Don't Miss Out: Detroit Design Festival is Here Now Through Sunday

DESIGN LIVES HERE – THE DETROIT DESIGN FESTIVAL SHOWCASES 300 + DESIGNERS, 70+ DESIGN EVENTS NOW-SEPT. 22

North America’s Festival of Independent Design is Now-Sept. 22

The third annual Detroit Design Festival (DDF) is in full swing now through Sunday. Taking place at venues along Detroit’s Creative Corridor from Downtown Detroit to New Center, in Eastern Market and in more than 13 neighborhoods throughout Detroit, this year’s annual citywide celebration of design will be the most significant to date.

With more than 300 designers featuring their work at 70 Design Happenings, the 2013 festival spans all design disciplines and brings together commerce, culture, education, and entertainment with a full, varied program of exhibitions, openings, installations, shows, talks, and open studios.

Shuttle service will be available for the festival’s major events on Thurs., Fri., and Sat. Attendees can park at the Walter B. Ford Building on the Ford Campus of the Center for Creative Studies (201 E. Kirby, Detroit 48202) and ride a shuttle to Eastern Market After Dark on Thurs., Light up Livernois on Fri., and the Youth Innovation Center on Sat. Shuttles will depart from the Walter B. Ford Building every 20 minutes between the following times:

Thurs., Sept. 19: 7-11 p.m. 

Fri., Sept. 20: 6-11 p.m. 

Sat., Sept. 21: Noon-6 p.m.

For directions to the Walter B. Ford Building, please visit: http://www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/contact-us/maps-and-directions.

Connect with DDF on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/detroitdesignfestival.

For a full program guide of the Design Happenings Sept. 18-22, please visit:

http://detroitdesignfestival.com/download-the-digital-ddf2013-program-guide/

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Connect.DRINK.SHARE.Solve

Thu: 3:30-4:30 p.m. & 4:30-7 p.m.(AIREA STUDIO, Compuware Lobby, 1048 Woodward Ave.)

Starting at 3:30, AIREA STUDIO will be hosting a presentation by Sphere Trending titled “The New Color Rules” (www.spheretrending.com). Immediately following, enjoy a cocktail event to celebrate AIREA STUDIO’s new space and purpose in Detroit; to CONNECT.THINK.SHARE.SOLVE.(www.aireainc.com/aireastudio) 

Third Thursday

Thu: 6–9 p.m. (various galleries)

Every third Thursday in Detroit more than 40 galleries host special events from 6-9 p.m., such as artist talkbacks, open studios, lectures and art classes. Find this month's participating venues at Art Detroit Now Sept. 19: http://artdetroitnow.com/events/event/3rd-thursday/. Just show up and enjoy.

Car Art / Crash

Thu: 6–9 p.m. (Elaine L. Jacob Gallery, Wayne State University, 480 W Hancock St)

Partake in this exciting exhibit as a group of (inter)national artists and designers engage with the quintessential urban embodiment of speed, movement, and modernity (and long-time lifeblood of the Motor City): the automobile.

The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller

Thu: 7 p.m. (sold out) & 9:30 p.m. (Detroit Institute of Art’s Detroit Film Theater, 5200 Woodward Ave) Part of the 2013 Reva K. Stocker lecture series, this new live documentary by Academy Award-nominated director Sam Green features a live score by the legendary indie rock band Yo La Tengo.

Eastern Market After Dark

Thu: 7-11 p.m. (Eastern Market)

This self-guided evening tour provides a once-a-year opportunity for guests to explore more than 30 creative venues. Eastern Market is often recognized as the food hub of Detroit, bustling with Saturday morning shoppers. After dark a different hustle takes over the neighborhood, a creative movement hidden in lofts, studios and galleries living in the market. The night tour will open the doors to studios, galleries, artists’ residencies, hacker spaces, shops and letterpress studios. The evening will give guests a chance to explore the market often not experienced. A free shuttle will be provided to take patrons between centralized locations in the Market. The event is free and open to all ages. See program guide for more details.

AIA Detroit: Celebration of Architecture

Thu: 7-11 p.m. (Shed 3, 2934 Russell St.)

AIA Detroit's annual architecture awards celebrate quality local design. This year's event will feature lighting installations, craft cocktails, artisan Detroit food culture tastings, video projections, and architecture-inspired runway fashion shows. This event takes place during Eastern Market After Dark. Tickets are $35 ($15 with student ID) and admission is free after 9 p.m.

Seek Eastern Market + Design Fire

Thu: 7-11 p.m. (First Container, 2930 Russell Street)

Bring a blanket and share DDF and Eastern Market experiences and stories by bonfire at First Container, a prototype replica of the larger Collision Works boutique hotel and community space being constructed out of shipping containers. A map will be provided of the Eastern Market After Dark Experience indicating where participants can find new stories and more opportunities to share theirs. Any blankets left behind will be donated to COTS (Coalition of Temporary Shelter). http://detroitcollisionworks.com/ddf

Detroit Fashion Showcase

Thu: 9:30-11 p.m. (Shed 3, 2934 Russell St.)

Stylist and color specialist Laura Rose (Colour Me Rose) and Leticia Fisher (Phat Magazine) present an Architectural-themed live magazine style showcase of local artisan and designer fashion apparel, jewelry, and accessories. Homeslice Clothing designer Emily Thornhill showcases her new Autumn/Winter 2014 collection of women's ready-to-wear fashion apparel inspired by Detroit's urban landscape. Cash bar.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Free Art Friday Detroit (FAFDET)

Fri: Calling all designers! Whether a creator or a collector, designers will want to get involved in this citywide scavenger hunt. FAFDET is a collection of designers and artists driven to promote creativity, celebrate art and encourage people to explore the great City of Detroit. #FAFDET. For more information, including time and starting point, please follow FAFDET’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FAFDET

Tour of dPOP! Spaces

Noon-2 p.m. (719 Griswold St)

Fri: Starting at their new HQ in the Chrysler House vault, the dPOP! tour allows anyone to enjoy the new age of Detroit’s worker-culture. See the award-winning spaces: the Qube (Chase Building), One Woodward, the former Federal Reserve Building and the Chrysler House.

The Silkies of Madagascar

Fri: 2, 6 & 7 p.m. (Room 207, Warren Loranger Architecture Building, University of Detroit Mercy, 4001 W McNichols Rd.)

In a new 30-minute documentary, “The Silkies of Madagascar”, award-winning filmmaker David Evans tells the inspiring story of how 90 talented silk-weaving women transform their federation and continue the ancient tradition of weaving with the help of a Peace Corps volunteer and an international folk art market.

Automobiles and Architecture Opening Reception

Fri: 6-9 p.m. (Valade Family Gallery, A Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education, College for Creative Studies, 485 W Milwaukee St.)

Enjoy the opening reception of photographer Jim Haefner’s Automobiles and Architecture exhibition featuring compelling images of Detroit’s fast cars and fancy buildings. The show will run from 9/17 - 10/11. 

Cable Car Race

Fri: 4:15 p.m. (Ford Campus Parking Structure, 4th floor, 201 E Kirby)

Cheer on the freshmen CCS Transportation Design students who designed and fabricated cable cars fit for a race. The cable cars are designed with aerodynamics in mind. Constructed from 20 lb. foam, then sanded and painted by the students, the cars will be guided down descending cables in the CCS parking structure. Winners are chosen based on speed and design.

Light Up Livernois

Fri: 3-11 p.m. (Livernois Community Storefront, 19410 Livernois)

Entrepreneurs, artists and designers from Detroit and around the world are collaborating to transform Livernois Ave. September 20 will debut the next chapter on Detroit’s historic Avenue of Fashion with an evening of design, art, shopping and entertainment. See program guide for more details.

University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture’s 50th Anniversary Alumni Exhibition

Fri: 6-10 p.m. (Warren Loranger Architecture Building, 4001 W McNichols Rd.)

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the University Detroit Mercy School of Architecture, this exhibition will showcase architecture and design work from many distinguished alumni since 1964.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Youth Innovation Center

Sat: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (College for Creative Studies)

The DDF Youth Innovation Center lets kids express their creativity in an open capacity, housing various fun and engaging activities. Featured activities include: a LEGO-Land display by the Michigan LEGO Club; a Doodle Pod by coG-studio; interviews and design contests by WDET 101.9 FM; a video project by the Community Arts Partnerships (CAP) program; Neighborhood Fort; mask-making workshops by Kelly Guillory, and several other exciting activities perfect for wee ones and their parents. 

Letterpress Workshop with CCS Print Collaborative

Sat: 10 a.m. (B208, Kresge Ford Building, 201 E Kirby)

In this workshop, the basics of letterpress, as well as, the interplay of image and typography - both conventional and experimental, will be covered. The enrollment fee for the workshop is $25; all needed materials will be provided. To register, please contact Terry Neubacher at 313-664-7602 or neubacher@collegeforcreativestudies.edu.

The Kimberly Gallery

Sat: 11 a.m.–12 noon (Owen Park, 8325 Jefferson Ave)

The Kimberly Gallery is a public art space dedicated to works that embrace the history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans. Nestled in Detroit's historic Indian Village, the Kimberly Gallery features work by some of Detroit's most renowned emerging artists with amazing views of the Detroit River as their backdrop. 

Artifact Makers Society - The Design of Craftsmanship

Fri: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Shinola, 441 W Canfield)

As a new project led by the Detroit Creative Corridor Center, the Artifact Makers Society will explore what it really means to be made in Detroit. This inspirational forum will feature conversations with local designers and makers. Attendees will interact with a display of locally made objects and will get a sneak peek into this new outfit, which is set to officially launch in December 2013.

Design in Motion (DIM)

Sat: Noon-2 a.m. (4264 Grand River, corner of Calumet and Grand River)

Showcasing underground design, the Design in Motion battles focus on three areas: custom car design, street art, and breakdance, which will highlight the region’s approach to these mediums. Locally made goods, food and drinks will be available.

Yene Konjo: Portrait of a People

Sat: Noon-6 p.m.  (GR N’Namdi Gallery, 52 E Forest)

Yene Konjo is an Amhari (Ethiopian) phrase that means “my beautiful.” View photographs taken by Gilles Perrinshow in Ethiopia, Mali, and Niger that capture the complex beauty of each individual depicted. 

North End

Sat: Noon-6 p.m.

Once the most northern boundary of Detroit; this historic neighborhood is alive with culture, history and unique design. Enjoy more than several exciting events in the North End cluster. See program guide for more details. 

Design Thinking Panel with Skidmore Studio

Sat: 2-3 p.m. (Wendell A Anderson Jr. Auditorium, Walter B Ford II Building, College for Creative Studies, 201 E Kirby St.)

Key leaders of Skidmore Studio, including two CCS alums from the strategy, design and illustration departments will showcase the studio's innovative three-step design thinking process. Skidmore is focused on the role of design in the redevelopment and re-engineering of Detroit, and has used this to propel their clients forward.  

The Alley Project (TAP Gallery) Open Studio

Sat: 3–7 p.m. (The Alley Project, 9233 Avis St.)

TAP Open Studio is a weekly event that facilitates relationship building between unlikely parties. There are structured activities for youth and parents to participate in ranging from puppet making, screen printing and painting to creating instruments and storytelling.

Letterpress Open House in Green Garage

Sat: 3-9 p.m. (44FortyFour Studio, 4444 Second Ave)

The Green Garage will host an open house with letterpress goods for sale. Two to three presses will be made available for visitors to press their own print. 

For Whom, By Whom Mini-Conference: North End

Sat: 4–8 p.m. (Vanguard, 2785 E Grand Blvd)

Participate in a dinner conversation and workshop on how communities can collaborate to support the restoration of Detroit's historic North End. Explore public space, art, neighborhood participation, building community, and the way neighborhoods experience change. 

Design District Shelter

Sat: 4-8 p.m. (Patrick Thompson Design, 4240 Cass Ave, Suite 102)

See Patrick Thompson Design’s installation – a temporary shelter installed on the facade of their space at the Auburn Building, which is situated in the emerging Detroit Design District at Cass and Canfield in Midtown. 

Studio Open House

Sat: 4-9 p.m. (Local Portion, 2727 Second Ave., Suite 266)

Local Portion provides functional smart design for living spaces that are handcrafted by Detroit makers. Its design-led, handcrafted ceramics bring awareness to the relationships between people and the things they buy. Join Local Portion for a public behind-the-scenes look at the company, which is centered on minimalism, while thoughtfully crafting products. 

Design With Purpose

Sat: 4–8 p.m. (Trent Design, 71 Garfield Suite 150)

Trent Design showcases the work of two young and talented industrial designers, Mitch Steinmetz and Nick Mailhiot. View Steinmetz and Mailhiot’s work, which is conceptualized in the spirit of the DDF's mission to connect creatives to one another and introduce new and innovative work to the community. 

The Successful Detroit Creative

Sat: 5–7 p.m. (Shaver Music Recital Hall, next to the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery, Wayne State University)

Detroit creative individuals can enjoy economic success as an artist and designer!  Join a panel of artists for an informal discussion on strategies for becoming successful entrepreneurs in the City of Detroit. 

See Art + Design

Sat: 6–9 p.m. (Re: View Contemporary, 444 W Willis #111)

See Art + Design presents Hyperbolic Shelter, an outside installation by designer Andy Kem in an evening to explore and celebrate conceptual design in Detroit. Inspired by history, technology, and materials, Kem – who received a BFA in Industrial Design/Transportation from the College for Creative Studies – designs and builds functional objects and spatial sculpture through an acute investigation of the complex challenges presented by the proportions and structures necessitated by the objects’ use. Re: View galleries will also be open during the event presenting two solo exhibits by Graem Whyte and Faina Lerman.

Stretch The Strangle Hold

Sat: 6 p.m.-midnight (4731 Gallery, 4731 Grand River)

Curated by Joe Lovett and Jack O Summers, this exhibit includes works and crafts from a group of creative local artists, photographers, designers, and more. 

Slow Roll: Special Edition

Sat: 6:30 p.m. sharp (meet at Downtown Detroit Bike Shop, 1420 Fisher Fwy.)

Tour the Detroit Design Festival and check out some Design Happenings with hundreds of cyclists. Detroit Bike City presents Slow Roll: Special Edition Saturday during the festival. Please come prepared with a helmet, extra tube, and lights. Stops will include: Midtown, North End, Grand River Creative Corridor, and North Corktown.

Spread Art Presents: Shua Group’s "Soft Wall" Visual Installation

Sat: 6:30–11 p.m. (Detroit Contemporary, 5141 Rosa Parks)

Soft Wall is a dance-based interactive performance created by Shua Group in collaboration with visual artist Sylvestre Gobart (Brussels) taking place 9/18 8 p.m. The performance creates a visual installation, which will be presented this evening.

Practice Space Grand Opening

Sat: 7-11 p.m. (Practice Space, 2801 14th Street)

This special celebration officially unveils the past year’s renovation and design work. Located in a North Corktown former auto garage, Practice Space is a collaborative workspace and residency program, operating in architecture, business and storytelling. 

Corktown Studios Presents: Art in Action. An Open Studio [plus]

Fri: 7-11 p.m. (Corktown Studios, 2707 14th Street)

An open studio where participants tour the facilities, including the studio, gallery space, and out-door sculpture garden. At 8 and 9:30 p.m. the resident artists are available to walk guests through their creative spaces and their individual design processes and will also offer a Q&A. 

DTF@NES

Sat: 7 p.m.-midnight (North End Studios, 5101 Lorraine)

Showcasing NES in its entirety; DTF highlights their multifaceted artist community and alternative approaches to business. Artists include: Britny Andrews, Heidi Barlow, Anthony Chirco, Ashley Cook, Ivan Gamboa, Asia Hamilton, Katie Hawley, Ken Hudak, Lindsay Jewel, Shaina Kasztelan, Jeff Nolan, Skylar Taylor and Dave Wheeler.

HUMAN Runway Competition

Sat: 7:30-9 p.m. (HUMAN, 4240 Cass Ave, Suite 106)

HUMAN, a Michigan-sourced clothing and jewelry designer shop located in the heart of Midtown Detroit, holds a competitive runway competition to select the next capsule apparel collection available at HUMAN. 

Artists, Architecture & Scale: From Construction Materials to Building Design to Community Development. Salon Dinner.

Sat: 7:30-9 p.m. (Detroit contemporary, 5141 Rosa Parks)

Dinner, drinks and lively conversation exploring the ideas and intersections of creative processes, repurposing buildings, local community engagement and citywide development. Facilitated by Spread Art, featuring Shua Group and more. Tickets: $10 (includes dinner and drinks) 

String Up The Moon

Sat: 7:30 p.m.-midnight (Jam Handy, 2900 E Grand Blvd)

Hosted by The Jam Handy & Jamison Social Club, String Up The Moon is a special performance by Fratellanza with a Russian tea following the performance. $15 admission, $5 for students (with ID).

Light Graffiti - Late Night Out

Sat: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. (Kunsthalle, 5001 Grand River)

Coinciding with the opening of the exhibition of digital art and design “I See You,” Kunsthalle hosts a special Light Graffiti event, which will be held outdoors along the walls of the Museum on Warren Ave. and Grand River Ave.

#Loiter

8 p.m.-2 a.m. (In The Black Suites, 277 Gratiot Ave, Suite 600)

#Loiter is a Detroit-based Migrant Ensemble Gallery with a community focus, built around showcasing Detroit artists through social media contests, local music and drinks.

Untitled Bottega Opening Gala

Sat: 9 p.m.-midnight (Untitled Bottega, 314 E Baltimore)

A community art space and open gallery hosts its grand opening, featuring installations by local artists and designers, and a performance by local musician DJ Pest.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

Mies van der Rohe Lafayette Park Walking Tours

Sun: Tours at 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. (1300 Lafayette)

Attendees will get an insider’s view of the neighborhood, learn more about architects Gunnar Birkerts, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Ludwig Hilberseimer and Alfred Caldwell, and enjoy a presentation on the neighborhood's history and designers before being guided through the community. Registration required: $10 http://lafayetteparktours.eventbrite.com/

Multi-user Virtual World Software for Habitat Design

Sun: 2-4 p.m. (Fourteen East Cafe, Park Shelton Building, 15 E Kirby)

A demonstration of how the opensimulator.org 3d modeling software is used to envision and design the space in which we exist. Learn about the creation of a multi user virtual world approach to buildings, streetscapes and all the rest. Completed projects will show models of a Detroit cafe, proposed urban farm, historical renovation and more.

Detroit Soup

Sun: 6-9 p.m. (Jam Handy, 9200 E Grand Blvd)

A micro-granting dinner celebrating creative projects in the city. Only $5 gets you soup, salad and a vote. Join the fun.

MULTIPLE DAYS:

The Visual Art of John Cage

9/17 - 9/21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Center Galleries, Manoogian Visual Resource Center, College for Creative Studies, 301 Frederick Douglass)

For the first time in Detroit, Center Galleries presents an exhibition of drawings, watercolors and prints by the legendary 20th century avant-garde composer and writer John Cage (1912 – 1992). This project includes the exhibition of works installed based on a Cagean chance-derived score, which will randomly alter the installation throughout the run of the exhibition. 

2012/2013 Best Projects Exhibition

9/17 - 22:  Tuesday - Saturday 8 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday noon-10 p.m. (Walter B Ford II Building Atrium, College For Creative Studies, 201 E Kirby)

The College’s most successful client-sponsored and award-winning student designs of the 2012/2013 academic year will be on view in the atrium of the Walter B. Ford II Building. Work from Advertising, Graphic Design, Product Design, Transportation Design, and MFA Interdisciplinary Design will be highlighted. 

Cups With A Purpose: The Red Thread of Fate Installation

9/17 - 9/22, regular cafe hours, reception: Thu: 6-8 p.m. (Fourteen East, Park Shelton Building, 15 E Kirby)

An invisible red thread connects those destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstances. During the month of September, patrons can donate a dollar to share their individual thoughts, reflections, and inspiration of design by writing on a recycled cup. The cups will be added to the Red Thread installation, all proceeds to benefit Arts & Scraps.

Color Names Research Study

9/18 - 9/22 (various Design Happenings)

Language evolves over time, and this includes the words used to refer to color, an important element of design. This study will measure how the names for colors have evolved so far by questioning a representative cross-section of Detroit's population (study participants will be compensated for their time) at the DDF.

dPOP! Workeasy  

9/18 - 9/20, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. (dPOP!, 719 Griswold St.)

The dPOP! Workeasy (located in our historic vault beneath Chrysler House) gives visitors a speakeasy atmosphere with a professional twist! dPOP! is opening its new delectable space to on-the-go entrepreneurs who can get creative engines humming while relaxing with free coffee, snacks, and WiFi.

#DDF2013 Sidewalk Gallery

9/19-9/22  (various sidewalks)

To potentially earn your place in the gallery, capture your festival experience with #DDF2013. The best photographs will be transformed into large-scale wheat paste prints, which will appear at various Design Happenings. 

Wayne State University Presents: Minoru Yamasaki Building Tours

9/20 6:30 & 8 p.m., 9/21 9 & 10:30 a.m. (McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Wayne State University, 495 Ferry Mall)

The tours will start in the lobby of the McGregor Memorial Conference Center and will then proceed to the Education Building, the Meyer and Anna Prentis Building and, finally, the Helen L. DeRoy Auditorium.

Type in the City

9/19 - 9/21, noon–6 p.m. (Begin at d:hive, 1253 Woodward Ave)

This scavenger hunt sparks discussion of old and new typography in the city and a fresh look at what defines a place of significance. Using largely street promotion and social media, residents and visitors are encouraged to look at typography in a new way. #gethypeabouttype @TypeintheCity