Iranian Artist In Exile Shirin Neshat DIA Exhibit Discussion In Ferndale

Ken Szmigiel speaks on the Art of Shirin Neshat at Ferndale Public Library

Shirin Neshat Ted Talk

 

This week at the Ferndale Public Library a special discussion on the work of Shirin Neshat, her exhibit at the DIA and her powerful artistic voice. 

Must See Urban Art The Heidelberg Project

The Heidelberg Project Street Looking East

I was in aw of this old building veiled in plush toys and hope

Removed artifacts from the OJ House Fire

The back view of the OJ House with dumpster clean up in progress

Fountain and shoes installation in front of The House Of Numbers

Installation North of Heidelberg Street, come see it for yourself

All photos by A. Lozano: Kids In The Hood Student Art Exhibit in the House of Numbers at The Heidelberg Project

The Saturday before Mothers Day was a fine day to visit The Heidelberg Project in Detroit.  A fellow art enthusiast, design colleague and cultural explorer friend and I made a plan to visit this urban jewel for the first time.  The recent fire at the OJ house gave us an opportunity to see the altered structure for ourselves.  An exhibit titled Kids In The Hood was open to the public at The House of Numbers and peaceful visitors marveled at the lively spirit, playful art and earnest renewal underway.  It really is quite difficult to put into words the beauty and wonder of The Heidelberg Project but it feels quite a bit like a Sociological Altar, magnetic and alive!  I'll be back again and again.

Flora Will Save The Day

Floral Bouquet on display at shop in Paris France

Photo by Sevil Sungar, world traveler, co-owner of Goodnight Istanbul

former Detroit resident and an unstoppable Stylish Friend

Pinterest Board: Flower Power Jacket

 

Mother Nature respects Beauty.  Flora, an unstoppable celebration of color, texture and scent.  As the perfume and fashion industry seeks to mimic it's force and allure we embrace it all with open arms, eyes and hearts longing to dress ourselves in divine forms of praise for our creator.

Happy Mothers Day to you and yours may the beauty of nature, friendship and faith find and keep you everyday. -  xoxo alvita

Live Music In The Hood

Metrotimes paper dress by Matt Richmond with my accessory styling photo: a. lozano

There will be a lot of foot traffic and buzz in the hood this week/weekend for Metrotimes Blowout music festival.  Some of the venues include the Public Library, The Rustbelt Market, and The Loving Touch on Woodward.  I hope to bump into some of you.  If you see me, come say hi and let me know you saw this post.  Music is good for the soul and good for mixing it up here in Ferndale.

Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas Bring it Home to Detroit

 

All Photos by Ali Saloum Photography

This Story also appears on the Detroit Huffington Post News Platform

 



I cold called Graphic Designer and Art Director Susi Cruz of Cruz Creative Studio last year in my professional meandering for research purposes.  Our creative discussions eventually turned to the local music scene as I learned that Susi and Jessica Hernandez (of Jessica Hernandez &The Deltas) are relatives.  Detroit can be a very small city when you are curious and friendly.

If you keep your ear to the ground people talk up their favorite local acts.  Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas ( Blue Note Records ) is one of those grapevine bands in the national spotlight and currently on tour across the states.  In late March the band performed at St. Andrews Hall with The Mexican Knives and James Linck to a loyal and diverse crowd. 

I attended the show as a spectator having heard Young, Drunk and Dumb which is a thoughtful and melodic tune showcasing Ms. Hernandez's distinctive voice and keen intelligence.  A petite even tempered and unassuming Latin beauty Jessica is also known for her hip and eclectic personal style.  When she walks onto a stage you know she has a unique point of view.  At this show a horn section performed with Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas and can be heard on their Caught Up single featured in this neat promotional clip by Matthew Franklin.  

Midway through the concert I moved to the back of the hall to take in the crowd and bumped into James Linck  whom I quickly began to interrogate FBI style.  He's a slightly shy dude but friendly and hugely gifted.  Opposites is a sweet and clever favorite of mine.  You can check it out on his Soundcloud profile. 

I love live music and enjoyed the whole line up including the stilt-walkers via (The Detroit Circus).  Congratulations Jessica Hernandez & The Deltas, The Mexican Knives and James Linck the evening was well worth the price of admission. 

A mini production of the concert can be seen here on vimeo.  Check their tour dates for details on the next Detroit show.  I'd love to hear your thoughts if you attended the show or have a favorite record from any of the bands. 

I need to thank Ali Saloum for the photos in this post, a gentleman and Detroit creative at work and play.

Under The Poppy Comes to Life In Historic Detroit Home

 

Book Cover Under The Poppy, original script for production based on the book



 

Original Music for Under The Poppy Prodction by Joe Stacy and Lyrics by Kathe Koja



Under The Poppy Puppet Characters, Photos by A. Lozano unless noted


Under The Poppy is ready for it's next incarnation this time at the historic Bernard Ginsburg House in Detroit's Brush Park.

Author/Director and ring master Kathe Koja has pulled together a wonderful pool of local talent working feverishly to bring to life her "Authentic Historic Theater Production Under The Poppy Brothel."  Working with a new cast of actors, custom life size puppet and authentic wardrobe this show is sure to be a memorable feast for the soul.  For more details and ticket information check out the website. 

Audience is encouraged to wear Victorian, Steam-Punk or Formal wardrobe to the event and mask will be provided for adventurous patrons. 

FILWF: Red Balloon Pop-Up Installation - Valentine's Day 2013

Installation/Card Design and all photos by a. Lozano

Happy Valentine’s Day FernCare Visual Art Installation is a 3D Pop-Up Window Display Fundraiser.  A spin off from the original Fall In Love With Fashion Valentine’s Day Art Exhibit premier 2012.

About the Installation:  Red balloons are a symbol of hope and creative ideas in my work.  I wanted to keep the theme from FILWF but also include a Helium news story element. Helium commonly used in the balloon industry (and other emerging technology applications) is an important commodity and big business in our country.  Check out this national story via CBS this morning.   

I created a simple heart shaped outline made of red balloons with their individual strings tethered to a single red balloon pulling them up and away.  Each of the balloons on the floor represents an important resource (people, time, money, creativity, or material). The single floating red balloon is a cause, a creative movement, or a business opportunity that illustrates how they might get pulled together to make something amazing happen. Our needs often have the potential to transform us individually and collectively.  That is at the heart of what I call social philanthropy.  

A vital local cause we can all support.  Scan the QR code below to make a donation to FernCare Free Clinic Inc. via their website.  Let’s support this important local resource today.  It’s genuinely sweet, good for our hearts and easy peasy.

100% of your donations benefit FernCare Free Clinic Inc.

 

A special thanks to Mother Fletcher’s Vintage for the window display space

February 6-16 2013 - a. Lozano, FreeStyle In Detroit

P.S. THE 3RD DONATION OVER $25 DOLLARS WILL WIN 2 TICKETS TO THE MAIN ART THEATER. MAKE SURE TO ADD #WINDOW DISPLAY 2013 TO YOUR DONATION.

Thanks for stopping by and for your kind support!   xoxo - a. Lozano