Sizing Up the Whole Picture

Well, if Michael Segal's artistic labors DO go back to the year 1988, perhaps it's time (high time, in fact) for a retrospective and a respectful overview of his works. That's what This Week in Art is planning to give us on 6/15 – and we're only sorry that the affair at Motor City Brewing is (as usual) a one-night stand. Segal, who's been a stalwart on the Detroit art scene for as long as this column's been written, is known chiefly for visual vignettes modest in size but rich in imagination and spirit – colorful, moving, humorous and enigmatic pieces that either illuminate a person's inner perspective or leave that same perspective ... well, maybe a tad less illuminated. More importantly, the show will clearly illustrate how Segal's signature style evolved over the years and how his chosen range of subjects changed during that same course of time. It's a pleasure to be on an art beat when an event like this comes down the road. 7 to 11 p.m. 470 Canfield in Detroit.

And Buckle Your Swash Properly

Have you noticed that words like "pirate" and "buccaneer" and "booty" no longer carry the weight of disapproval that they did in the past? Okay, we grant you that the third word is still taboo in certain circles – but the siren call of the Jolly Roger is being heard by plenty of people these days and they really seem to like the sound. Evidence will be seen and certainly enjoyed 6/17-18 when the first annual PiratePalooza! sets sail (so to speak) in Harrison Township. Hosted by Detroit On the Rocks and "The Captain" Jack Sparrow, the event is berthed at a tropical oasis called Luna Kai/Gino's Surf and will offer such diversions as a Wicked Wench contest, jewelry items by Blackened Ruby, a pig roasting and more. And the music? Sea chanties sung by Match By Match and those perennial Ren Fest faves The Bawdy Boys! It's $5 if you come dressed as a corsair and $10 if you don't! More: ontherocksdetroit.com.

Our Eternal Treasure

Belle Isle was a masterpiece long before the Cadillac crew showed up – a pristine jewel in the river blanketed with natural beauty and blessed with a calming atmosphere. It's a credit to our civic fathers (or just plain dumb luck) that we haven't forfeited or destroyed this heavenly gift over the years. If you share in any of these opinions, cross the MacArthur Bridge on 6/18 when Access Arts opens its fifth exhibition on our beloved isla bonita. New and exciting pieces have been fashioned by a modest army of creative locals: Carleton Gholz, Chido Johnson, Sean Hages, Marianne Audrey Burrows, Fatima Amir Hirji and others. Shocking to report: most of the 18 artists participating this year are actually getting stipends (money!) thanks to a fundraiser and a donation from Recycle Here! Artists being paid! Apocalyptic! Hats off, by the way, to Cedric Tai, Louis Casinelli, Vanessa Miller and Andrew Thompson for all their hard work. 2 to 7 pm.

We May Have Seen a Bodice or Two ...

An art exhibit devoted to underwear? We are SO there! Actually, we were at The Unmentionables show last week, but we intend to drop in again before the drawers at DAM close and disappear on 7/16. Claudia Shepard, Teresa Petersen, Andy Krieger, Sarah Lapinski, Mark Esse and others succeeded in giving a charming perspective to an unlikely subject. 313.832.8540. Equally charming are the pictures that Sean Graham hung recently at Lucky Devil Tattoo in Shelby Township. A photographer with an almost preternatural gift for making beautiful women look even more beautiful, this lucky devil also has a veritable rolodex of gorgeous models to pose for him. Among the faces we recognized: Alison Haling, Sara Phoenix and Kristi Burgett. 52080 Van Dyke.

CAVE & Cafe

The "cerebral intimidation" we frequently experience at MOCAD occasionally occurs at CAVE too. This alcove at the Russell has produced more than a few abstruse sideshows over the years, but they've certainly never bored us. On 6/18, see how Daniel Sperry, R.C. Sayler and Rubens Ghenov tackle a gamut of themes in an exhibit of new pieces. 1604 Clay St ( Building 4, 3rd Floor). On 6/16, take both your physical and aesthetic hunger to the Majestic Cafe where Color and Fun abound thanks to Gwen Joy, Nate Rogers, Elise Mesner, Larry Larson and Maurice Greenia, Jr. Joytoys, puppets, paintings and a price-friendly auction to help out a local animal shelter. 8 p.m. to midnight. 4120 Woodward. | RDW