Well, the time has come, my very last post for the Knight Foundation Arts Blog (for now). A very nice gentleman is slated to take my place next week. I trust that anyone who frequents this blog will enjoy him. What a ride this past six months has been! I have had opportunities to talk […]
Article · January 13, 2012 by vmiller
One night in a dimly lit Nancy Whiskeys Irish pub in Corktown, I was lucky enough to have my first meeting with Dan Austin, a man whose name does not do him justice. Of course, it is a nice name — don’t get me wrong — but I have been trying to think of a […]
Article · January 11, 2012 by vmiller
This past week, Signal-Return, Detroit’s new letterpress shop, held its inaugural exhibition with the work of a founding member of Fluxus, Alison Knowles. Fluxus is a performance group that began with the John Cage class at The New School in 1958. They are know for work that addresses the informal mundane tasks of daily life. At […]
Article · January 6, 2012 by vmiller
“I bought a trumpet and learned to play it and started recruiting people.” -John Notarianni, founding member of the Detroit Party Marching Band. I don’t know what could be more inspiring then that. The Detroit Party Marching Band, founded two years ago, encompass the can-do spirit that often resides in the folks that call this […]
Article · January 3, 2012 by vmiller
As a rule of thumb, throughout the years I have remained neutral on a number of controversial Detroit-related subjects. One of them being “Detroiters” knee-jerk reaction to reject newcomers to the city. When I met recent N.Y.C. transplant and accomplished poet Jeremy Schmall, he gave me a reason to have an opinion. I was fortunate […]
Article · December 23, 2011 by vmiller
Five months ago, when I first learned I would be creating content for the Knight Arts blog, I made a mental list of the people and things I would like to write about. Sitting right at the top of that list is one of my idols and 2011 Kresge Fellow Scott Hocking. Since then, I […]
Article · December 21, 2011 by vmiller
In lieu of the big disappointment caused by the scrapping of the proposed M-1 rail line down Woodward, here are a few thoughts on the unique ways our city is still awesome. Focusing on a particular group who embodies the spirit we need to get through this trough transition period: Forward Arts. Horace Dodge did […]
Article · December 16, 2011 by vmiller
Generally, I don’t like to believe the hype. I like to formulate my own opinions on things. Which is possibly why I feel so blown away by Ryan Trecartin‘s exhibit “Trill-ogy Comp” currently running at Center Galleries inside of the College for Creative Studies. Thirty-year-old Trecartin shows work all over the world and is considered […]
Article · December 13, 2011 by vmiller
The Re:View Contemporary in Midtown Detroit represents a diverse collection of artists who exemplify unharnessed energy, craft and conscious thought in their work. In its loft-like space that is used as a design store, Cedric Tai, Kresge Fellow and one of the most motivated gentleman I have ever met, shines alongside intricate works by co-founder of […]
Article · December 9, 2011 by vmiller
I’ve had a lot of moments in my life lately that have prompted me to hope and wait for the movie script ending or the sitcom laugh track that, unfortunately, does not exist in real life. This phenomenon dates back to my childhood, when I would narrate my daily activities and imagine what soundtrack I […]
Article · December 6, 2011 by vmiller
It’s hard to believe that the holidays have come full swing to Detroit. Woodward had been turned into a sparkling winter land, Saturdays in Eastern Market now smell of spiced ciders and pine needles, while storefronts and galleries are preparing for the busy season ahead. In addition to traditional festivities, Detroit’s Midtown is gearing up […]
Article · December 2, 2011 by vmiller