The Pulice Report

U-M hosting special events during 50th Ann Arbor Film Festival

In conjunction with the opening night of the 50th Ann Arbor Film Festival, I wrote a piece last night on my Examiner.com page about the University of Michigan's ongoing involvement with this peerless celebration of independent and experimental film. Please check out the article, and then make plans to attend AAFF, which I've always found a riveting experience. In the spirit of full disclosure, I need to point out that my wife is a photographer at the event for the second straight year. 

To learn more about the festival, read a post from earlier this month and an interview I conducted with AAFF Executive Director, Donald Harrison (pictured left), in 2009.

U-M Health System prescribes art for its curative powers

Whenever possible, I'm trying to link to articles that I've written on my Examiner page here in The Pulice Report, including this one from today about a great new venture by the U-M Health System.

PLAY time at the University of Michigan

I wrote a piece today for Examiner.com on the PLAY Web site at the University of Michigan. PLAY is a bracing experience, so dig in.

Michigan Creatives - First Anniversary

One year ago today, February 4, 2009, I founded Michigan Creatives, "A place for those in Michigan's creative industry, whether as an artist, photographer, filmmaker, writer, musician, actor, designer..."

If you've already joined, thank you. If you haven't, please consider signing on today, then tell a fellow creative. It's still early in 2010, and I plan to help our social network grow significantly this year, both in terms of membership and scope. We're now on Facebook.

Look for an announcement about a group event soon. 

Ray Riker, 1959-2010: In Memoriam

 
My wife and I were fortunate to call Ray Riker a friend. Ray and his partner Jim Gowran -- our friend, as well -- have run the Kirby House for more than a decade. Mary (who took the wonderful photo of Ray above)  and I stayed at this magnificent B&B numerous times since we were married in 2000. A few years ago, Ray and Jim even asked us to house-sit while they went on a rare vacation, which helped solidify our friendship, and gave our daughter Zoë (who was conceived in one of the Kirby's rooms) a chance to enjoy its many charms and comforts.

Tragically, Ray passed away on January 3rd from cardiac arrest, following a bout with colon cancer. So many people who knew Ray posted memories of him on the funeral home's Web site, and many of these writings, like ours, centered on his companionship and his smile. As the chef at the Kirby, Ray also crafted sumptuous breakfasts that put a smile on our faces, and jump-started our day as we made plans to venture into Saugatuck or Douglas for an afternoon of sightseeing, shopping and eating, often made even more pleasant due to tips and suggestions from our gracious hosts. Afterward, we would return, pour a cool drink, then chat, laugh and relax with Ray and Jim by the pool. Mary and I have always felt at ease, and at home, when in their company.

This past week has been a reminder to spend more time with loved ones, and we'll be there to support Jim as he goes through the grieving process. Thankfully, he plans to re-open the B&B in February, and Mary and I will be there to help, as our schedules permit. In fact, she has offered to assist with some of the cooking, since Mary, as was true of Ray, puts together wonderful feasts. Based on the comments of those who attended the funeral last Friday, the house will soon be full again, which always put a smile on Ray's face.   

Arresting Site of the Month, December: Let's Save Michigan

 

At the end of another trying year for our proud state, it's fitting to conclude with a note of hope, and spotlight an online destination whose "main goal is to inspire Michiganders to take ownership and get involved with our future." Given the passion with which Let's Save Michigan speaks about our two peninsulas, I've selected it as the "Arresting Site of the Month" for December.

Once inside its pages, you'll see what the authors are for, like smarter transportation policy, and against, including misguided tax breaks and tax credits, The site has teamed with the Detroit Institute of Arts for a poster contest designed to elicit from our deep pool of creative talent inspirational works that will be a "call to action" for Michigan. Submission deadline is February 15, 2010.

Learn more about Let's Save Michigan, read their blog, and take advantage of the opportunity to share your Michigan story. Finally make sure to join the cause, as I have, and to tell a friend. It takes just a minute. Consider it your gift to the Great Lake State this holiday season.

Michigan Creatives Membership Drive

 

As I've been listening to public radio stations make a push for new members this week during their fundraising drives, I thought it would be a perfect time to ask those of you involved in creative endeavors throughout the Great Lake State to join Michigan Creatives. I founded this social network on the Ning platform in February, and many people that I've known for years -- and some I've met only through it -- have joined. However, I'd like to double membership by the end of 2009, and am planning to become much more active on the network. When you join (it's free), I encourage you to upload portfolio material to your page, invite others to events, blog, chat, et al. It's another way for us to showcase the deep pool of creative talent in our two peninsulas. Thanks in advance.

Of Chicago and Detroit

As usual, my wife and I had a splendid time in Chicago this weekend. Mary participated in the Bucktown Arts Fest, and business was brisk. Clearly her amazing collage photography was the primary reason, and the weather was superb. But it got me thinking about how the Windy City seems to have weathered the economic storm so much better than Detroit, in particular, and Michigan as a whole. Mary and I have worked many art fairs and festivals in 2009, and many which have taken place in Michigan also have been, like the Bucktown event, well-run, rewarding and profitable, including those in Plymouth and Northville. Still, the sheer foot traffic and the way in which people from the Chicago area seemed less concerned about whether they could afford to purchase art -- perhaps one of the first things to get the budgetary heave-ho in down times -- struck me as indicative of the ongoing differences between these regions. Even so, I am seeing a glimmer of hope that an economic rebound may soon be possible here in the Great Lake State. May that continue.

50 Fun Things to Do for Under $50

Nice list from the Detroit News: 

Glad to see Number 12 included, as the Dakota Inn is a memorable place.