Rochester Connections
Andrew Cribbett and Alicia Cutaia
The Rochester community has two of its own in the 2013 Art X Detroit: Kresge Arts Experience held in Midtown April 10-14. Laurie Eisenhower, owner of the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, and Kathleen Pfeiffer, professor and chair of the English Department at Oakland University, represent the Rochester area.
Thirty-eight artists are involved this year. The public is invited to this free, five-day celebration of visual art installations, dance, musical and theatrical performances and literary readings. The opening night reception kicks off the event at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) and continues at the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art, the First Congressional Church and Wayne State University. Fifteen different venues in the Midtown district will host the various artists and their work during the five days. View the complete schedule at www.ArtXDetroit.com.
“A thriving arts and cultural community not only enriches the quality of life for residents and visitors to southeastern Michigan, but inspires fresh ideas and fuels the creative vitality of the region,” said Rip Rapson, Kresge’s president and CEO. “In attracting local, national and international audiences to experience the works of these artists, Art X Detroit celebrates the Detroit metropolitan area as a hub of innovation and human energy. We’re proud to support the event and celebrate the Kresge Eminent Artists and Artist Fellows.”
Mary Devitt
Did you know that Rochester has a professional dance company? The Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (103 South Street) is home to the touring dance company that travels the country. In addition to housing the company, educational programs and dance instruction take place at the Rochester location, as well as their Birmingham location.
Laurie Eisenhower’s performance in Art X Detroit is called Alice and. It’s about “dreams and the stream of conscienceness” that takes place in the dream world, said Eisenhower. Her performance is on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 from 8:00-8:30 p.m. at the Allesee Studio Theatre at Wayne State University Old Main Building.
Laurie says this event is “Calling attention to a first-class touring company in Rochester which is sometimes known more outside the area than in our own backyard.” For more about the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, visit www.ede-dance.org.
“Dream big” and “think outside the box” are a couple of ideas that the Kresge Foundation helps artists accomplish, said Kathleen Pfeiffer. Art X Detroit will “Push boundaries” she says, over what other “art festivals offer.”
Ali Woerner
Pfeiffer’s performance, titled Snapshots, will take place on Friday, April 12, 2013 from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at the Kresge Court at the Detroit Institute of Arts. It’s a literary performance combined with dance and a backdrop of visual art. She also conducts a workshop (Snapshots – Memoir Writing Workshop) on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. at Walter B Ford II Building at the College of Creative Studies.
This experience with Art X Detroit is “a reflection back to my colleagues at OU … has given me an occasion to collaborate that has been
rewarding,” said Pfeiffer. Read her blog at www.KathyWrites.com
The Kresge Foundation
While their philanthropy in national, Kresge has deep roots in Detroit. Part of their mission is to assist in creating access and opportunity for underserved communities, support artistic expression and increase college achievement.
Administered by the College for Creative Studies, the Kresge Foundation provides fellowships annually, each consisting of a $25,000 award, public recognition and customized professional practice opportunities for emerging and established metropolitan Detroit artists. Thirty-six fellowships are awarded every two years.
Visit the Art X Detroit website for all the details, locations and schedules for this year’s event.
Michael Dwyer is a freelance writer and travel columnist. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at Michael@RochesterMedia.com
About Michael Dwyer