Rally to Support the Detroit Institute of Arts — This Friday, August 3
Skidmore Studio’s Free Art Friday Detroit organized local artists to distribute free art throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties on Friday, August 3. Artists will also demonstrate their support for the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) on the the DIA’s front steps. The scavenger hunt will kick off with an artists rally on the steps of the DIA at 10 a.m.
More than 30 pieces of art will be hidden in the neighborhoods and downtowns of the three counties as part of the event. Residents are invited to join the search on Free Art Friday Detroit’s Facebook page, where artists will post photo clues leading to the location of their art.
“As artists, we support the DIA 100 percent. Without museums to educate and inspire, we would not be the artists we are today. We want to preserve that possibility for future generations,” said Shawn McConnell, FAFDET artist. “I’m happy to do what I can to support an institution that has given me so much.”
Several pieces of art will be accompanied by a t-shirt emblazoned with the message “Art is for Everyone.” In keeping with this message and the potential for free admission to the DIA if the millage is passed, anyone who finds the art is free to take it home, though they are encouraged to post photos of the art in its new home on the group’s Facebook page.
“When we started Free Art Friday Detroit, we never imagined it being used like this. But our goal to celebrate art and support Detroit led us here,” said Skidmore Studio President & CEO Tim Smith, “As a design studio, we couldn’t hold back our support for the DIA.”
About the Millage Proposal
Voting for the proposed millage takes place August 7. The requested increase of 0.2 mils for 10 years and equates to approximately $15 per year for every $150,000 of a home’s fair market value. The increase is projected to raise $23 million annually.
I am very disappointed in the lack of actions of the DIA. I presume they still have a group called the Founders Society? If so, then why has not this group contacted former members and asked for help? I was a member of the Founder Society of the DIA back in the 60s and I still proudly have my original print hanging in my hallway which frame by the JL Hudson Co; remember them? I fondly remember the rights we had that were not available to the public and have always supported the DIA in spirit no matter where I have traveled, China, Venezuela, wherever. Action plan: Go and pull a list of all the former and current members of the Founders Society of the DIA, create and mail a proper invitation to help, offer some incentive to do so. We WILL respond.