Stumbled Upon: Street Art

I'm a huge fan a street art, aka public art. I stumbled upon these photos of while browsing Facebook and had to share. I love how the color enlivens the concrete and adds expression to an other wise dull environment. The characters are pretty cool too. Notice how the middle character is small and can fold into the larger pieces on the end. 

-Kiana German

I Love Detroit by Jay Rayford

This video was uploaded by Jay Rayford of RepYourCity in 2010. The theme is loosely based on the events that took place in Detroit on its 300th birthday during the opening of the city's time capsule. The capsule contained letters from various individuals discussing the times and talking to future Detroiters. This video is Mr. Rayford's letter expressing his dedication to exposing Detroit's greatness.

College for Creative Studies 87th Student Exhibition

I love the College for Creative Studies because they take art appreciation to new heights. The respect they have for the art community is unbelievable. Yesterday, at the opening reception I got into a conversation with an economist that said there is a difference between, "private wants and public needs."

This struck accord because there is always the debate regarding the importance of public art. For example, why should government use tax payers dollars for art museums, public sculptures or mural projects. Does the public need art? Does the public want art?

I believe the public needs art. Art is important because it Inspires, creates Hope and Opportunity.

• Art is expression and allows us to feel. Art Inspires emotion.
• Art creates Hope because when people are Inspired they are also encouraged to act upon the inspiration. Inspiration influences our behavior.
• Opportunities are created when people act. Art creates opportunities for the artist and art consumer. 

When a consumer of art has an "Ah Ha Moment" and feels inspired to act, the mission has been accomplished. Thus, public art has the ability to inspire millions of people and create change.

I experienced several Ah Ha moments at the 87th CCS Student Exhibition.

Kiana German

*Photos taken by Kiana German*

CCS 87th Annual Student Exhibition

For the past 87 years College for Creative Studies (CCS) has transformed its campuses into the ultimate gallery, with over 3,500 pieces of student artwork adorning the walls, during the Annual Student Exhibition.

Beginning May 11 and ending on May 25, the public is invited to purchase many of these original and highly unique pieces of work with all proceeds going directly to the students to help jump‐start their art and design careers. A number of Opening Receptions kick off the festivities on Friday, May 11, 2011.

“The Student Exhibition has long been recognized as CCS’s premier event. Our institution prepares artists and designers to contribute to the global creative economy and this event allows us to showcase student talent across all of the College’s disciplines,” says CCS President Richard L. Rogers.

Opening Night consists of four separate events: the Collector’s Preview and Private Reception, the Art Educator’s Reception, the Alumni Reception and the General Exhibition and Opening. Tickets for the Collector’s Preview and Private Reception from 5:30 until 10:00 p.m. are $350.

General Admission Opening tickets are $50 and provide admission from 7:00 until 10:00 p.m. The Alumni Tickets are two for $60 and include admission to a special Alumni Reception from 7:00 until 10:00 p.m. Food will be provided by some of the area’s finest restaurants and entertainment during the Opening and entertainment will be provided by: Lil’ William, Seedsmen to World, DJ Sean Deason and Rogue Satellites.

After Opening Night, the Student Exhibition is free and continues from May 12 until May 25 for public viewing and sales. In addition to featuring CCS student work, the event will also feature work from students at Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies (HFA:SCS). Hours are Saturday through Wednesday from 10:oo a.m. until 4:oo p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. All Student Exhibition events will be held at The A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education located at 460 West Baltimore in Detroit’s Midtown.

Where The Wild Things Are

This blog was inspired by the passing of Maurice Sendak, author of Where The Wild Things Are. I love this book because of the illustrations and ability to take the reader to a far away place. The juxtaposition of a bed time story with friendly monsters is what attracted me to the content. The illustrations in this book have remained with me throughout the years. The over-sized monsters, laughing and showing care for the small boy trying to go to sleep.

We can all over come our fears and find similarities try despite our differences. Art impacts our lives at all ages.

http://nyti.ms/JcDhIf

Style Detroit

Detroit Design Center: Sculptural Salt Water Aquarium - "Three Brains"

The Detroit Design Center was commissioned to create three sculptural features at Quicken Loans, in the Rock Companies World Headquarters in Detroit Michigan. This film features one of these sculptures called "Three Brains". Inside this functioning salt water aquarium is a glass coral reef, created with hand blown glass including over 20 species of glass coral inspired by real species. Detroit Design Center founders Erik and Israel Nordin are proud to share their latest work. 

The Detroit Design Center creates one of a kind objects for spaces. 

www.detroitdesigncenter.com 
email at: detroitdesigncenter@gmail.com

Google Sketchup Concept Drawings 4.2012

Google Sketchup is a 3-dimensional drawing tool I use to communicate visually with clients. I recently completed a Sketchup drawing for a lower level condominium in Southfield, MI. Check it out and let me know what you think.

@KianaGerman

Oh Happy Day!

A scene to remember, Oh Happy Day performance from the movie Sister Act featuring Whoopi Goldberg.

I wish you a Happy Day!

- @KianaGerman

Inside Lafayette Park Exhibit

Just announced: Inside Lafayette Park, running April 14-22 in Lafayette Plaza. 

See flyer for specific events and times.

TEDx : Mark Raymond - Innovative Architecture to ensure Social Equity

Architecture can bring people together, or divide them -- witness the skyscraper, costly, inefficient, and only serving small portions of the community. At TEDxPortofSpain, Mark Raymond encourages city governments to let go of their old notions of success and consider the balance of environment, economy, and society to design cities for social change.


Mark Raymond is the president of the The Trinidad and Tobago Institute of Architects -- a firm dedicated to safeguarding sustainable, ethical and artistic design throughout the islands. He studied at the Architectural Association in London and worked for Norman Foster and DEGW before returning to Trinidad. Mark works on a wide variety of architectural, urban design and landscaping projects. He has also lectured in the US, UK and throughout the Caribbean.