitors will be encouraged to reflect on their own collections. In addition, the DIA has a Flickr page where the public can post photos and stories of items they collect. These can be anything from coins to figurines to ticket stubs. Select postings will become part of a slide show in the exhibition. To participate, go to http://bit.ly/DuffyFlickrGroup