The Big Picture

Courtroom installation explores what is fair and equitable in the legal system

February 1, 2020

We human beings are a storytelling species. Our social institutions— religious, legal and cultural— are based on narratives that may be fanciful or fact-based or influenced by precedent. But they are also ever-evolving. Throughout the winter and spring of 2020, Courtney McClellan, this year’s Roman J. Witt Artist in Residence at the University of Michigan

When Art is An Open Book

January 1, 2020

A contemporary artists’ book collection Who doesn’t love a good book? We enjoy these compact and reasonably priced objects as a matter of course. Even with the convenience of the internet and e-books, books are an adaptable form of communication. The feel, the heft, the sheer physical presence of a book is irresistible to booklovers,

Gallery Crawl

October 31, 2019

Following my Detroit Gallery Crawl piece in October Current highlighting contemporary art galleries in Detroit, it seems only fair to highlight the visual arts galleries in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

Detroit Gallery Crawl

September 30, 2019

Explore the art scene As the weather in Michigan turns cool, if you are curious about Detroit’s art scene and in the mood for a short 45 minute road trip, now is a great time to head downtown. When I began exploring Detroit several years ago, my hunt for significant art and artists was more

John Gutoskey Because I Cannot Sleep (corner of Ashley and Washington), David Zinn Pen Pals (corner of South Main and William), Leslie Sobel Lake Michigan Blues (corner of William and Division)

PowerArt! Three favorites From Ann Arbor’s Open-Air Museum

August 31, 2019

By K.A. Letts We expect public art— all those fountains, sculptures and murals— to express our civic soul, our collective values and our aspirations, providing visual relief from right angles and concrete. Ann Arbor’s PowerArt!, an ongoing project sponsored by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission, The Arts Alliance

Lester Johnson, Nelson Mandela, 2009, mixed media, 55”h x 44”w

Detroit’s Lester Johnson’s Solo Exhibit, Clarion Calls

June 30, 2019

This thoughtful mini-retrospective of the artist’s work traces his visual journey as an African American contemporary artist from the 1970’s until today.

The Quick Sketch

See the crowning of Miss Necto 2020!

January 1, 2020

The lights will shine brightly at Necto on January 26 during the fifth annual Miss Necto pageant. Hosted by Chanel Hunter and Maxi Chanel, this year’s event has the theme “Neon Lights.” Winning drag queens will be selected, one professional and one amateur, to receive a cash prize, a crown and a booking to perform

Bring out your onesies

January 1, 2020

Spend an evening wearing an adorable unicorn, bear, monster or any other big, comfy onesie at area bars. The Onesie Bar Crawl comes to Ann Arbor on January 18 when attendees visit five different bars— no cover charge for ticket-buyers— sample a slew of great drink specials, and finish at a night-capping after-party at LIVE

Jeff Daniels, Onstage and Unplugged

December 1, 2019

Chelsea resident Jeff Daniels returns to the Purple Rose Theatre Company for a new installment of his wildly popular concert series, Onstage and Unplugged, from December 26 through January 1. Finishing a year-long run portraying Atticus Finch in the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird, the two-time Emmy-winning actor will perform a new set

Grown Up Stories at Crazy Wisdom

December 1, 2019

An evening of eclectic tales of all kinds awaits attendees to December’s installment of the Story Night for Grown Ups series. The event will see members of the Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild take to the stage to tell tales— some true, some tall, all-engrossing and entertaining. Coupled with Crazy Wisdom’s selection of teas, desserts and

“Nutcracker” Returns to Michigan Theater

December 1, 2019

For over 15 years, the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet has enchanted audiences with the production of Tchaikovsky’s immortal Nutcracker. This yuletide staple returns to the Michigan Theater for one performance only on December 14. One of the most respected dance schools in the country, the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet teaches pupils the Vaganova