Graphic Designer Wesley Taylor Pushes Artistic Collaboration in Detroit

Wesley Taylor isn’t reinventing the city he calls home; Detroit has been around far too long for that, he said. But he is looking to push creative boundaries through collaboration. The energy and history of the city, combined with the endless outlets for collaboration and expression give the graphic designer and artist a reason to stay. Here he talks about his life, work and latest installation Complex Movements, which like the city itself draws from music, art and design to create an immersive experience.

Drift Crafts Well-Designed Glasses in the Windy City

Unable to find a pair of eyeglasses that fit his personal aesthetic and needs, Chris Mantz decided to take matters in his own hands. He founded Drift Eyewear with the goal of creating unique frames handcrafted from sustainable and recyclable products right in the heart of his hometown, Chicago. Mantz believes that designing and manufacturing his products in the city is a large part of their appeal. “It may not be as trendy to be producing in Chicago, but if it’s made in [here] it has a level of quality and respect that you may not get in another city.” As demand grows, he seems to be right.

Detroit Maker Brian DuBois Crafts Furniture By Hand

When Brian DuBois gave up his computer screen for a saw and workshop, he didn’t look back. A carpenter and woodworker by trade, the Detroit maker isn’t happy unless he’s working with his hands. Now Dubois is putting his passion towards crafting a line of high-end furniture made to last. Like the city he calls home, DuBois won’t stop pushing forward until he’s successful.

Chicago’s Schwa Restaurant Turns Food Plating Into an Art Form

Michael Carlson isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of convention. For starters, the chef/owner of Chicago’s Schwa doesn’t employ a typical wait staff or fleet of hosts. In fact, there’s no support staff to be seen. Everyone who works at the 26-seat restaurant is a chef. The gastronomic machinations draw from flavors across the globe and use nothing but the best possible ingredients to create a place where patrons “experience food as art.” These 10 short plating videos on their website prove just that. Find them under the “Menu + Experience” section. Click on “platings” and watch a plate of food become museum worthy. 

Go Inside The Publican’s Kitchen and Watch How They Make Pork Rinds

Chicago’s The Publican restaurant has long been famous for its rustic farmhouse menu, which features an eclectic selection of craft beers, locally sourced meats and oysters. Among the many standout dishes are the pork rinds: a crunchy treat that keeps people coming back for more. Hop over to Chicago Magazine and watch as chef de cuisine, Brian Huston, shows you how The Publican makes its crispy dish.  

A Group of Minnesota Men Keep Pond Hockey Alive

It is one of the most hallowed of Minnesota winter traditions: pond hockey. It’s a game played not for glory or competition, but for camaraderie and the love of the game. Here, Minneapolis-based director Tony Franklin captures the passion and brotherhood of one group that’s played together for more than 20 years. In that time they’ve seen people come and go, even some of their closest friends pass away, but they keep playing the game to honor their memory. Even though many know each other simply by their nicknames, they are brothers on the ice who have forged a deep bond through years spent rushing after a puck into the frigid cold, when the ice is just right.

Monthly Detroit Supper Supports Micro-Grants for Creative City Projects

Every month, hungry diners get together in Detroit to harness the power of a collective group to make the city a better place. Detroit Soup held its first soup supper in February 2010 with goal to fund micro-grants for creative projects in the city. Four years later, the group has raised more than $55,000. Here’s how it works: People pay $5 at the door for soup, salad and bread. Over the course of the meal people share ideas for how they hope to make Detroit a better place. At the end of the meal, dinner-goers vote on which project they’d like to support with the money raised at the event. Want to join in and give a little to help an interesting project? Then bring an empty stomach on Feb. 9 and join Detroit Soup for its Celebration SOUP! as the group commemorates its fourth anniversary.

HOTTEA Makes Fleeting But Gorgeous Street Art With Yarn

Twin Cities street artist Eric Rieger, better known as HOTTEA, spent years as a graffiti artist until a run in with the law convinced him to give up the spray can and turn to something less destructive: yarn. He now creates large-scale installations in underused, run-down public spaces. His “color fields" breathe life into unexpected places, such as a dilapidated tennis court where his most recent work, “Optimist,” takes up residence. The large arc of color took over 12 hours to tie into place. Here’s to hoping we stumble upon one of his works in person sooner rather than later.

Shinola: How Handmade is Rebuilding Detroit

Welcome to the new handmade capital of the U.S.: Detroit. Shinola is leading the charge to bring high-quality manufacturing back to the city where it was born. While other companies have fled the Motor City, Shinola has firmly planted its flag, making watches, bicycles and leather goods the old fashioned way. They’re rebuilding Detroit using steel and leather, sweat and determination. Shinola is starting a revolution to revive the soul of a city, one meticulously handmade good at a time

Detroit Ruins Inspire Godfather of Techno

Detroit has long been known as one of the great American cities of music: from Motown to 8 Mile. But what you may not know is that Detroit is also a birthplace of electronic dance and techno music. Juan Atkins is considered by many to be the godfather of Detroit techno, but unlike others he has no plans to abandon his hometown. With buildings crumbling around him, Atkins finds inspiration for his music and for his life in the soul of the ruins

Who Determines the Future of Chicago’s Architectural Past?

"The Absent Column" by Nathan Eddy explores one of the world's preeminent cities of architecture: Chicago. The documentary examines Bertrand Goldberg's mid-century modernist masterpiece, the former Prentice Women's Hospital, which is slated for demolition and a redesign. An ongoing debate rages between those who believe great works that inform our present viewpoint should be preserved, and those who think we need to move forward with new projects. As Eddy puts it, "Who determines the future of the past?

A St. Louis Artist Turns Embroidery into Art

St. Louis-based artist Cayce Zavaglia creates portraits. But these aren’t just any portraits. Zavagalia takes your grandmother’s needle and thread and makes art. Stitch by stitch she creates embroidered portraits that are photorealistic and impressionistic. Drawing obvious comparisons to Van Gogh, this short documentary shows the creative process behind Zavaglia’s work, and why the artist is drawn to embroidery over painting.

This Man Built a Viking Ship, Then His Kids Sailed It Across the Ocean

Imagine building a full-scale replica of ship. Then, imagine sailing it across the sea to Norway. Well that’s what Minnesotan, Robert Asp, did. In 1974, Asp set out to build a replica of the Gokstad Viking ship found in Norway in 1881. While Asp passed away before his vision was realized, his four children and eight of their friends made the journey a reality in 1982. This short documentary tells the story of their 74-day voyage across the sea nearly 30 years later. You won’t believe who greeted them at the end of it.

Volcano Choir Erupts with Their Newest Album, "Repave"

Featuring Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, follow the Volcano Choir (from Lacrosse, Wis.) as they embark on a journey to record their second album, “Repave,” in the snowy desolation of their Midwest studio (doesn’t that sound…cold). This video captures the tail end of their journey as they prepare to unleash the album on their fan base. Watch their musings on the evolution of the band from past to present and their creative process. 

In Detroit, a Bus System for the People

Nearly a year ago, Detroit’s plans to build a light-rail system ground to a halt. Budget cuts limited the effectiveness of the city’s bus system. People couldn’t get to work or anywhere else without running into the hassles of Detroit's public transportation system.

“I was furious,” Andy Didorosi said. “Frustration can power so much. I said, 'Screw it, I’m going to do it myself.'”

That’s exactly what he did. The 25-year-old created a fleet of colorful buses (with names such as Lochness, Silver Bullet and Blue) and sent them out to Detroit’s streets. With that, the Detroit Bus Company was born.

Get a taste of ARTCRANK, a poster party for bike people

ARTCRANK is a poster party for people who love bikes. Founder Charles Youel offers a glimpse into Midwest-based event, which is showcased around the world. Directed by Tony Franklin.

A new film explores the life of Vivian Maier, Chicago’s secret photographer

Chicago nanny Vivian Maier lived in an attic and hid her talent behind a locked door. This trailer for “Finding Vivian Maier” teases the story of the mysterious photographer who kept her artistry a secret during her lifetime.  Directed by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel.

Chicago artist Dzine talks about his exhibit, “Victory” at Minneapolis’ Public Functionary

Chicago artist, Dzine creates his latest body of work from glitter and gold for his exhibit, “Victory,” on display at Minneapolis’ Public Functionary through May 31. Dzine opens up in this film by Royal Antler about his history, artistic process and what he hopes viewers take away from his work.​

Fold Here: The Amazing Paper Art of Matthew Shlian

Matthew Shlian failed algebra, but his geometric genius found an outlet in paper art. Shlian, a graduate of Michigan’s Cranbrook Academy, also teaches at the University of Michigan and designs packaging for some of the world’s best-known companies. Directed by Jakob Skogheim of Ghostly International.