E. Ray Scott

It was Saturday, Feb. 6, when the cheerful, tuxedoed members of Detroit’s Players Club gathered for their monthly show of plays at their historic Playhouse. The mood quickly sobered when they heard that Player E. Ray Scott had died at 86. As Executive Director of the Michigan Council for the Arts from its inception in 1966 to 1985, and as Director of Michigan’s Commission on Art in Public Places until 1991, E. Ray was the solidifying voice and personality of the arts in Michigan.

E. Ray Scott was born in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1923, and the gentle tones of his Southern childhood never left him. Echoing erudition wherever he went, with a tongue he used as both rapier and unguent, E. Ray earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Speech and Theatre from the University of Southern California. He then spent six years in the United States Army as the Producer and Director of Army Entertainment for the Armed Forces in Germany.

In pursuit of a Ph. D. in Theatre and Communication Arts, Ray moved to Michigan in 1961. It was as a lobbyist for the State Medical Society and a popular figure in Lansing that Scott became aware of the need for a central figure who could gather the many tributaries of Michigan’s artistic life into one coherent, persuasive and forceful voice. E. Ray had found his life’s work.

As former Governor William Milliken remembers, “I was a State Senator when I first met Ray. He was omnipresent in Lansing and, from then on, Ray gave me advice on when and how far we could go in supporting the arts in the state.” It was when Senator Milliken became Lt. Governor that E. Ray approached his wife, Helen Milliken, with his idea for an art train. Mrs. Milliken describes it as “the genius idea which was soon thereafter copied all across the continental United States.”

As noted by his long-time friend Robert O’Leary III, “Yes, if there was one defining moment in which Ray took the most pride, it was in the establishment of Artrain, Inc.” (the official name of the art train concept). Launched in 1971 Artrain was a rail car equipped as a traveling art gallery. With great support from the railroads, the original mission of bringing art to under-served communities throughout Michigan expanded and eventually traveled over the whole country, Artrain, Inc. continues today and has provided arts and cultural programs for over 3.2 million people in cities, towns and villages across the country. Artrain’s exhibitions have become the catalyst for the development of local community cultural programs and the artists who have been nurtured by these programs.

Close behind the Artrain project, E. Ray was also instrumental in creating the enabling legislation that created the Michigan Council for the Arts – only the second state arts council in the country. Getting the State Legislature to approve a reasonable appropriation for the Council was his greatest task made easier perhaps by his warm and personal relationship with Governor William Milliken, which lasted for the 17 years he was governor of Michigan. In a meeting during his first year in office, Gov. Milliken told E. Ray, “If you can encourage the Appropriations Committee to allocate more than I have designated in my budget, I will not veto it.,” and he never did.

Though Artrain became the flagship program of the Michigan Council for the Arts (MCA) when E. Ray served as the Council’s Executive Director, his tenure, on all levels, was always marked by his passionate, intelligent and persuasive lobbying for state support of artists, all cultural institutions, artists and arts in education programs. On a national level, he established a warm working relationship with Nancy Hanks, Director of the National Endowment Arts, and served on numerous boards and committees of the NEA. E. Ray will always be remembered, however, as the tireless and determined advocate for the arts and artists in Michigan. He oversaw major growth in the arts council, which became one of the leading – and largest supporters—of public arts in the country.

Under Ray’s tenure, the arts council pioneered the concept of mini-grants – smaller grants to initiative local community arts activities. A large network of community arts councils that provided grass roots support to all areas of Michigan was a direct outgrowth of Artrain and Ray’s own commitment to Michigan artists and cultural institutions. The arts council provided significant support to every major arts institution in the state – supporting commissions, artistic seasons, premiers, new work, major museum shows, and a wide array of arts education projects.

Scott used his own resources to work with ArtServe Michigan to establish the Michigan Artist Award, which awarded $3000 prizes to three Michigan artists for two consecutive years. The purpose was to provide them with a level of economic freedom that allowed them to concentrate all of their energies on their art. In 2007, E. Ray received the Arts Advocate of the Year award from ArtServe Michigan.

E. Ray Scott is survived by his sister, Jo Ann Cole, and his daughter Dana (Mrs. Scott Tschirhart), seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. A memorial service will be held for E. Ray at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 27th, at the GEM Theatre at 333 Madison Avenue in downtown Detroit. The service will be followed with a light lunch. Once more stories and legends about E. Ray will be passed around among as many of his friends and admirers who can be there.

Family requests memorials to support the arts in Michigan and Michigan Artrain. To make a contribution in E. Ray’s honor, please go to www.artrainusa.org.

Collage is DDC most popular annual concert. This year the company presents a sneak preview of José Limón’s Dances for Isadora and In the Moment, choreographed by Barbara Selinger, DDC Artistic Director, both of which will be premiered in the company’s 30th Anniversary Gala Concert.

DDC is also committed to presenting emerging artists in our Collage Concert, and this year is no exception. We are happy to include work by the exciting Mack Avenue Dance Co, Detroit’s newest professional dance company, Chris Master, artistic director, and a wonderful thought provoking premiere, Watching the Clock, by DDC company member Lisa LaMarre.

Other repertory favorites to be performed include Connecting Currents by Anastasia McGlothilin and Message Within by Selinger.

Michigan is well known for its excellent college dance programs that train dancers for careers in performance, choreography and education. This year DDC has invited the superb dancers from Marygrove College Dance Company to perform Vanished, a dramatic work that touches the senses and may tickle your funny bone.

DDC Dancers: Susan Clayton, David Guzman, Amy Hansemann, Corinne Imberski, Bill Janisse, Lisa LaMarre, Chris Masters, Barbara Selinger, Nicole Sherman

Tickets: $15 general admission; $12 students & seniors

To reserve tickets call 313-943-2135 or email barb@detroitdancecollective.org Please include your name, day & time of concert preference, # of tickets (general admission & student/senior price) & your phone number & email address so we may confirm your reservation.

Your reservation will be held at will-call. Please pick up your tickets 20 minutes before the performance. All reservations that are not claimed 20 minutes before the concert will be released.
DDC accepts checks or cash only.

For more info call 810-444-4553

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Studio A
15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126

All nonprofit organizations are welcome to apply, including schools, municipalities, churches, civic cultural & art groups and libraries.

Applicants may apply for up to $4,000.00. Funded activities include art activities for students; exhibits, readings, performances, workshops and broadcasts; artist residencies, consultancies and design activities; the commissioning or restoration of public art; video and film production and screening; and the publication of limited edition, original works of an independent, non-profit press.

Round 2 Minigrant applications must be postmarked by February 24, 2010 in order to be eligible to receive funding, for activities occurring between April 1, 2010 and September 30, 2010. Guidelines and applications are available on the center’s website, www.theartcenter.org.

Anton Art Center Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Callans will lead a free grant writing workshop Wednesday, January 27, 2010, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. at the Anton Art Center. Interested attendees should RSVP to Dr. Callans at 586-469-8666.

The Anton Art Center, the hub for the arts in Macomb County, is located in historic downtown Mount Clemens on the southeast corner of Southbound Gratiot Avenue (M-3) and Macomb Place. Convenient public parking is located in the adjacent Roskopp Parking Lot. For more information please visit www.theartcenter.org.

The State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA), an agency of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), serves to encourage, develop and facilitate an enriched environment of artistic, creative, cultural activity in Michigan. The Council’s Regional Regranting program utilizes a network of nonprofit organizations to distribute small arts and cultural projects grants (Minigrants).

For more information about the Anton Art Center, or to make a donation or become a member, call the center at 586-469-8666 or visit www.theartcenter.org. The Anton Art Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Friday, 10 am to 6 pm; and Sunday, 12 noon to 4 pm. The center is closed on Mondays.

The Anton Art Center, the hub for the arts in Macomb County, is located in historic downtown Mount Clemens on the southeast corner of Southbound Gratiot Avenue (M-3) and Macomb Place. Convenient public parking is located in the adjacent Roskopp Parking Lot. For more information please visit www.theartcenter.org.

The only upside to the report was that the committee rejected the Governor’s recommendation to use grant funding for capital planning as well as a $1,000 application fee. The committee revised the council’s boilerplate language to allow it to redesign a grant program that fits its funding.

We will now strictly focus our efforts in an attempt to be inserted into any revenue enhancement enacted by the Legislature as well as advancing Senate Bill 263. While we have made some inroads, there is still much work to be done on both as we continue towards our goal of recapitalizing the MCACA. Your continued advocacy will be vital to the eventual advancement of any option that provides sustainable funding to the state arts council.

If you haven’t already, please take a minute to click the link below to send a pre-drafted email to your elected officials asking them that, if a revenue enhancement is unavoidable, they consider a proposal to dedicate a small portion to recapitalize the MCACA.

http://capwiz.com/artsusa/mi/issues/alert/?alertid=14084566

Overall, I know you all are just as upset and disappointed as I am. I know that, between ArtServe’s work as well as your incredible advocacy at the grassroots level, we have done all that we could have over the past 9 months to fight the Governor’s recommendation to nearly eliminate the state arts council. I think there’s a lot to say that we have survived – even though with only $2.3 million. The bottom line is that we are able to survive to fight another day and that fight will surely endure.

artsJAM Detroit! is an after-school program offered by VSA arts of Michigan. This opportunity enhances the learning experience for teens living with disabilities by encouraging creative expression through the arts to develop life enhancing and pre-vocational skills as they prepare to enter the workforce. Students work with professional artists to learn creative processes, in addition to gaining production, management, and marketing skills. School districts may offer credit toward high school graduation to student completing a required number of hours of study. This program is funded in part by VSA arts of Michigan, Highland Park School District, City of Detroit Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, and Pfizer Global Research and Development Fund.

VSAMI is a member of the international network of VSA arts, an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. VSA arts was founded in 1974 by Jean Kennedy Smith, and has been designated by the U.S. congress as the nation’s coordinating agency for arts programs for people with disabilities. VSA has 52 affiliates in the U.S. and over 55 international affiliates, and annually serves millions of people worldwide.

VSA arts of Michigan supports its programs and services across the state through grants from national VSA arts under an award from the United States Department of Education Office of Special Education; the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs; and through contributions from corporations, foundations and individuals.

For further information, please contact Jessica Guzmán at 313-832-3303, or email jessica@vsami.org.

Sunday, June 14, 2009, 11:00am – 3:00pm

At the Michigan Renaissance Festival

1:00 am-1:00 pm and 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
(arrive promptly to the beginning of either slot)

Looking for:
Faeries
Mayor’s Family Men
Front Gate Performers
Royal Guards
Peasant Dancers
Pirates

Questions can be directed to LisaMarie mrfentertainment@gmail.com or 800.601.4848
1:00 am-1:00 pm and 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
(arrive promptly to the beginning of either slot)

Michigan Renaissance Festival is located at 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly, MI. For Information Call 800-601-4848 or Email: mrfentertainment@gmail.com

Presented by Michigan Film Actors Network
Tuesday, June 9, 2009, 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Hosted by the Motion Picture Institute

Whether you are a filmmaker, musician, actor, producer, or a mogul-in-the-making, talent and mastery of your craft is only the beginning. Meeting the right people, building relationships, and being an effective networker is how you begin to forge a career in the entertainment industry. People hire their friends and those that come recommended by their colleagues.

Be sure to join us as we learn how to network and build relationships in the entertainment industry, both online and off. Music executive Fran Vincent will guide you through the ins and outs of finding opportunities, crafting your strategy to reach your goals, understanding why living in the Midwest doesn’t mean you can’t be in this biz, tips for attracting not attacking, and how approaching everyone with an attitude of helping them will keep YOU at the top of your contacts’ go-to list.

Tickets are $20 per participant
No tickets sold at the door, so please register early at www.DetroitMusicAuthority.com

Includes a networking reception with refreshments where you can put your new skills to use. Each networker gets a packet of tips to take home, PLUS a chance to win printing of 500 business cards, courtesy of Gemini Media Group of Detroit !

Event sponsored by Retro Island Productions, Music Mogul Network, Xstatic Magazine, and Gemini Media Group, LLC and hosted by the Motion Picture Institute

The Motion Picture Institute is located at 1116 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI. For information call 586-630-3195 or email: detroitmusicauthority@yahoo.com

Studio 1 is a new program aimed at bringing the transformative power of art to those who may have had limited access to it. Thanks to funding from the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and three other foundations, the idea has become a reality.

“Outreach” sessions in Studio 1 include two hours of instruction and workshops, led by Molly Murphy Landis and other members of the BBAC’s faculty.  Because of generous foundation support, fees are currently nominal with guaranteed fee waivers to organizations without the ability to pay.  Current partners include: JARC, Clawson Senior Center, and Orchards Children’s Services.  (For a complete list of participating organizations, see below.)

Another part of Studio 1 that provides access to quality art experiences for families and individuals, are Studio 1 Drop-In Workshops are offered weekly as part of the BBAC’s Sundays at the Center.  Designed for all ages, the 1-4 PM Sunday sessions are $5 per person to cover the cost of materials.  Subject matter explores visual arts of different cultures, U.S. traditions, and current topics of interest.  Reservations are not required; participants can expect to complete an art project in about 45 minutes.

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has awarded the BBAC a two year grant of $65,000 to seed the Studio 1 initiative.

In addition to the Community Foundation, funders of Studio 1 are TriMas Corporation Foundation, Bank of America, and the De Roy Testamentary Foundation.

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a permanent community endowment built by gifts from thousands of individuals and organizations committed to the future of Southeast Michigan. The Foundation works to improve the region’s quality of life by connecting those that care with causes that matter. The Foundation supports a wide variety of activities benefiting education, arts and culture, health, human services, community development and civic affairs.

Since its inception, has distributed more than $324 million through more than 30,000 grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St Clair and Livingston Counties. For more information, please visit www.CFSEM.org.

The BBAC is located at 1516 S. Cranbrook Rd. (Evergreen and 14 Mile), Birmingham, MI 48009 between 14 and 15 Mile Roads.  More information is available by calling (248) 644-0866 x 128 or 129.

Friday, May 15th 6-9 pm
Free and open to the public

Gail mally-mack and Marilyn Zimmerman

The third annual Women Image Women exhibition will be shown through Sunday, May 17th at the Scarab Club. The exhibition was curated by Gail mally-mack and Marilyn Zimmerman. In conjunction with the exhibition The Scarab Club will be hosting the annual Crone Celebration as a closing reception for the show. The event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the contributions of all women, and particularly women who support and promote the metro Detroit arts community. Marilyn Zimmerman is the Master of Ceremonies for the event, which includes music and poetry.

This year we will honor three outstanding women. Harriet Berg is the director of the Madame Cadillac Dance Troupe. A dancer and dance historian, Ms. Berg has played an important role in promoting the performing arts in Detroit for decades. Patricia Hill Burnett is an internationally acclaimed artist, having painted portraits of famous figures from Rosa Parks to Indira Gandhi. In addition to numerous achievements in visual arts, she played the female lead in the unforgettable radio shows, The Green Hornet and The Lone Ranger. Ms. Hill Burnett was inducted into the Michigan Womens’ Hall of Fame in 1988. She founded Michigan’s chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1969 and served as president for two years. In 1971, she joined the national board and was later president of NOW International. She served as chair of the Michigan Women’s Commission and was elected president of the National Association of Commissions to Women. Mame Jackson, Ph.D., University of Michigan, Professor of Art History teaches African American Art History, Theory and Methods of Art Historical Research, and Introduction to Art. Jackson has curated international touring exhibitions of contemporary Canadian Inuit art for the National Art Gallery of Canada the Canadian Museum of Civilization and is co-founder of Con/Vida – Popular Arts of the Americas (www.convida.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting understanding for the diverse cultures of the Americas through the arts. Dr. Jackson’s work has been supported by the U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities; U.S. National Endowment for the Arts; Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada; Secretariat for Culture and Tourism, Bahia, Brazil; and other agencies, and she held a Fulbright fellowship in Bahia, Brazil, in 2000-01.

Regular Gallery Hours:
Wednesday-Sunday, noon-5 pm
scarabclub.org
313.831.1250