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4/28/17

TONIGHT: Inner State Gallery Presents: Derek Hess & Ron Zakrin



Opening Friday, April 28th Derek Hess returns to Inner State Gallery to showcase an entirely new body of work titled EDP. With a collection of new paintings, drawings, mixed media 8-tracks and three-dimensional works on cardboard, the Cleveland-based artist continues to create emotion and depth through bold lines and form with new works that epitomizes his unique and recognizable style known the world over.

Joining Hess at Inner State will be Detroit’s own Ron Zakrin, whose new body of work Exiles continues to evolve Zakrin’s massive body of work with an ever growing cast of mythical beings and social pariahs reimagined in a modern context. 

Both shows are free and open to the public with an artist reception from
7-10pm on Friday, April 28th, 2017

Inner State Gallery
1410 Gratiot
DIETROIT

Executed primarily with pen and ink, much of Hess’ work for EDP depicts dynamic figures and angelic characters in adverse situations. Showcasing Hess’ strong technical skills and compassionate feel of his craft, these new works allow the artist to give fans a glimpse into his own personal struggles. 

“EDP is a term used by law enforcement when referring to an ‘emotionally disturbed person.’ As someone who deals with the dual diagnosis of bipolar and alcoholism these issues tend to be subjects of my work, or more precisely the feelings they create,” Hess said from his Cleveland studio. 

For Hess’ second solo exhibition at Inner State casual fans and longtime collectors alike are both sure to be surprised by this entirely new collection which features Hess’ first fully refined works created with three-dimensional cardboard assemblage. These new layered works bring viewers one step closer into Hess’ unique world. 

“I was drawing on cardboard one day, but I didn’t like the background of a piece, so the idea came to me, why don’t I just cut the foreground figure out, redraw the background on another piece of board, and adhere the figure on top of it? There it was. A figure coming out of the piece and creating nice cast shadows at the same time. I then began pushing the layer numbers creating all sorts of backgrounds, middle grounds and foregrounds,” Hess added. 

Bringing new work of his own, Detroit artist Ron Zakrin captures the outcasts, loners and beings that do not fit in with society with new paintings created in the heart of the city. Although a sense of isolation permeates the series, Zakrin’s portrayals are filled with undertones of beauty, motion and humor. 

“For this exhibition I will not only be showing new figurative works -- an angel hitchhiking, Satyrs burning cities to the ground, fauns in lingerie, you get the idea -- but there will be a few of my new paintings on tar paper which, unlike my previous works on tarpaper, undergo a surface preparation resulting in a surface quality unlike anything else,” Ron Zakrin said from his studio in Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market District. “I have also been revisiting techniques that have not been exhibited in quite some time so there will definitely be a surprise or two,” Zakrin added. 


4/21/17

Josie Pace | Smalls Hamtramck | 04/19/17


New Industrial Goddess
Ever since seeing a short expose on DetroitPerforms.org of Josie Pace, I was not going to pass up an opportunity to catch her live at a local venue.  Whatever it took, wherever it was, I was going to be stealing pixels!  Thanks to Small’s Hamtramck, I didn’t have to wait very long.  (This was only their second live show…ever…)  Bonus points for opening act Ghost|Synthesis, another artist I have been jonesin’ to catch locally.  One night… two new artists (to me, that is)… an intimate venue… a few PBRs… perfect.
If you are up for a phenominal voice reaching out from a stellar industrial-vibe provided by Ken Roberts (keyboards/synth) and Mark Damian (drums), mixed with a stage presence that says “…this is what I have to say…“, then catch a show if you can or find them on the web.  With top-notch videos already under their belts, a serious eye for fashion and visuals, Josie Pace is Detroit industrial punk eye-candy with a stainless steel ice pick heading for your ears!
While I wanted to steal Jeff Rebrovich/Ghost|Synthesis pixels as well, photos would do absolutely no justice what-so-ever.  He is a visually-overloading, aurally-captivating presence that deserves your full attention… or at least a really hi-end video camera.  Next time.  Definitely next time.
Thank you, Josie/Ken/Mark.  Thank you, Jeff/G|S.
For all the images, click HERE

4/19/17

COMING UP (4/27): Solace Sessions #4: Rebecca Goldberg and Vnesswolfchild at Spread Art



SOLACE SESSIONS

at Spread Art: 5141 Rosa Parks, Detroit
8PM-11PM


On this troubled earth, the mind needs some time and space to decompress. What can art offer us? Can we obtain peace through a performance? Is there meaning in witnessing something beautiful? Can music offer us solace?

Bring what troubles you and leave it here.

#4
REBECCA GOLDBERG, live electronics (special performance of "Activity of Sound II")


VNESSWOLFCHILD, ritual sonic healing performance

Suggested donations, 
they go a long way ;)
____
Made possible with support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts

COMING UP (4/22): Undercover Boss at Reyes Projects Inaugural Opening


Reyes Projects is proud to announce its first exhibition, Undercover Boss, opening 
April 21, 2017 with a public reception (6-8pm) and remaining on view until May 26, 2017.
The exhibition features the work of Tony CoxGreg FadellSadie LaskaJane MoseleyJonathan RajewskiScott Reeder, Tyson Reeder, and Joe Roberts.
Developed in concert by Founder Terese Reyes with artist Scott Reeder, themes to be explored in Undercover Boss: surveillance, labor, privacy, oversharing on social media, the unobtainable balance between work and life, mistaken identity.
Opening Friday, April 21, 2017
100 South Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI

++++



ABOUT REYES PROJECTS
Established by Terese Reyes in 2017, Reyes Projects is a contemporary art gallery in  Birmingham, Michigan. The gallery occupies a 4,600 square foot space in the newly-renovated landmark Wachler Jewelry building on Old Woodward Avenue. 
Reyes Projects will reveal five exhibitions a year dedicated to emerging and mid-career artists. It is with such presentations that the gallery seeks to reveal a profile both internationally renowned and regional in dialogue. Collaborating with local patrons and institutions alike, the gallery hopes to continue to diversify and strengthen Detroit’s burgeoning arts community.


Reyes Projects will participate in its first art fair, the Dallas Art Fair, opening April 6, 2017. The gallery will present a solo exhibition featuring the work of Jonathan Rajewski, also featured in its inaugural exhibition.


ABOUT TERESE REYES
Terese Reyes is an arts professional living and working in Birmingham, Michigan. She graduated with BA from Georgetown University and masters in Contemporary Art from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. Reyes previously held positions at Andrew Edlin Fine Arts (New York), and Marlborough Chelsea (New York, now Marlborough Contemporary). 

4/18/17

(4/22) EARTH DAY 2017: Belle Isle Spring Cleanup

Now that the season has officially arrived, consider putting Spring Cleanup on your calendar.

Belle Isle's annual event, scheduled for Earth Day, Saturday April 22nd, prepares the park for the season while also celebrating its beautiful community.
It truly is perfect for individuals, couples, families, small and large groups.

Registration and site-assignment: 8:00am at the Flynn Pavilion
Clean up: 9:00am-1:00pm (Island-Wide)
Hotdog lunch: 1:00pm at the Flynn Pavilion 


Recreation passport requirement is waived for Spring Clean-up volunteers.

Individuals, families and small groups register on-site the morning of the event.

Groups of 15 more more, register via email with Genevieve Nowak
nowakg@belleisleconservancy.org 

Dress for the predicted weather conditions; boots suggested

We ask that you bring your own rake and work gloves; there will be some onsite for use while supplies last. If you have other cleanup supplies (such as a leaf blower) please feel free to bring them as well!

Leaf bags provided by the MDNR.

COMING UP (4/20): The Progressive Underground Next 200 Celebration: Afro Cosmic Music Cabaret



Join us as we celebrate WDET's The Progressive Underground w/Chris Campbell reaching its 200th episode and beyond with the AFRO COSMIC MUSIC CABARET taking place Thursday, Apil 20, 7 pm - 12 midnight. 

The event is hosted by writer/DJ/media personality/tastemaker and Progressive Underground host CHRIS CAMPBELL and will feature this amazing lineup of talent. 

HEADLINER
Headliner: Les Nubians
Opening act: Video7
Special Guests: Jessica Care MooreAmp FiddlerMahogany JonesSean BlackmanMalik Alston and many other surprise guest appearances.

The house band for the evening is dubbed the Afro Cosmic Music Orchestra featuring the following all-star musicians:

Maurice Pirahnahead Herd: Music Director/Guitars
Tony Gordon: Keyboard
Aisha Ellis: Drums/Percussion
Greg 'Greco' Freeman: Drums/Percussion
Leslie DeShazor: Viola/Strings

There will also be live-painting by a visual artist and fashion showcase by one of the area's hottest designers. 

TICKET TYPES/PRICES
(1) General Admission - $15.00
(2) VIP - $25.00 (priority seating, meet-and-greet with photo-op with Les Nubians, AND entry to the DIME Master Class lecture/Q & A with Les Nubians the following day, Friday, April 21, 1 - 3 pm at DIME Institute)

TICKETS WILL GO FAST!!!! Click the Ticket Bud link to purchase tickets ---> https://ticketbud.com/events/3103c34e-1949-11e7-8d37-2bb2af9243b7

4/17/17

COMING UP (4/22): Record Store Day Happy Hour at New Way Bar!


Oh man! Last year on Record Store Day, DUENDE! unleashed their monster hit, HEAD (and how to get it), as a 7" single on deep purple and classic black vinyl, stacked, and, backed up with MOTOR-PSYCHO, at the New Way Bar, in Ferndale, to great merriment, and (h)ope, and, f*cking in the streets. Even Charlie Leduff was on hand looking for a microphone stand. 

For this years festivities, DUENDE!, will have HEAD, and, their new 7" single for DANCE PARTY b/w KEEP IT COOL available with extra live content with the download. You can pick up both for the low brow price of $10.00 

NO COVER. Same as it ever was. 2PM - 6PM. 
New Way Bar also has the honor of debuting POOKIE'S TACOS, yes, the same Pookie who plays in the Detroit's Nice Boys of Rock 'n' Roll, the BEGGARS. 

DUENDE! did two sets last year, but wanted to Rock 'n' Roll with some pals this time around, so we asked Kommander, and, Dear Darkness to play a set each. 


New Way Bar
23130 Woodward
Ferndale

NEXT WKEND: Penguicon 2017 Nerdery Con in Southfield


A Non-Profit, Open Source – Science Fiction Convention Held April 28-30, 2017 In Southfield, MI.
Friday April 28 through Sunday April 30, 2017

In addition to the market of retro arts, crafts, and electronic projects, the Penguin 2017 schedule is out and it is PACKED with a wide variety of nerdy interests. Check out the tracks:
• Action Adventure
• After Dark
• Anime
• Cosplay
• DIY
• Food
• Gaming
• Life
• Literature
• Mayhem
• Media
• Penguicon
• Science
• Tech

Everything from writing to programming to cooking to hubba-hubba. I’ve already double- and triple-booked myself from hour to hour. It’s a great deal for a full weekend of entertainment, and after 15 years, these folks know what they’re doing.