Detroit Center for Contemporary Art's Focus Hope Exhibit

Last night, we attended the opening night of the Detroit Center for Contemporary Art's Focus Hope Exhibit in the Russell Industrial Center.  Focus Hope is a program that brings a diverse group of the city's youth together with mentors to experience and learn photography.  The exhibit runs until April 25th.  The photographs were impressive and I was inspired by the kids' stories.  If you have a chance, stop in and take a look at the photographic work.  

I have heard that Detroit is attracting artists.  The Russell Industrial Center is one reason.  It offers low, month-to-month rent, allowing artists a space to create and financial flexibility.  There are often opportunities for public to check out the artists' work.  The Russell Industrial Center's website has some upcoming events listed but I went beyond just checking their site and have signed up for a few artists' and groups' email notifications.  The center is located off I-75 at the Clay exit.  It is visible from the expressway (lion painting below) so even the most notice Detroit navigator should be comfortable finding it.      

Russell Industrial Center, Detroit, Michigan

Russell Industrial Center, Detroit, Michigan

Date Night #3: The Detroit Institute of Arts: Detroit Revealed 2000 - 2010 Exhibit

We went to the The Detroit Institute of Arts: Detroit Revealed 2000 - 2010 Exhibit today (and checked out the rest of the museum as well).  I truly enjoyed the Detroit Revealed exhibit.  It didn't brush over Detroit's problems but it also wasn't all about urban blight.  I, as an eternal optimist, visit Detroit and picture what was and what it can be.   The exhibit forced me to be a little more grounded and perhaps honest about what Detroit is today.

Photography and theater are my two favorite forms of art.  I liked that photography had a place at the DIA through the Detroit Revealed Exhibit.  I have often wondered why so many museums fail to recognize the art of photography.

How would you rank the DIA's collection?

Updated on April 1st, 2012 (date of museum visit)

A Downtown Adventure: The People Mover and Riverwalk

I must confess that these pictures are from June 2010.  My son and I went downtown to celebrate his kindergarten graduation (and to get our Nexus cards).  It was his first ride on the People Mover and I let him get soaked in River Walk fountains.  Perhaps the coolest part of our trip is not pictured here though.  I asked a guard how to get to Coach Insignia because I wanted to take my son to the top of the Renaissance Center.  He said that the restaurant didn't open until 6pm and that I had just missed the last tour.  Some nice ladies who worked on the top floor of another tower overheard.  They volunteered to check us in as business visitors and took us up with them!   In case they ever read this....thank you!  My son loved his big trip to the city.  He has had many more trips since but I will always cherish this one.

Taking in the city on People Mover

Looking out the window at the People Mover takes us around downtown

Renaissance Center

Detroit River Walk

New York Magazine Features Detroit as a weekend travel destination.

Detroit is featured weekend travel destination in New York Magazine. Click here to read the story.

Udpate below:  March 28, 2012
Apparently, some of the facts in the article were not accurate.  I am not going to hunt them all down myself, but if you want to check out what Curbed Detroit had to say, here is the link:  http://detroit.curbed.com/archives/2012/03/new-york-mag-blows-up-detroits-spot-promotes-lessthanlegal-offerings.php

I am exicted to go investigate some of the things that were mentioned in the article and to revisit some old ones so that I can share them with you.  Hope to hear about your adventures in Detroit soon too.

Parade March du Nain Rouge - March 25th

I historical forklore is alway intersting and this one has unique Detroit twist.  Each year, a parade is held to chase an evil red dwarf, Nain Rouge, from Detroit.  Folklore says that the city's founder, Cadillac, had an encounter with Nain Rouge in 1710.  Cadillac struck the dwarf with a stick and then had a change of fate for the worse.  The Nain Rouge continues to reek havoc in Detroit.  Each year, parade participants evict the Nain Rouge from the city. 
This year, we successfully chased the malevolent dwarf, Nain Rouge, from the city.  He will be back next year and we will be in costume to help save Detroit again.

This was a fun event and was appropriate for kids.  Throw on an old Halloween costume, a mask, or just some mismatched clothes.  Anything goes.

To read more about the history, or learm not about the parade: 

Click here to read Hour Detroit's Article on Marche du Nain Rouge

Live in Detroit?

Cool pad in Detroit for sale.

Click  the link above to take a look inside.  I love the fact that Curbed Detroit brings great properties to our attention.  What would it take for you to move to Detroit?   Better schools, public transit, services?

Picture borrowed from Curbed Detroit.

Bike Tours of Detroit!

Bike Tours of Detroit! Fun and active way to expereince Detroit. I can't wait to try this! Has anyone already done one?

Click to check out their site.

Date Night #2: Coach Insignia and Ford Field for Big and Rich and the Rodeo

Totally cool night out with the kids.   Wish I had taken a picture from Coach Insignia without the kids in it so that I could share it with you.  

Coach Insignia's view from the top of the Ren Cen is breathtaking.  I can't say much about the food since we only ordered desert (on a budget with kids).  Our son loved the ride up the elevator.  Our daughter hid.  I was a little disappointed in the up keep though.  Carpet was dirty and worn.  Still, a must see.

The rodeo was very entertaining.  I have to admit that I am surprised to be saying that.  The kids were so into it and we had front row seats thanks to my hubby.  

This was my first time in Ford Field.  We are not sports fans so don't expect to catch the game day news here.

:-)

Date Night #1: Michigan Theater Garage

My husband had heard about the 'Theater Garage' from my brother and really wanted to go see it.   Lucky first pick from the map, eh?  The theater was actually scheduled to be knocked down.  Fortunately, it was determined that it would make the buildings around it unsound.  Now, it is a private parking garage but the public is welcome to tailgate in it for all home Tigers and Lions games.  Rumor has it that its the cheapest game day parking in town...and definitely the parking with the most character.

Date Nights in Detroit

Valentines Day 2012 - Detroit Date Night map

Pull a 'heart' off the map and it contains a Detroit date.   They are placed roughly where the date would occur.  We have both continued to think of more though so this Valentine's present may keep giving for years!  

Hello!

Starting this blog is a whole new experience for me.  I have lots of interests but one is having a vibrant city nearby.  I mentioned in the 'about me section' that I lived out-of-state (and even out of the country) for awhile.  Detroit is my home though and I want to play a part in seeing it come back!  So help me.   Read my posts, join in the discussion, give ideas on what to do and how to help.  Here are some simple things that I am doing now:
1.  Spending my money in Detroit (date nights and family outings)
2.  Volunteering.  I really want to paint murals this summer.  They are pretty and creativity is really relaxing.  I have friends who want to join so feel free to reach out and ask for help!
3.  Talk about good experiences in Detroit.  It has a bad rap but its not all bad.
4.  Listen and learn.