Trifecta

Faces & Fiber is the alliterative name for three exhibits now under one roof at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, so let's do this by the numbers. A recent visit to the Cranbrook Academy of Art reminded us that fiber art - one of the key disciplines within the still vibrant arts and crafts world – is still being practiced with enthusiasm and innovation throughout the nation. The BBAC is showcasing a remarkable body of evidence to back that statement and it's yours to see thru 8/24. The exhibit is called Voices and seeing it as a variation of Concert of Colors would not be too far off the mark. Nine talented people working in a variety of styles, but utilizing traditional methods, collectively harmonized their experiences and philosophies into a vivid celebration of life – and each "word" uttered by Voices is clear and strong. The nine are Desiree Vaughn, Jill Ault, Joan Potter Thomas, Kathie Briggs, Barbara Bushey, Sue Holdaway Heys, Carol L. Myers, Anne Heimstra and Lynn Krawczyk. Second on the list is a gift of clarity from Jeff Cancelosi called Mixed Messages. A novel collection of ink stamping portraiture pieces, they are now on display in the Robinson Gallery. The third and concluding course on the menu is a delightful array of portraits in colored pencil by the estimable Dean Rogers. 1516 S. Cranbrook. 248.644.0866.

Speaking of Other Voices

A few weeks ago we described the current Matisse/Picasso show at the DIA as a visual duet. We're happy to hear, therefore, that a Creative Duet has arrived at the Carr Center with art by two of our favorite people. Sabrina Nelson, whom we first encountered at a CCS function, is now recognized as much for her civic spirit as for her incredible creativity in several mediums. No less in tune with Detroit's soul and its inspirational power is Timothy Orikri whose canvases have graced no fewer than a dozen exhibits chronicled on these paged. This collaborative effort is in pace through the first week of September. The Carr Center, incidentally, is your link to the Michigan Artists League – and that's a link we would love to see you join. 311 E. Grand River.

Remote Control

A trifle newer than the magic wrought by either the needle or the loom, video art is essentially the deliberate channeling (okay, maybe a pun just arose) of static and moving electronic images into a focused whole. This artistic expression first came to wide attention during the heyday of late-sixties/early seventies experimentation and Peter Campus was on the ground floor of that laboratory. The creator of numerous installation works seen here and internationally, Campus has now set up Kiva on the UofM campus – or inside UMMA to be more precise. The name of the exhibit references a ceremonial chamber used by Indian tribes for rites of purification and spiritual insight. In this instance, however, Campus has fashioned a closed circuit monitor utilizing mirrors and a mobile framework. The resulting fragmentation of objects and individuals creates an awareness not only of being seen, but of the mechanism of viewing. That may strike you as an uncommonly complex avenue to a destination, but the trip is a delight. It's plugged in thru 8/12. And as long as we have this transmission going, we would like to draw your attention to a very unique exhibit that is on view but not on the walls or floor. Although it doesn't bear comparison to the more heinous crimes committed by the Nazis, it is a recorded fact that Hitler and his cronies looted countless museums and private collections during World War II. UMMA has presently embarked on an enterprise called the University of Michigan Provenance Research Project – a painstaking attempt to determine if unlawfully appropriated articles have made their way into the university's museum and/or library collections. Any and all works that fall (or are suspected to fall) within this criteria will be submitted to an internet portal under guidelines set by the American Association of Museums. More info at umma.mich.edu.

Still The Best Medicine

Coleen Parsons is a comedienne to keep an eye on - and needless to say listening to her jokes is an equally astute bit of advice. Those who have seen her perform at the Comedy Castle, NY NY, Joey's, or at the ongoing Egg Roll Invitational at O'Mara's in Berkley actually don't need that advice, but they may appreciate the news that Parsons will be appearing at the invitational again on 8/2. You (we hope) will also appreciate that this comedy "roll" has two worthy objectives. The first being to plant a blow to the scourge known as lupus, and and the second to pay tribute to the memory of the artist Angelica Busque. Commence to roll in the aisles around 9 p.m. at 2555 12 Mile Road.

That Was The Year That Was

It may have escaped your notice, but this year marks the 200th anniversary of The War of 1812. You may have noticed, however, that we haven't mentioned the Art Gallery of Windsor for quite awhile. Let's amend both those oversights by recommending Two Women's Views on the War of 1812, an exhibit focusing on the lives and perspectives of Canadian artists Catherine Reynolds and Joyce Wieland. Relax - the Treaty of Ghent took care of any and all border difficulties. More: artgalleryofwindsor.com. | RDW