University of Michigan marks 25 years of prison art shows with digital gallery
ANN ARBOR – The University of Michigan’s Exhibition of Art by Michigan Prisoners is celebrating 25 years with a virtual gallery due to the ongoing health crisis. The annual Prison Creative Arts Project at U-M is now one of the largest exhibitions by imprisoned artists in the world. (University of Michigan - Prison Created Arts Project)Krinitsky said the organization has wanted to expand to a larger audience for some time. (University of Michigan - Prison Created Arts Project)“It was an extraordinary year, although it was some time ago that we visited,” Hamilton said in a release. “Many PCAP artists rely on sales revenue to purchase art supplies as well as things they need for daily living.
‘One of the most important voices in America’ -- Hear from the author behind ‘I’m Still Here’
Austin Channing Brown is being called one of the most important voices in America. Brown is a best-selling author who is educating and inspiring many people about racial justice. Her book is called “I’m Still Here.” The book has been a catalyst for many conversations. They want to get the language right, make sure they don’t say the wrong things, have their Black Lives Matter bumper sticker,” Brown said. “One of the first questions I get, ‘If I care about racial justice -- What should I do?’ And you’re already doing it.
Motown Museum focusing on next generation of artists
DETROIT – Motown broke racial barriers like no other record label. It is the most successful Black-owned record label encouraging ownership and entrepreneurship when it comes to music. Today, the Motown Museum in Detroit is encouraging the next generation of artists. Watch the full report above to learn more.
Artist applications open for 2021 Ann Arbor Street Art Fair
Attendees view art made by Nicario Jimenez at his booth at the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original. (Courtesy: Ann Arbor Art Fair)ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Artists far and wide can now apply to be a part of The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original. Held in July, the art fair has been operating since 1960 and joined every year by Tree Town’s three other art fairs during what is collectively known as Ann Arbor Art Fair. In 2015, it was named a top art fair by a USA TODAY Reader’s Poll. AdLearn more about The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original here.
Upcoming virtual forum to help local creative entrepreneurs manage their businesses
DETROIT – Creative entrepreneurs including fine artists, authors, poets, comics, storytellers, dancers, production experts, musicians and others across Detroit are struggling because business help that is bailing out many small companies does not always help those who work alone. The Detroit Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship is hosting a forum to help creative entrepreneurs become sole proprietors and handle their businesses. This virtual forum is at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 and co-sponsored by The Community Reinvestment Fund with help from the Opportunity Resource Fund, First Independence Bank and the Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project. The forum is open to artists in all genres. AdRead more: Detroit headlines
Beloved Detroit artist Shirley Woodson selected as 2021 Kresge Eminent Artist
DETROIT – A Detroit artist received one of the cities most coveted cultural prizes. Shirley Woodson has dedicated decades to her art and developing opportunities for other Black artists. READ: Detroit artists design custom Vans shoes for Black History MonthWoodson said she was out having a cup of coffee when she got the unforgettable phone call that she had been selected as the 2021 Kresge Eminent Artist. READ: ‘Black Art Library’ exhibit at MOCAD celebrates work of artists through booksAdWoodson’s paintings and collages reflect the stories of her ancestors and the city she loves. “Don’t step back, step up, and believe in yourself, and believe in what you’re doing is a value.
Detroit artists design custom Vans shoes for Black History Month
DETROIT – Two Detroit artists are getting national attention for their custom shoes. Sydney G. James and Tony Whlgn designed custom Vans shoes to celebrate Black History Month. She’s black, like, she’s coming out and fully aware of her blackness,” Sydney G James said. I feel like a lot of the conversation in this country has been in black and white,” Tony Whlgn said. READ: ‘Black Art Library’ exhibit at MOCAD celebrates work of artists through booksAdTony Whlgn is a visual artist from Detroit.
Hear from the Detroit artist whose Rosa Parks sculpture is featured in Biden’s Oval Office
DETROIT – President Joe Biden brought a piece of Black history to the White House last month when he redecorated the Oval Office. A bronze bust of Detroit’s own Rosa Parks is now on prominent display. Artis Lane, a Detroit artist hand-crafted the bust. READ: Detroit artist’s sculpture of Rosa Parks featured in Biden’s Oval OfficeArtis Lane was born in Ontario. Ad“Sometimes I work from photographs, but she (Rosa Parks) came over to my home.
44th Ann Arbor Folk Festival to run extra night in tribute to John Prine
ANN ARBOR – The Ark announced Monday that its 44th Ann Arbor Folk Festival will be extended by one day for a special tribute to John Prine by various Michigan artists. On Sunday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m., tune in to the virtual John Prine tribute show, which will feature covers of his classic songs performed by artists with Michigan roots. Read: Jeff Daniels will host this year’s Ann Arbor Folk FestivalStreaming passes ($10) are now on sale for the show, which will be available for unlimited viewing through Feb. 7. John Prine (Credit: Andrew Rogers)“When we say The Ark wouldn’t be what it is today without John Prine, that’s not just a figure of speech,” read a news release by The Ark. “John Prine was the headliner for the very first Ann Arbor Folk Festival in 1976, at a time when the club was deep in debt, and closing the doors was a distinct possibility.
Here are 7 artists just added to Ann Arbor Folk Festival’s lineup
ANN ARBOR – The Ark announced on Tuesday that it has added seven additional artists to its two-night Ann Arbor Folk Festival lineup. The 44th annual festival is going virtual this year due to the pandemic and will take place Jan. 29 and 30. The artists added include Kiefer Sutherland, Gina Chavez, Willie Watson and Ron Pope on Friday night’s bill and Crys Matthews, Andrea von Kampen and David Bromberg on Saturday night’s bill. TicketsMember pricingSingle night passes: $20 livestream only; Silver Bundle $60 livestream + exclusive #arkfamily festival shirt; Gold Bundle $110 all benefits of Silver + festival branded mask; Platinum Bundle $225 all benefits of Gold + festival mug and poster; Benefactor Bundle $450 all benefits of Platinum + snack basket. Public saleSingle night passes: $25 livestream only; Silver Bundle $75 livestream + exclusive #arkfamily festival shirt; Gold Bundle $125 all benefits of Silver + festival branded mask; Platinum Bundle $250 all benefits of Gold + festival mug and poster; Benefactor Bundle $500 all benefits of Platinum + snack basket.
Ann Arbor District Library’s Tiny Expo goes online this year
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Already trying to find the perfect present? Ann Arbor District Library can help. Every year the library system holds its annual Tiny Expo in the lobby of its downtown branch. Starting on Monday, the indie handcraft online expo will bring together more than 50 artists who have sold their wares at the expo previously. Check out crafters representing various arts and disciplines including:apparelfiber artshealth and beautyceramicshome goodsjewelrypaper goodssewn goodstoys and kids itemsLearn more about the handicraft expo through the Tiny Expo website or Facebook page.
Grosse Pointe Art Association hopes to offer people an escape from the stress of this year
GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – This year has been wild, and it might have taken a toll on you emotionally, mentally and even financially. The goal of the Grosse Pointe Art Center is to encourage kindness, respect and equality while bringing people together through art. “We want to reach out to everyone who wants to join us.”The art center is housed inside the Grosse Pointe War Memorial on Jefferson Avenue. “I think it has enriched my life greatly so there’s the inspirational part.”She said she’s watched the way art has helped education others and invite people to think. The Grosse Pointe Art Center is working on a virtual way for people to take in the artwork and classes.
ReVIVE All Zones brings ‘tactical urbanism’ to Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – A new project managed by the Arts Alliance is redescribing what a cityscape can look like. Through ReVIVE All Zones, the Ann Arbor-based organization has put out a call to Washtenaw County artists to bring “tactical urbanism” to the city. In a partnership with the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, the Arts Alliance is commissioning four installations around the city. “Tactical Urbanism” is a genre of art that is low-cost, scalable and ties together community engagement, collaboration and local understanding of neighborhoods. Washtenaw County artists can find application materials here.
Ann Arbor’s Gutman Gallery to launch pop culture art exhibition Friday
ANN ARBOR – The Guild of Artists & Artisans has announced its October art exhibition at the Gutman Gallery will kick off on Friday. a pop culture art exhibition will run from Oct. 2-24. Featuring 11 artists' work, the exhibition centers on iconic pop culture themes from the past and present. Hand sanitizer, provided by Gutman Gallery partner, Mammoth Distilling is accessible at the entrance/exit, and in the gallery.”✉ Like what you’re reading? Additionally, on Saturdays the Gutman Gallery hosts artists for outdoor Pop-Up Shops in order for patrons and artists to connect safely.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens seeks artists to exhibit work in Visitor Center
ANN ARBOR – The University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens is hosting an open call for artists to exhibit their work in its Visitor Center. Although the building is closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the gallery is currently being booked for 2021 and 2022. The center is searching for traditional or contemporary nature-based artwork. “Matthaei Botanical Gardens is dedicated to promoting environmental enjoyment, stewardship and sustainability,” reads a statement on its website. “Art exhibits in our Visitor Center connect to a vast audience from the local area and abroad, from young and old, and from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.”While 2D media is preferred, some 3D art can be accommodated.
Small Biz Saturday: Caravan Gift Shop takes its handmade gifts online during pandemic
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Caravan Gift Shop was 100% reliant on walk-in traffic but it had to close to in-person shopping for 14 weeks. The gift shop sells thousands of handmade items including dryer balls, wallets, glassware, wooden bowls and gift sets. (Sarah M. Parlette / WDIV)To continue offering eclectic handmade gifts to shoppers, Caravan GIft Shop built a website that has many of its items. Ahles said that customers are particular attracted to the uniqueness of the globes sold at Caravan Gift Shop. Caravan Gift Shop is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturday but video appointments can be arranged outside of those times as well.
Four ways to support artists when there is no Ann Arbor Art Fair
ANN ARBOR Its art fair season but with the cancellation of this years Ann Arbor Art Fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its difficult to connect with artists. Here are four ways to support artists and the Ann Arbor Art Fair:Connect with artistsConnect directly with artists by browsing the Art Fair artist directories. Browse through beautiful works of art from the State Street District Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair's 2021... Posted by Ann Arbor Art Fair on Thursday, July 9, 2020Donate or sponsor an art fairThe Ann Arbor Art Fair is actually made up of four separate and independently juried nonprofit fairs. Buy an Art Fair T-shirtThe Ann Arbor Art Fair has its own limited edition T-shirt commemorating the 2020 cancellation. Various restaurants, shops and galleries in Ann Arbor, as well as the Ann Arbor Art Center, sell art made by local artists.
A4 looks back at the Ann Arbor Art Fair
ANN ARBOR The Ann Arbor Art Fair may have been canceled this year but that doesnt mean we cant celebrate its history and the thousands of people who take part in it every year. Made up of four different fairs collectively known as Art Fair, the annual extravaganza has been bringing art, artists, and art appreciators to Ann Arbor for decades as the largest juried art fair in the US. Last year, we talked to four Art Fair couples about how they met and the best aspects of working together. We learned about the jury selection processes for the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Original. The proceeds were donated to the four nonprofits that organize Art Fair every year.
Gutman Gallery to reopen Wednesday featuring Ann Arbor Art Fair artists
ANN ARBOR, Mich. On Wednesday, the Gutman Gallery on Fourth Avenue will reopen after closing its doors in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening comes a few weeks before the Ann Arbor Art Fair was scheduled to take place prior to its cancelation in May. Operated by The Guild of Artists & Artisans, the Gutman Gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Wallace added that the 38 artists featured in the gallery were juried selected for The Guilds portion of the Ann Arbor Summer Art fair, one of four simultaneous art fairs known collectively as Ann Arbor Art Fair. The Gutman Gallery originally opened in February but was forced to close its physical space during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ann Arbors The Guild hosts Bob Ross inspired Happy Little Videos competition
ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Guild of Artists & Artisans in Ann Arbor is hosting a Bob Ross inspired art competition for its members. Until Friday, artists and artisans of The Guild can submit Happy Little Videos of themselves making art in the spirit of Bob Ross for the competition. From May 27 to June 3, community members will be able to watch and vote for their favorite videos through The Guild Facebook page. The Virtual Art series can be found on The Guild Facebook page. The nonprofit artisan guild is known for its annual Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, which was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 crisis.