I just want say this is my third time trying to write this blog…flooded with emotions this week but I’m gonna keep this post extra positive. Enjoy.
I’ve been reminded in multiple ways lately to trust the timing. Experiencing the highs and lows of waiting can be uncomfortable and stressful, but everything happens in its own time and probably for good reasons. The places I go, people I meet, opportunities and artistic visions all happen when they need to. Life can really deal you a bad hand and trying to wait for your turn to shine can seem out of reach. All of those efforts, minimal support and dried up cash flow can bring down anyone’s spirit. But are you gonna stay down? Today, I met a baker that told me she nearly closed her storefront because she couldn’t get enough business for the past two years. One person made a viral reel and she has been getting the exposure she needed for the past couple of weeks. I was bummed for a little while. I missed my chance at painting a cleat for the Decleated art call for the NFL draft…but something else happened and I’m glad I didn’t pass this up.
Someone left the door unlocked for me and I walked in…
Ya girl is in her first group art exhibition of the year! This came right on time and it’s happening at a liquor store (LOL). Yes, the Liquor Basket is a black- and family-owned store in Detroit and from what I was told that its one of the best late night spots in town. Not only is it a liquor store but it’s also an art gallery AND has a black-owned vegan kitchen by Chef Montrell. When I applied for the Welcome to the Basket art call, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Grateful that one of my pieces got selected, I wanted to get there early and see how a liquor store transforms into an evening gallery.
I watched how artists and art lovers gradually filled the place; witnessing the love and camaraderie from corner to corner. There is large art suspended from the ceiling, portraits hung against the glass to the cashier and fine liquor, hung high on the walls and others perfectly displayed next to the chips and sodas as if it belonged there. Why did I like this so much? It’s the comfortable and familiar setting of the store itself. It drew me in. An artist kindly shares her bottle of Crown Royal while having meaningful conversations made this a memorable moment for me. It’s the unorthodox approach to bringing fine art into places like this. Living in Michigan for nearly 15 years and still learning it’s history and art scene, I see a different side of Detroit that I think is so beautiful.
Let’s be honest. People appreciate art but most will never make it to a traditional art gallery. Those galleries can be stark, quiet and can even have an uneasy vibe to them if you feel like you can’t connect or don’t belong. But if you bring the art to the communities that is least expected, in places that’s familiar and easily accessible, then you open the doors and minds to those that want to appreciate and support. I hope to see more businesses that can flip their space like this. From the outside, it looks like your typical liquor store but this place is far from it. Let me not forget how gooood those loaded vegan fries are that Chef Montrell served up! I’ll make that 30 minutes drive to the Liquor Basket any day.
If I hadn’t gone to the Baltimore Gallery and seen artist Nick Lemonious, I probably would’ve missed this. Even on those days when I was tired and frustrated, if I had decided to not go out and meet new artists and make new friends, this newfound experience would be a lot different. Still spinning in circles and asking myself “why”.
If you’re in the Detroit area, stop by and check out the work of some very talented artists. It will be on display until May 17th.
Faceless Portrait + Microfiction
Friday nights we cross paths at the corner store. I pretend to browse for something new but I’m staring at him from the next aisle. Caramel colored skin and with a voice smooth like buttercream. His back is to me and he doesn’t notice that I softly approach him and quietly extend my hand reaching for the back of his head. I just wanna gently tug on that little black curl that’s dangling delicately towards his neck. He walks off and unaware of my attempts to pull him close to me because in my dreams he’s mine. But regrettably here I am again letting the one I love slip away from me.
Thank you for reading!
If you’re interested in the faceless portrait it’s still available.
Peace,
Alex B
Images and faceless portrait by Alex B
I love this blog post, thank you for sharing you expression and experiences. It soothes me, makes me not feel so much fomo lol