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The Gaze That Was Returned
If the DIA's recent Islamic Art Gallery impressed you, be advised — it's time to prepare yourself for another extraordinary exhibit. Through African Eyes: The European in African Art, 1500-Present is an impressive overview of the complex relationship between two continents — one that spans five centuries of exploration, trade, cultural conflict and mutual fascination. Starting with the arrival of Portuguese sailors on the West African coast, the exhibit examines how native artists from diverse cultures visually interpreted these newcomers and the impact they had on their lives. A compelling timeline which utilizes no fewer than 100 three-dimensional works and everyday objects crafted in wood, ivory, metals and textiles, drawn from the DIA's collection and the holdings of museums around the world. We didn't see a portrait of Mr. Kurtz or Trader Horn, but we did see a collective picture that captured both the past and the present with equal power. The exhibit starts April 18 and runs thru August 8. More: dia.org.

As If We Could Ever Thank Him Enough
On April 17, an army of prominent Detroit artists, musicians, photographers and writers  will gather at the Bohemian National Home for a benefit concert honoring Gary Grimshaw. The acclaimed graphic wizard (who practically gave birth to the Cass Corridor movement of the late-'60s) will be acknowledged by the Howlin' Diablos, John Sinclair, M.L. Liebler, Howard Glazer & the El-34s and others. A commemorative poster to mark the occasion is being created by Grimshaw's fellow artists Carl Lundgren, Mark Arminski, Frank Bach and Scott Dedenbach. Join the celebration: garygrimshaw.com.

It's Revived! It's Revived!
All art is the fruit of a partnership between the mind and the hand. OK, two hands. And the art that goes by the equally dignified term "craft" perfectly illustrates this dynamic between idea and reality. Convincing visual evidence will be displayed at the Loving Touch in Ferndale on April 17 when the Second Annual Craft Revival swings into gear and starts piling the goodies on top of the pool tables. We're looking at a list of 25 vendors from all over the place and these names are downright intriguing — Perfect Laughter, Barrel of Monkeys, Phantom Limb, My Vintage Kitschen and ... Pinky Blaster? Anyway, there'll be a plethora of unique and exceptional items to admire  and buy. The 11 to 6 event itself is free and  the address is 22634 Woodward. More:          handmadedetroit.com.

" ... a sea of glass like unto crystal"
Call it cruel if you like, but April does render us one kind and benevolent gift every year. No, not the showers. The fourth month is always a time to celebrate the majestic beauty of glass and the timeless skill that goes into its making. We checked out a few locations, so please take notes. Orchard Lake Framing & Gallery in WB is displaying works by John Steiner, Chris Nordin, Bruce Grauf and more. Leslie Patron, Bill Poceta and Paul Runde show their latest creations at The Studio on Clay Ave. near the RIC. Starting April 22, Habatat Galleries in Royal Oak will commence with a History of Contemporary Glass exhibit featuring a number of pieces made between 1960 and 1980. On April 24, the gallery will host the 38th Annual International Glass Invitational Award Exhibition, the oldest and largest contemporary exhibit of its kind in the world. The HG is located at 4400 Fernlee. More at habatat.com.

'Ag' at the SC
We envy Sue Carman Vian for the jury duty she's undertaken for the Scarab Club's Silver Medal Exhibition, but we sure can't imagine a more difficult job. This "unthemed, all-media exhibition" is an explosion of color and offers up a broad spectrum of both local and national talent. Selecting winners from a gallery filled with winning works is ... she wouldn't flip a coin, would she? Course not! The Beetle keeps this heartbeat pumping till May 16. Check out the Studio Club Collective show at the same time and same place. 217 Farnsworth (across from the DIA). Go to scarabclub.org.

All This and Vincent Price Too!
We got a nice surprise when we ambled into the Main Art not too long ago. The Royal Oak cinematheque was once again playing host to Wolfman Mac's Attack of the Killer B's — and the same address was once again giving wall space to a talented artist. The Red Room is now adorned with beautiful canvases and mixed-media works by Soo Mee Lee. The stuff is so good we don't even remember if Elisha Cook Jr. turned out to be the killer. 118 N. Main Street.  | RDW

Robert has a heart of glass. Email him: Robert@realdetroitweekly.com.



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