Today was another exciting day at TAP. We had smaller, tighter groups this week than last. This always lends itself to more intense one on one and mentoring. Thanks MUCH to the artists who came out today and lent a piece of themselves toward the development of people and places at TAP! You’re so appreciated! Paul Mungar, Mary A. Luevanos, J. Paul Krystyniak
Detroit Lives! and DC3 Present Speakers Bureau: The Alley Project
The Alley Project is a neighborhood initiative in SW Detroit nurturing creative re-development of space. The Alley Project was also a part of the fist inaugural Detroit Design Festival.
For more information on the Speakers Bureau: detroitc3.com/speakersbureau
Content produced by DETROIT LIVES!: detroitlives.com
OPEN STUDIO: PUTTING THE LUEVANOS IN STUDIO LUEVANOS
Our recent Friday evening Open Studio’s have been electric! In May Open Studio times were moved from Saturday afternoons to Friday evenings from 5-7. This move was to better accommodate access for neighbors and local youth. Additionally Mary Luevanos, Studio Luevanos’ namesake, was added as a weekly facilitator of activities during this time. These adjustments have been received beautifully by neighbors, youth, and artists. Involvement by all three groups has increased as a result.
Mary Luevanos, a local artist and community activist, has lived in worked in Southwest Detroit for decades. In particular her skills in storytelling and facilitation of creative processes are widely appreciated and acknowledged by local families, youth, and peers. Her dedication to craft and commitment to advocacy for many younger generations’ artists and leaders have enabled Mary to serve as an inspirational force in Southwest Detroit. A core group of younger children is forming at TAP as activities in screen printing, puppet making, tie dying, instruments, storytelling, and painting have occurred over the past several weeks. TAP is privileged to have access to Mary’s brand of creativity during her time at Open Studio. We invite you to enjoy Friday evenings with Mary with your family, children, and friends at The Alley Project.
Under The Radar: Michigan stopped by to visit the people and places of Southwest Detroit in August. While here they spent some time getting to know The Alley Project. Check out this beautiful episode that shines a spotlight on some of our favorite neighbors, businesses, places, and initiatives in the neighborhood!!
Detroit Synergy, a volunteer based organization in Detroit, hosted Motor City Muralism 2 on Saturday, May 13th. The event is a bicycle tour that has two primary purposes "to introduce people to artwork around the city and, in doing so, to also introduce them to neighborhoods and businesses around the city" said Joanna Porvin, the coordinator of this year's ride with 100+ riders. The tour began at the Detroit Institute of Arts and included views of Yamasaki's mural of Grace Lee Boggs, street art at Recycle Here and the Lincoln Street Art Park, murals in Corktown, Juan Carlos Hearn's mural on Gigante Mercado on Michigan Avenue at Wesson, Dasic Fernandez' murals on Hacienda Foods on Vernor at Cavalry, and The Alley Project (TAP) near Avis and Woodmere.
At TAP they were greeted by youth leaders, Gabriela Santiago-Romero and Nyasia Valdez. The two gave them a brief introduction and tour of The Alley Project and its walking gallery along the 750 foot alley between Woodmere and Elsmere before the riders headed back down Vernor toward Cafe con Leche where they were able to enjoy the sites and sounds of Southwest Detroit before ending for the day.
Cafe con Leche on Vernor and Scotten hosted the opening for Lisa Luevanos' photography exhibit 'Reflexiones' on Friday, May 4, 2012. Lisa has sought to celebrate and preserve Latino heritage in her work over the past three decades. Born and raised in Southwest Detroit, her photographs document various aspects of the history of the neighborhood. For a night the coffee shop was transformed into a venue in overt celebration of and community. Several generations of artists from the community came together to enjoy coffee, view the exhibit, and even work on costumes and other props for the Cinco de Mayo parade. Lisa's exhibit will remain on display at Cafe con Leche, now open 7 days a week, through the end of June.
