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

She Inspired A Creative Concept

Vintage painting/print on board - private collection

Vintage painting/print on board - private collection

I stare at this vintage painting every now and then wondering who she is.  I found her in a thrift store one day last year and snapped her up for a song.  There is something about her strong yet gentle gaze and perfect posture that keeps me intrigued.

This year I decided to give her a title and added some glitter to the surface of the image.  I call her "Mistress Of Sparkle" now.  I suppose it's my way of trying to understand her allure and also to make her more personal.  I think we all have a bit of sparkle in us or at least I'd like to believe we do. 

Come to think of it, I'm sure "Mistress of Sparkle" could be a fun creative concept or marketing campaign for Swarovski crystal, Opi Nail Polish, or a sparkling water company.  Can you think of any others?

I diverge...somehow I circle back to an advertising mode when it's all said and done. 

First Things First - 2013

Leger Painting - Smithsonian Permanent Collection

The first post in the first month of a new year. No pressure.

"First things First" was the answer I received when I asked a good friend about the philosophy that drives her multi-faceted life.

I recognized in her sharing the need to re-visit, re-evaluate, and otherwise re-state what that is for me.  

The photo in this post is one I included in the very first post of FreeStyle In Detroit when I launched it several years ago.

It is one of my favorite paintings by Leger. A photo I snapped on a visit to The Smithsonian Art Museum years ago.

Why re-post it?  It's my way of honoring the past and reflecting as I do on the mysteries of time, truth and beauty. 

God Bless this year, your plan and my path, you are first things first unfolded delivered and celebrated everyday. 

Bridget Sullivan's Fashion New Years Celebration

Creative Concept: Alvita Lozano, All Photos (c) Lindee Robinson, Wardrobe Designer/Styling is Bridget Sullivan, Models: Natalie Ellis, RedieChoi Shorter and Camille LaMontagne

This blog story also appears on the Huffington Post Detroit News platform

It's been a good year for emerging Fashion/Costume Designer Bridget Sullivan.  A 2012 graduate of Detroit's CCS (College For Creative Studies) Fiber Arts/Fashion Studies program.  Her Blog (The Bridget Show) and unique garments caught the attention of Jazz Instrumentalist Esperanza Spauldings wardrobe stylist last year.  Since then Bridget's one of a kind dresses have been worn by the artist for public appearances and also on tour around the world.  

Bridget also landed a five month internship this summer working for Diane Von Furstenberg where she got to experience the frenzy of activity during New York Fashion week.  

Currently back in the Detroit metro area Bridget has accepted a teaching position at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, continues to design and make dresses and hopes to build a collection she will showcase in Detroit's growing Fashion and Art community in the upcoming year.

When I asked Bridget where she sees herself in the next five years her response was simple "I'd like to return to New York, to continue to design pieces that will be worn by other musicians, I would love to make dresses for Taylor Swift."   Music and fashion seem to be powerful pop cultural partners and Bridget Sullivan's work has earned her some attention in both worlds here in Detroit and beyond. 

The photos in this blog are the product of a collaboration between Bridget Sullivan (featuring her original designs) and her network of creative associates: Photographer Lindee Robinson, Make-up: Camille LaMontagne, Hair: Stephanie Hipchen & Stacey Lubec, Models: Natalie Ellis, RediChoi Shorter, Camille LaMontagne.  Jewelry/Accessories and photo shoot location: The Peacock Room.   Congratulations and Happy New Year Detroit Fashion!

Master Of Style - Best AD Campaign of 2012

More Master Of Style Gael Footage

Thank you Gillette for your stylish nod to the Hispanic consumer demographic by featuring Gael Garcia Bernal in your "Master Of Style" Ad Campaign.   As a strategic shopper it takes a lot to get my attention.  Brand loyalty, advertisement campaigns and corporate identity practices is something I'm always studying and exploring in my visual art.  When a company puts this much thought into a commercial campaign I'm compelled to share the good stuff.  Gracias Gillette you are speaking my language!

Polyvore Set: Just 4 Kicks A Holiday Season Thought

My Art Directed Polyvore Set via Polyvore/Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pin/202380576976686624/

Tis the season for over-indulgence, but I am hopeful that many of us will get creative about keeping the season safe, fun and memorable.  My gift to you is this Polyvore set: "Just 4 Kicks" minus the smoking friends, there is NOTHING cool about smoke inhalation.  Peace!