Hey, readers! Welcome back to Culture Canvas.
Did you all check out the solar eclipse? Unfortunately, I was not one of the lucky ones to find a pair of eclipse glasses, but I had a front row seat to the livestream at home. It’s amazing to see rare events like this and a reminder that our universe can be pretty cool!
That said, I would love to see your eclipse photos and videos. You can send them to mwalker@bridgedetroit.com. Also, I’m still seeking tips on some lesser-known artists and exhibits in time for the NFL Draft. You can shoot me an email for that as well.
In between writing about fun things to do in Detroit for the solar eclipse, I also got to learn more about the impact of the Eastside Community Network (ECN). The nonprofit offers services for residents across Detroit, such as health and wellness classes, community events, sustainability fellowships and a home repair program. ECN, which started as the Warren/Conner Development Coalition in 1984, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
The organization is also celebrating a recently awarded $1 million grant from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Make It in Michigan Fund. CEO Donna Givens Davidson told me ECN will be using the grant to help support interior and exterior improvements to the center on Conner Street.
I also talked with east side residents Tammara Howard and Loretta Powell about how the community center has made a difference in their lives. The two have founded organizations with support from ECN—Howard with her grassroots project and Powell with the Little Detroit Community Garden.
Have a great week!
Cheers,
Micah
313 Scene
- Kresge Arts in Detroit launched its first online art exhibit Monday featuring the 15th cohort of Kresge Artist Fellows and Gilda Award recipients. The theme “Flash Your Lights” is inspired by 1970s Detroit radio DJ, Electrifying Mojo. The 15 artists, which include Rita Dickerson, Elton Monroy Duran and Brittany Rogers, submitted new and re-imagined pieces examining how sound surfaces.
- Teen HYPE, a Detroit nonprofit that educates youth on preventing teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and substance abuse, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the premiere of a new play. The production, called “Strung,” shows the manipulative layers of social media and how they affect self-esteem, addiction and parental relationships. The play debuts April 18 at the Marygrove Theatre.
- Coaching Detroit Forward, a nonprofit that supports Detroit high school students in writing, photography, graphic design and other creative fields, is accepting applications for its summer photography camps. Camera equipment is provided, the camps are free and open to high school students either living in Detroit or attending a school in the city. The deadline to apply is May 3.
- John Sinclair, a Detroit poet, cannabis activist and leader of the local counterculture movement in the 1960s and 1970s, died April 2 at the age of 82. A memorial will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), featuring performances by musicians and speakers who were friends of Sinclair.
What’s Going on in the D?
- The 11th annual Freep Film Festival kicks off at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Detroit Film Theatre with the documentary, “Rouge.” The film follows four athletes on the basketball team at River Rouge High School, which has the most state championships in Michigan history. More than 20 feature-length documentaries and dozens of shorts will premiere at the festival, which runs until Sunday at various locations around metro Detroit. General admission is $15.
- Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former US Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith is making a visit to Detroit Friday for the Contemporary American Authors Lecture Series. Smith will read and discuss her work with Michigan Poet Laureate Nandi Comer. The free event takes place at 8 p.m. at the Marygrove Conservancy.
- Spotlite Detroit is hosting an event called “One Night Only” 9 p.m. Friday featuring DJs Megatronic, Ladymonix and 4am NYC. Tickets are $16.
- Tangent Gallery is holding a flea market 2-6 p.m. Sunday where attendees can buy new and used goods from local artisans and collectors.
