I tend not to think of Detroit as a center for the arts, but in reality it has a lot to offer.  I learned this recently on a weekend visit with a group of friends, eager to have a big city experience after the long Covid 19 Lockdown. 

A group of five couples organized a weekend in Detroit both to have fun together and to explore some of what the city has to offer.  

Some of us stayed at the RenCen, remembering the excitement when it was built in the 1970s.  It was a big deal then.  It feels a bit like a fortress,  but I personally enjoyed the many photo opportunities including the long  walkways.  

Renaissance_Center

Eastern Market

On Saturday morning a few of us explored the Eastern Market, well known for its variety of food, music, street art and quirky shops.  We weren’t disappointed.  

Eastern_Market,_Detroit

Cranbrook Academy

Getting out of the city a bit, we were fascinated with an architectural photography exhibit at Cranbrook—long time school of art and design on the Northwest part of the metropolitan area.  It was a beautiful fall day for exploring this institution known for training many people in the design world including Saarinans, Ray and Charles Ames.  Famous people who went to school there.   Cranbrook Academy 

We were there to see a photograph exhibit about Modern Homes in Michigan.  

The Monarch Club

That evening, we had a private room at the Monarch Club  down town where we looked over a balcony hosting a wedding party.  It was perfect for a group of ten. Conversation stopped for me when the sun set throwing a glowing orange light on the walls, creating shadows that fascinate me photographically.  

The Monarch Club 

Detroit Institute of Arts

But a highlight was a Sunday morning visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts with it’s elaborate exhibit hall and the well known Diego Rivera murals.  It’s definitely worth seeing.  

Detroit Institute of Arts 

Since I am fascinated with Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos or Dios dos Muertos) the very interesting exhibit of alters drew me in but what captivated me even more was the Detroit Car exhibit.  If you like cars, this is an exhibit to see.

 Day of the Dead

https://www.dia.org/detroitstyle

Detroit Style

Spanning seventy  years, the exhibit featured some fantastic examples of Detroit’s efforts.  They are truly works of art.  The exhibit included well chosen works of pieces on the walls complimenting the vehicles on display. 

Detroit Style 

While my husband was happy as could be looking at the cars, I pulled my iPhone out of my bag to work on creating abstracts out of the angles, textures, and lines of these impressive vehicles.  Kept me happy.  

I got so wrapped up in lines and reflections that I couldn’t resist capturing the pavement of the parking lot seen in the car next to ours.  This soon led to playing the double exposure app on my phone……and  what-do-you-know,  a swan appeared.  It never ends.