“Although a number of artists have moved to New York recently, many more are staying here because they have faith in Detroit’s potential as an art center. By nature, creative people are optimists and builders. Detroit needs them now more than ever before.” Joy Hakanson Colby wrote those words in the Detroit Anniversary Catalogue celebrating the nation’s bicentennial. Her words ring true today.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading about Detroit’s art history of late – in working on my forthcoming (really) book on Charles McGee. Looking at Detroit past while observing Detroit current, makes me think about Detroit future.

What has always encouraged me in talking to, working alongside, and just knowing Detroit artists, is the sense of hope, of possibility – to make something grow from something that once was. Some such folks that I’ve had the pleasure of writing about include Scott Hocking, and Clinton Snider (or the two together), urban explorers looking at the city with a new eye, and there are many others. And of course there is Tyree Guyton and the beauty and attention he’s brought to the street (and beyond) that he’s reclaimed.

This pioneering spirit to forge one’s own path, extends to the gallerists (some links here and here) as well as to the very spaces we show such works themselves.

Let’s turn to Charles McGee again for something he said in an interview for Detroit Focus back in 1978, “We can make it work here but we have to do it together.” And furthermore, “We must raise the level of consciousness in and about the arts to the same degree as the very best work here.”

So we’re on the verge of Art Detroit Now, an event to link all the arts venues in the region, and make a showcase of all that’s going on here. Regular readers of this online publication know just how much has been going on in the arts in our community, but the ADN event is a great opportunity to work together and show the community at large how strong and plentiful Detroit arts are.

And they are. And by raising the level of consciousness together, we’ll continue to realize this community’s potential. To Art Detroit Now and Art Detroit Tomorrow. – Nick Sousanis
ws@thedetroiter.com