The Edward Frohlich Trust may not last forever

For the past 72 years there has been an association for artists in our community. This group is collectively know as the Grosse Pointe Artists Association and has recently obtained more visibility in the community thru the generosity of the beneficiaries of the Edward Frohlich Trust. Many of you have visited the Grosse Pointe Art Center located at 16900 Kercheval in the heart of Grosse Pointe.

Adults and children have taken classes at the Center; students from the Grosse Pointe schools have taken part in programs there too. Many cultural activities take place at the Grosse Pointe Art Center, including lectures and demonstrations by area artists, music, poetry and writing workshops.

The mission statement for the GPAA is as follows: The Grosse Pointe Artist Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging and promoting artistic talent and art education through the actions and participation of a diverse membership. The GPAA is committed to showcasing a wide range of artistic styles and media through various community outreach activities, including exhibitions, lectures, and art classes. It is devoted to continuing its legacy of support for the arts by maintaining and operating gallery space known as “The Grosse Pointe Art Center.” The recent exhibition, “The Green Show,” opened on Friday March 19, 2010. More than 170 artists submitted their work for selection by a juror, Anne Fracassa. Over two hundred visitors came to the exhibit on opening night. The founding members of the GPAA would be pleased to see the results of their efforts to support the arts in the Grosse Pointes still active after 72 years.

What may not be known is that the generous support provided by the Edward Frohlich Trust may not last forever and the GPAC may need to relocate at some point in the future. The members of the GPAA Board can not put into words their gratitude to the Frohlichs because the facility they have so graciously provided is the perfect location for a “Grosse Pointe Art Center.” It is in the center of our community. The thought of moving and not having a permanent location for the Grosse Pointe Art Center has been a source for much soul searching by the Board. Board members know that other communities have art centers that are permanent fixtures in their areas. The Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center comes to mind. The Board members also know that many individuals and foundations from the Grosse Pointe Communities have been instrumental in establishing and maintaining cultural institutions in the Detroit area. A tour of the Detroit Institute of Arts will quickly point out the impact that Grosse Pointers have had on that fine institution.

The Board is positive that as Grosse Pointers and friends of the arts we can collectively make a home possible for the GPAA. After 72 years in the community the GPAA deserves a permanent home in Grosse Pointe!