FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Office: 313.842.0986 ext 26
SDBA Atrium Becomes Haven for Local Artists
(November 23, 2010- Detroit) The SDBA Atrium has turned art gallery! The Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) welcomes its second artist installation in the space located at 7752 West Vernor. “The space is a perfect place for art”, says Kathy Wendler, President of the SDBA. “It has wonderful natural light, and the design incorporates reclaimed metals and art from local scrap-yards that makes the space unique.” The current installation is by local artists Erik Howard and Lisa Luevanos. Both born and raised in Southwest Detroit, the two photographers bring a unique perspective into the community through film.
Howard’s exhibit occupies the lower level of the SDBA atrium. His exhibit, titled “INSPIRE” is the visual description of the work of his active community and youth development group called Young Nation. Young Nation works with local youths to inspire them through art to make positive impacts on their lives and their development.
Luevanos work captures the history, culture, and daily interactions of the beautiful and diverse communities of Metropolitan Detroit in vivid, provocative images. These images are a collage of pictures that have been collected over the past 10 years. The subjects include a portrait of Margarita in San Francisco, del Rincón Mexico, Latin Jazz Musicians and of kids at play in Southwest Detroit. Located on the second floor of the space, the collection shows the full range of her photographic skills.
“We are actively working to program the space year-round”, states Myrna Segura of the SDBA, adding, “We are looking for unique exhibits that relate to the lives, history, and aspirations of the Southwest Detroit Community.”
On December 3rd, 2010 the Southwest Detroit Business Association invites you to meet the artists at the exhibits opening reception. The reception will begin at 5:30 PM. Light Refreshments and musical entertainment will be provided. Free Parking is available in the lot directly to the east of the SDBA offices located at 7752 West Vernor, Detroit, 48209.
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For Immediate Release: Contact: Vittoria Katanski; SDBA
MEDIA ALERT: Cell: 248-766-6785
Southwest Detroit Celebrates the Day of the Dead
(October 30, 2010) DETROIT — Southwest Detroit will celebrate the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) with a unique run through two historic cemeteries in Southwest Detroit. It is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico, and by people of Mexican heritage living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember the relatives and loved ones who have passed away. Runners have forwarded the names of their loved ones buried in the cemeteries and will be wearing tribute ribbons in their honor.
Over 500 runners are expected in this inaugural year race through Southwest Detroit, and include runners from all over the State of Michigan, and as far as New York and even Italy. The “Run of the Dead” will feature entertainment from local artists including an interpretive dance from Living Arts Dance Collage called “Dance Macabre” that will be performed in Holy Cross Cemetery. The event is organized by the Southwest Detroit Business Association and Living Arts, and is an official event of the Savor Southwest Detroit initiative.
Event specifics:
EVENT DATE: October 30, 2010
Location: Patton Park (2301 Woodmere St, 48209)
Registration (Limited, as this is a nearly sold out event): 7:30-8:45 AM
Race Start: 9AM
Events offered: 5K and 10K
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
ONCR Expands Investment in Southwest Detroit
(JULY 29, 2009) DETROIT — The Advisory Board of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood and Commercial Revitalization (ONCR) has voted to expand the responsibilities of the Southwest Detroit Business Association into the former Mexicantown Hubbard Communities Commercial District. The District, now named the Mexicantown Business District, is a designated Re$tore Detroit! District. Re$tore Detroit! is the ONCR’s flagship program, and provides technical assistance, training and funding to community-based organizations and businesses within the ONCR Districts. It also provides matching façade grants are available up to $15,000, and supports clean & safe initiatives as well as district promotions. The area is regarded as one of the most vibrant communities in Southeast Michigan thanks to the previous efforts of the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation.
“The Southwest Detroit Business Association is pleased to begin working with the businesses of Mexicantown to expand and revitalize their district”, says Kathy Wendler, President. “The businesses of Mexicantown deserve the opportunity to receive matching grant dollars for their façade improvements. We at the SDBA are honored to facilitate that process and provide them with the technical assistance they need to create beautiful façade renovations.”
The work of the Southwest Detroit Business Association has resulted in the over $100 million in leveraged improvements. The Façade Improvement Program along West Vernor has helped to transform the business environment and has resulted in a stronger customer base.
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