Talk to the Train Station

Lovin' this city of Detroit.  Spoke with someone today who had lunch with one of the potential developers for the Michigan Central Station.  We chatted about the potential for the MCS and art, of course.  So, I looked around on the interwebs and learned more about two sides of a couple of issues regarding the Ambassador Bridge (links Detroit to Windsor, Canada) and the iconic train station.  So, having photographed it a little this year on the fly (from outside the fence), I have decided to learn a bit more about this once beautiful building and who will "SAVE THE DEPOT".  Lots of Detroiters are getting involved.  People in Corktown have been developing and maintaining the gardens in front.

So, my point, is I was looking for info on the train station and the upgrades that have begun and found an article in the Detroit Free Press "What Would You Do with the Michigan Central Station?"  that led me to the page where you can actually talk to the station and give your input.  Check it out!!! http://talktothestation.com/ It's going to take awhile, but it will be fabulous!

First Thursdays, Buy Local

A wonderful little article about Berkley, Michigan.  A quaint little town full of unique small businesses.  You can find it all, several bakeries, clothing, bikes and repair, at least two arty craft stores, several antique stores and several restaurants.  Check out this article that features June Moon.  This week begins the premier Coolidge Collection of Businesses' FIRST THURSDAYS.  December 1, 2011. 

Happy shopping everyone!

Grants for Artists

Found a few more Grants for artists thanks to the CAID - Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit

http://thecaid.org/index.php/grants

Aaron Siskind FoundationOpen to photographers using still-photography based media. Eligible to US citizens not currently enrolled in a degree granting program. Several grants of up to $5000 awarded annually to photographers based upon past accomplishments and the promise of future achievement. Funds must be used to support the artist's creative endeavors.  Send SASE to The Aaron Siskind Foundation, c/o School of Visual Arts, MFA Photo, 214 East 21st St., New York, NY 10010 http://www.aaronsiskind.org/ Academy of American PoetsOffers several awards including the James Laughlin Award of $5000 for author's second book of poetry and the Walt Whitman Award of $5000 and a one-month residency for first book of poetry.  The Academy of American Poets, 588 Broadway, Suite 123New York, NY 10012. 212-274-0343. http://www.poets.org/awards/ Adolph and Esther Gottlieb FoundationTwo grants for painters, printmakers and sculptors: 1) Individual support grant-20 yrs mature phase of art. 2) Emergency assistance grant-10 yrs mature, victim of catastrophic incident such as fire, flood, or medical emergency. No Geographical restrictions. Open to USA residents andInternational Artists  380 West Broadway, New York, NY, 10012. 212-226-0581. http://www.gottliebfoundation.org/ Agape FoundationAgape Foundation founded in 1969 is a nonprofit tax-exempt foundation that raises and distributes funds to groups and projects (not individuals) working for nonviolent social change in California. Agape provides seed grants, loans and fiscal sponsorship to organizations addressing the following six areas: Peace, Human Rights, Environmental Protection, Economic Justice, Progressive Arts, Media and Grassroots Organizing Support.  1095 Market Street, Suite 304, San Francisco, CA 94103, phone: 415.701.8707, fax: 415.701.8706 info@agapefn.org  http://www.agapefn.org/ Alexia Foundation for World Peace Annual Photography Contest$15,000 for the production of a proposed project. The Alexia Foundation seeks to "provide the financial ability for a photographer to produce a substantial picture story that furthers the foundation's goals of promoting world peace and cultural understanding." If you've received a grant or award exceeding $1,000 in the previous year, you're not eligible. Judges look for entries that conceive concise, focused and meaningful story proposals.  http://www.alexiafoundation.org/ ArtographyThis national, competitive grantmaking program provides grants of $80,000 to $100,000 over two years for general operating expenses to 8 exemplary arts organizations. Recipients must be focused on demographic change, aesthetic innovation, and critical social engagement. Applicants must be a U.S.-based, non-profit organization classified as a 501(c)(3) public charity and have a minimum five-year history of programming in any single or combination of arts disciplines.  info@artsinachangingamerica.net http://artsinachangingamerica.net Astraea Lesbian Foundation for JusticeCreated in 1977, Astraea is a global foundation providing critically needed financial support to lesbian-led, LGBTI and progressive organizations. Astraea funds lesbian organizations and cultural media projects that directly address the depth and complexities of lesbian and trans issues. Astraea's grantmaking is guided by their understanding of how social change and movements for social justice develop. They believe art and cultural work are powerful tools for resistance and inspiration and are necessary components towards building a future guaranteeing human rights for all.  116 East 16th Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10003, phone: (212) 529-8021, fax: (212) 982-3321 info@astraeafoundation.org  http://www.astraeafoundation.org/PHP/AboutUs/Main.php4 Betty Bowen Memorial Award, Seattle Art MuseumOpen to artists working in any 2-D or 3-D medium who live in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. No video or performing arts.  Betty Bowan Memorial Award, Seattle Art Museum, PO Box 22000, Seattle, WA 98122. Call 206-654-3131. http://www.seattleartmuseum.org/bettybowen Black Rock Arts Foundation GrantsProvides funds in the amounts of $500 to $10,000 to art projects that interact with people and environments and that invite, create, or enrich community.  1900 Third Street, 2nd floor, San Francisco, CA 94107. Tel: 415-626-1248 info@blackrockarts.org  http://www.blackrockarts.org/grants Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF)CERF accomplishes its mission to strengthen and sustain the careers of craft artists through direct financial and educational assistance to craft artists, including emergency relief assistance, business development support, and resources and referrals on topics such as health, safety, and insurance.  info@craftemergency.org  http://www.craftemergency.org/  Creative Capital FoundationSupports work with the potential for significant artistic and cultural impact. They seek to act as a catalyst for the development of adventurous and imaginative ideas. Open to US citizens. Rotates mediums annually.  65 Bleeker Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10012. Tel: 212-598-9900. info@creative-capital.org  http://www.creative-capital.org/ Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency GrantsProviding funding for visual and performing artists who have unanticipated, sudden opportunities to present their work to the public, or who incur unexpected or unbudgeted expenses for projects underway and close to completion. This program does not support life-related emergencies such as paying for food, rent, medical bills and other basic necessities.  http://www.foundationforcontemporaryarts.org/grant_programs/immediate_needs

Don't forget about the 2012 Kresge Fellowships for Literary Arts and Performing Arts. http://kresge.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/index.html
Deadline is February 1, 2012.  This is a long process, so get started right away!!!  APPLY on this page.
The next (and last) informational meeting takes place at the Virgil H. Carr Cultural Center at 311 East Grand River, Detroit, MI  48226 on Saturday, December 3rd from 2-4pm. Then you can head to mid-town for Noel Night starting at 5pm, although  most of the shops, galleries, and museums will already be open for you to enjoy!

World Photography Contest

I actually checked my twitter account today and found out about this fabulous contest.  There are categories for kids, students, amateurs and professional photographers.  

World Photography Organisation Competition - The Sony World Photography Awards.


Check it out!  Deadline is January 4, 2012.  But, don't wait until the last day.

Christmas on $100 or less

Hi!  Just a quick link to an article I found today about a frugal someone who was able to buy loads of gifts throughout the year that added up to less than $100 for everyone on her list.  


Link to Christmas for less than $100


Also, remember to shop Small Business Saturday this weekend!  Find them on FaceBook too.


Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Free Entry to Metroparks on Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday

 
            
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks will waive vehicle entry fees and boat launch fees on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 for its “Appreciation Days” program.

 All parks and interpretive facilities are open on Thanksgiving Day. As a special, added treat, the following programs will be held during “Thanksgiving Appreciation Days”:

Kensington Metropark near Milford/Brighton:

“Farmer for a Day,” will be held on Friday, November 25 from 10 am to 3 pm, Farm
Center. This program is offered to children interested in working on a farm. Kids, ages 7 to 15 years, will work alongside our farmers cleaning stalls, feeding animals and working on other daily or seasonal chores. The program is designed to be both educational and fun. Children will leave with a greater appreciation of farm life. Fee: $30 per child and preregistration is required. For additional information, please call 1-800-477-3178.   

"Chickadee Chow-Down,” Friday, November 25 at 1 pm, Nature Center. In winter, a variety of songbirds will actually take sunflower seeds from your hands. Bird seed will be provided for this short walk along the nature trails. Fee: $3 person. Preregistration required. For additional information, please call 1-800-477-3178.   

Oakwoods Metropark near Flat Rock: 

“Walkin’ & Talkin’ Turkey,” Friday, November 25 at 1 pm, Nature Center. Take a leisurely stroll and learn about the wild turkeys that inhabit the park. Free. Preregistration required. For additional information, please call 734-782-3956.

The 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, located within the five-county Southeast Michigan region, are: Delhi Metropark, Dexter-Huron Metropark, Hudson Mills Metropark, Huron Meadows Metropark, Indian Springs Metropark, Kensington Metropark, Lake Erie Metropark, Lower Huron Metropark, Metro Beach Metropark, Oakwoods Metropark, Stony Creek Metropark, Willow Metropark and Wolcott Mill Metropark.

Entry fees are also waived on Sunday, December 25 for Christmas “Appreciation Day.” For more information, call the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority at 1-800-477-2757.  

Metropark Website

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Free Starbucks Holiday Coffee

Just for a couple of days - Starbucks is offering a BOGO - Buy one holiday drink, get one free. Today through Sunday, November 20, 2011.  Only between 2-5pm.  But, for you afternoon coffee drinkers, this could be your lucky weekend.  
STARBUCKS BOGO 

Originally learned of this deal through the Royal Oak Patch!  Thanks!
http://royaloak.patch.com/articles/coffee-lovers-rejoice-starbucks-offers-2-for-1-deal

Music is in the Air

This past weekend was a whirlwind of art adventure!  So, I thought I would share some musical stuff for this upcoming weekend.  Who doesn't like music?  Who doesn't like free stuff?  Exactly!


AJ's Music Cafe in Ferndale
AJ's Music Cafe Facebook Page

Wednesday Night is always Open Mic Night from 8-?  You can sign up starting at 6pm if you want to go up on stage.  Singers, poets, readers, musicians - everyone is welcome.


Thursday 11/17/11 8-11pm 
Sing Along with the Beatles
Cost - 2 or more cans of non-perishable food


MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit)

Thursday 11/17/11 7pm FREE Lecture
Panel "Sound in Context: A History of Free Music"


Friday 11/18/11 @8pm $9.00 Music
Wadada Leo Smith with Thomas Buckner


Saturday 11/19/11 3:00-4:30 $9.00 Music Workshop
Learn methods of improvisation with Wadada Leo Smith

Saturday 11/19/11 @8pm FREE Film Festival
The Ann Arbor Film Festival and MOCAD present the 49th Ann Arbor Film Festival Traveling Tour 
Curated film festival includes
Miramare - Michaela Mueller - Croatia 8mins
Atlantizues - Mati Diop - Sengal/France 15 min
Protaparticulas - Chema Garcia Ibarra - Spain 7 min
Hand Soap - Kei Oyama - Japan 16 min (AAFF Best Animation Award)
Point Line Plane - Simon Payne - England 9min
These Hammers Don't Hurt Us - Michael Robinson - USA 13 Min (Most Technically Innovative Film Award)
In the Absence of Light, Darkness Prevails - Fern Silva - USA/Brazil 13 min
More info at www.aafilmfest.org


OK, who's going to join me for some of these awesome events?

Free Art Events in the D

Hello everyone! 
There's always something to do in Detroit and often free or cheap stuff.  So, here are some ideas for this weekend and a few links for you so you can track free stuff too!


MOCAD Events 
FILM
Saturday, November 12th at 8PM
The Ann Arbor Film Festival and MOCAD present
Shadowbox Cinema III
Admission: Free

The Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) and MOCAD present Shadowbox Cinema III, an annual showcase for new indie shorts from local, national, and international filmmakers. This short film festival is an original program curated by the AAFF and MOCAD which features amazing, hand-selected works submitted to the AAFF that did not fit into the festival's format. The films in Shadowbox Cinema span the cinematic spectrum, from animation and documentary to narrative and experimental, from light and irreverent to poignant and thoughtful. MOCAD is very excited to present this wonderful program for a third year.


DIA Ford Free Sunday (11-13-11)
James Duffy Collection (modern & contemporary art)
Detroit Revealed photography exhibit
Drawing in the Galleries
Printmaking workshop
Family Performance:  Native American Dance, Song & Stories




DCCP Detroit Center for Contemporary Photography
The DCCP is located in the Russell Industrial Center.  In the front of building #2 (the one with the lion mural).  Take I-75 to the Clay exit - enter behind the Russell via Clay Street)


"360" is a collaborative project bridging public spaces around the world. Each video is one minute long, panning 360 degrees through one view of public space. The videos are edited together and overlapped into one composition. Artists in Bosnia, Finland, Peru, Indonesia and the United States shot the videos during the same two week period in July. When first exhibited at the Duplex Gallery in Sarajevo the composition changed daily as new footage was added. The piece will be shown concurrently at the Transformer gallery in Washington DC

The following video artists collaborated on this project:
Mike Dax Iacovone
Billy Friebele
Kethryn Zazenski
Al Ghorie
Bruce Feldman

Opening reception:
November 12th, 6:00- 9:00

Artist talk and discussion forum:
November 13th, 4:00- 6:00


Public Pool Opening - UnDress: Re Dress
3309 Caniff, Hamtramck
Undress: RE Dress - Opening on Saturday Nov 12 from 7-10


We’ll go out on a limb and guess you're wearing clothes right now, but we can’t be sure. 

In any case, you’ve most likely worn clothes in the very recent past. Most times we just zip it up and get on with our day. Not today.

Public Pool has asked nine artists –– sculptors, painters, knitters, fashion designers, and the like –– to take a deeper look. To examine our relationship to our clothes…or maybe even your clothes. 

We use clothes as a billboard, identity constructor or costume. We use them to turn ourselves into walking sculptors, business people, swimmers, provocateurs, bikers and more. Any way you slice it, clothes do much more than cover our bodies, if they manage to do that.

So, come see what the artists think. The results might make you wonder how something so simple, can really be pretty complicated. Or it just might make you feel naked. Either way it’s worth a trip.

And if you come to the opening night, it’s special, so please put dimes in your penny loafers.

UN-Dress:RE-Dress opens with a party November 12, 7-10 p.m. Refreshments provided courtesy of Traffic Jam & Snug Restaurant. The exhibition runs through December 17. Public Pool is open Saturdays from 1 to 6 p.m.

Participating Artists Include
• Lisa Anne Auerbach
• Olayami Dabls
• Jessica Frelinghuysen
• Anne Harrington Hughes
• Sarah Lapinski
• Mark Newport
• Lauren Rassel
• Cristin Richard • Sarah Wagner 




Cranbrook

Cranbrook Art Museum will reopen to the general public on Friday, November 11, from 9pm – Midnight.

During the first 10 days following the Grand Reopening (Saturday, November 12 through Monday, November 21) the museum will be open daily from 10am - 9pm, and until 11pm on Saturday, November 13; Friday, November 18; and Saturday, November 19.

A special 11-day membership will be available for the Grand Reopening, November 11 through Monday, November 21, which will provide unlimited admission to the exhibition and all programs for just $11.