The Crimson Charger : Chapter Two

Forgive us if our praise-meter goes a little over the top right now, but we've just received the very welcome news that The Red Bull House of Art Gallery will open its doors on 8/24 for a second show featuring eight new Detroit artists. A healthy share of that praise is, of course, being accorded to Matt Eaton. He gave new life to a classic pile of brick and established a much needed showcase for the city's most creative individuals. The first exhibit was certainly convincing evidence of success; the second promises to be a resounding confirmation. For this occasion, Eaton has chosen make-up artist Allison Vince; acrylic painter Ray Domzalski; printmaker Bryan Baker; Michele Tanguay, with oil works on canvas; photographer Corey Birdwell; James Collins, who specializes in acrylics on linen; Johnson DelVona, who applies the same medium to wood; and to mixed media master Kobie Solomon. We're especially pleased to see Solomon in this lineup; readers will recall seeing his name in many previous columns and his magnificent mural at the Russell Industrial Center is one of the few things to make a traffic jam on 1-75 a blessing for the eyes. The 6 p.m. opening reception is at 1551 Winder.

The Boxer Has a Hometown

As a tribute to Olympic champion Claressa Shields, we'd like to remind you that she comes from a city with a first-rate museum. The Flint Institute of Arts is the second largest in Michigan and is justly renowned for exceptional exhibits and two more are joining the line-up. First, there's Designs from the Past, an overview of rare and exquisite Chinese ceramic vessels culled from the FIA's own collections. These pieces do NOT come from the Ming period or any recent era of China's long history. They hearken back almost entirely to the Neolithic period (6500-1700 BC) and are distinguished by an array of geometric patterns and decorations that are still being deciphered by scholars today. Second, you have the FIA's Abstract Expressionist Works on Paper. This exhibit is an intimate glimpse of small pieces by an impressive roster of modern masters such as Adolph Gottlieb, Robert Motherwell, and Paul Jenkins. Incidentally, the museum's film series will resume after a summer hiatus and we suggest you check out the marquee in September. More: flintarts.org

And Yes, She Really Loved The Place

Shortly after Steven Gamburd and the Woods Gallery announced a tribute show for the late Angelica Busque (which we will describe at length next week), several of you inquired if a particular work inside Gusoline Alley is one of hers. It is and it is treasured – and no, it's not for sale.

We Were Particularly Fond of That TV Show with Julie Newmar (which you, of course, never saw)

Who doesn't love robots? Whose heart doesn't beat warmly at the memory of those mechanical stalwarts who showed up in Forbidden Planet or Lost in Space? Who doesn't regret going into liberal arts when just a little more study and dedication would have gotten them a six-figure income with GM? Yes, it all computes in the end – sort of. Thankfully, there's the occasional exhibit or show to bring these issues into clear focus for us. For example, you can go to District VII on 8/25 for the aptly named Detroit Luvs Robots Show. Described as "a cornucopia of robot luv stimuli", it will have everything from a Circuit Bent Toy Display to a robot knife fight staged by our nimble amigos at i3 Detroit Hackerspace. There will also be robot films, an interactive sculpture by Mannequin Forest, a costume contest and musical host Doc Colony grooving down some choice melodies from the control booth. Ladies, the really wonderful thing about cyborgs is that they always call you the next day. It's a recording, of course, but still ... anyway, the address to enter into the memory banks is 2690 Wight in Detroit.

The Creek Always Rises Nicely

The mighty Mississippi can barely float Huck's raft these days, but Paint Creek Center is still cresting with one exhibit after another. There will be two starting 8/24 with one requiring a modest ascent up the stairway. Start on the main floor with Davin Brainard's visual gallimaufrey of pop-influenced images and paintings. A Detroit artist with a light spirit, Brainard's take on our frequently overlooked surroundings is a refreshing change of pace. Climb up to the main gallery and revel in Graphic Playground. Mary Fortuna invited four talented people to use the medium of their choice in a group show that celebrates individual style and sensibility. Jackie Brown, Dorothy Anderson Grow, Mark Piotrowski and Joseph Bergman make up the quartet. 407 Pine St. in Rochester.

But Alive & First As Far As This Column Is Concerned

The 8th Annual Hamtramck Hustle is scheduled for 8/25 in Veterans Park. So If your Dream Cruise-mojo needs a jump or an extra gallon in the tank, check out this impressive array of kustoms, pre-68 home built hot rods and pre-75 bikes and choppers that our friends in the Dead Last Car Club set up for your approval. It's art with muscle and grease. The event is also a dream market for pinstripers, collectible enthusiasts and record collectors. Subject to city approval, there will also be valve cover races in the afternoon. Be sure to fasten your seat belt if it's your valve that's revving. | RDW