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So Let It Be Written ...
Shortly after discovering that the Sedaris siblings once collaborated on a play came the equally welcome news that Who Wants Cake? is going to stage it starting July 10. The Book of Liz appears to be a unique take on that most cherished of comedic situations — how idiots manage when they’re removed from the safe bubble of their “normal” environment. Sister Elizabeth Donderstock is Squeamish (some sort of quasi-Amish sect in the Bizarro World) and her chief claim to fame is a cheeseball confection that has made her a cherished member of the insular community of Cluster Haven. But Liz feels unappreciated, so she treks out into the real world and becomes a popular waitress at a family restaurant run by recovering dypsomaniacs. Alas, there’s that sweating problem keeping her from a managment position, and ... no, telling more would be a crime. Besides you’re hungry already, aren’t you? Suppose we tell you that Liz is gonna be played by Jaime Moyer. Oh, NOW you’re hungry! Enjoy your slice of delight by placing a reservation at 22742 Woodward Ave. 248.545.5545.

A Deep And Satisfying Drag Will Not Harm You
With new works by Johnny Bee Badanjek promised on the roster, how could we not be excited by Unfiltered, a celebration of outsider art scheduled for July 11 at Detroit Industrial Projects. In a nutshell, outsider art is the force of folk vision expressed in a more contemporary manner by self-taught artists who draw most of their inspiration from the urban milieu. It has a sharp (at times almost barbarous) immediacy and is never afraid to defy the conventional expectations of a critical audience. This is actually the fourth consecutive Unfiltered, and it is to curator Mike Kelly’s credit that additional names on that mentioned roster include Dan Frasher, Josh Slavin, Julia Sisi, and other artists of talent and dedication. And yes, we include Mike on that roll of honor as well. 1610 Clay Avenue (Second Building). More at ricdetroit.org.

These Weeks, These Artists
This Week In Art is still our favorite guilt-free one night stand in this town, and happily July is booked solid with several of our favorites. July 8 is for Anne Fracassa and her colorful impressions of Detroit’s post-industrial landscapes. July 15 has painter Sue Carmen Vian displaying chiaroscuro lines and shadows on the walls. Artist-designer and Work:Detroit alumna Elizabeth Youngblood is scheduled for July 22. And the last hump day of the month is reserved for Janet Hamrick whom we first encountered at the Lemberg and who still dazzles us with her skillful intersecting of the abstract with the concrete. All this — and some of the best suds in the Motor City Brewing Works to boot. 470 W. Canfield. 313.832.2700.

Light at Dawn
Angelica M. Busque intrigues us. There’s that impressive curriculum vitae with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago mentioned, the book designs, the awards — but our chief interest focused on a self-published graphic novel series entitled Morning Star that has succeeded in earning respectful kudos from other artists working in the same genre. That’s an awful lot of talent for one resume, so here’s hoping that the Woods Gallery has enough space and enough time to give Busque and her Illustrated Works their due between now and August 20. 26415 Scotia in Huntington Woods. 248.581.2696.

The Archival Passion
Ask a woman (ANY woman!) if there’s a difference between a packrat and a man who “enthusiastically collects things,” and odds are her answer will be colored more by late alimony checks, hormonal surges and other trivial things than with a clear and unbiased view of a noble tradition kept alive by the few hunter-gatherers left. Having made that unbiased observation, drop by the Rochester Hills Museum and revel in Big Boy Toys: What Men Collect. Let it out, hombre — you’re among friends here. More at rochesterhills.org.  

"Hey, That Reminds me — Did Anyone Send the Memo Out to What's-His-Name?"
We are happy to announce (somewhat belatedly) that the talented and versatile Lana Mini has graciously consented to be a Co-Editor here at Real Detroit. We are VERY happy about this!  | RDW



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