Art & Around for the period Feb. 14-23, 2008

ARCHITECTURE/GARDEN TOURS:

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Special events include: “Enchanted Evening” (Feb. 9; $42 per person, reservations required). General admission: $8. Open Tue.-Sun. Grosse Pointe Shores: 313-884-4222. http://www.fordhouse.org

ARTS FESTIVALS

The Erotic Poetry & Music Festival One of Detroit’s oldest and most eclectic community arts festivals turns 21 this year and celebrates the erotic arts with provocative poetry and sexy art, music and dance performances. Feb. 16 at Northern Lights Lounge, Detroit. $18. For 21 and over only. 313-873-1739. http://www.myspace.com/eroticfestivaldetroit

ART, HISTORICAL & SCIENCE MUSEUMS:

Arab American National Museum Exhibits: “Fragmentation & Unity: The Art of Sari Khoury” (through April 27); and “Silver Speaks: Traditional Jewelry of the Middle East” (through March 30). Open Wed.-Sun. $6 museum admission. Dearborn: 313-582-2266. http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Cranbrook Art Museum Exhibits: “Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future” (through March 30); “From Frank Lloyd Wright to George Nakashima: Uncovering the John Blum Bequest to Cranbrook Art Museum” (through March 22); and “Richard Knight: Photographing Saarinen” (through March 22). Open Wed.-Sun. $10. Bloomfield Hills: 877-462-7262. http://www.cranbrookart.edu
Cranbrook Institute of Science Permanent exhibits include: “Life Changes Over Time”; “Ice Ages Come And Go”; and “Peoples of the Woodlands: Objects of Great Lakes Native America.” Open daily. $8 museum admission. Bloomfield Hills: 248-645-3200. http://science.cranbrook.edu
Detroit Historical Museum New exhibits include: “1920s: Detroit Building Boom” and “Rallying the Home Front: Posters from WWII.” Wed.-Sun. $6 admission. Detroit: 313-833-1805. http://www.detroithistorical.org
Detroit Institute of Arts Now open, the New DIA: More gallery space; more art; more fun, with featured exhibit “Julie Mehretu: City Sitings” (through March 30). General admission: $8. Open Wed.-Sun. Detroit: 313-833-4005. http://www.dia.org
Flint Institute of Arts Exhibits: “Something to Look Forward To,” featuring abstract art by 22 distinguished Americans of African descent (through March 2); and “Celebration of Black History Month,” featuring important works by African-American artists from the FIA permanent collection (through Feb. 24). Open Tue.-Sun. $7; Saturdays free. Flint: 810-234-1695. http://www.flintarts.org
Greenfield Village Closed for the winter (through April 14). Dearborn: 313-982-6001. http://www.thehenryford.org
Henry Ford Museum Exhibit: “Quilting Genius 2: The Improvisational Quilts of Susana Hunter,”which reflects one African-American woman’s creativity and resourcefulness living in the Jim Crow South. Through April 27. Open daily. General museum admission: $14. Dearborn: 313-982-6001. http://www.thehenryford.org
Kresge Art Museum Exhibits: “Julie Mehretu: New Drawings” (through March 16); and “The Impressionist Era: Works on Paper,” featuring 33 artists who participated in the eight Impressionist exhibitions in Paris between 1874 and 1886 (through March 16). Open daily. East Lansing: 517-353-9834. http://www.artmuseum.msu.edu
Longway Planetarium Michigan’s largest planetarium hosts numerous programs and activities for people of all ages. $5/adults, $4/children. Flint: 810-237-3400. http://www.longway.org
MSU Museum Exhibits: “The Federal Art Project: Supporting Good Artists in Bad Times” (through Aug. 24); and “Quilts and Human Rights” (through May 15). Open daily; free admission. 517-355-2370. http://www.museum.msu.edu
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit Exhibits: “Holy Hip-Hop,” new portraits by Alex Melamid; and “ReFusing Fashion” by Rei Kawakubo. Through April 20. Open Wed.-Sun. Free. Detroit: 313-832-6622. http://www.mocadetroit.org
Public Museum Permanent exhibits include: “Streets of Old Grand Rapids,” a full-scale detailed recreation of the city in the 1890s. General admission: $8. Open daily. Grand Rapids: 616-456-3977. http://www.grmuseum.org
Sloan Museum Exhibits: “Rides and Rebels,” a celebration of the adventure, look and lifestyle of motorcycles (extended through July); and “Fair Housing in Flint,” a look at various forms of discrimination in the housing industry (through March 31). $6. Open daily. 810-237-3450. http://www.sloanmuseum.com
University of Michigan Museum of Art Exhibit: “Inge Morath and Arthur Miller: China,” which captures two artists responding to a society in transition. Through March 23. Free. Open Tue.-Sun. at the temporary UMMA Off/Site location at 1301 South University Avenue. Ann Arbor: 734-763-UMMA. http://www.umma.umich.edu
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Exhibits include: Mary Gaynier’s “No Two Are Alike”; Heidi Kumao’s “Misbehaving: Performative Media Machines Act Out”; Claire Watkins’ “Flock of Needles”; and Kim Cridler & BA Harrington’s “Drawing on Traditions.” All through March 2. Grand Rapids: 616-454-3994. http://www.uica.org

ART GALLERIES:

Amazwi Contemporary Art A unique gallery that gives voice to a diverse array of African artists, while broadening appreciation of their talent and understanding of their cultures. Saugatuck: 269-857-5551. http://www.amazwi.com
Ann Arbor Art Center Exhibits: “Creativity Camp 2007,” featuring art created by last summer’s Creativity Campers. Through Feb. Ann Arbor: 734-994-8004, ext. 110. http://www.annarborartcenter.org
Biddle Gallery Super fine crafters set up tables to sell their wares at “Craft Uprising” during Wyandotte’s 3rd Friday event. Feb. 15-16. Wyandotte: 734-281-4779. http://www.biddlegallery.com
City Gallery Exhibit: “Aspirations: A Series of New Paintings by Stephen Deeb.” Through Feb. 26 at Costick Center, Farmington Hills. Open during regular business hours and during special events. 248-473-1856. http://www.www.ci.farmington-hills.mi.us
Daisy Lake Art Gallery A new and unique venue specializing in small, representational works by local artists. Open afternoons, Thu.-Sat. Dexter: 734-424-1363. http://www.daisylakeartgallery.com
The Dirty Show 9 The delightful Detroit International Erotic Art Exhibition features a large number of artists, from first-timers to the famous, at their dirtiest, plus surprising performance art. Feb. 14 & 16 at Bert’s Warehouse Theater in Detroit’s Eastern Market. Advance tickets recommended; prices vary by day and event ($10-$15 in advance). Photo ID required for entry. Fri-Sat: ages 21 and over; all other days: ages 18 and over. http://www.dirtydetroit.com
Gallery Project Exhibit: “Surface,” a group exhibition featuring artists who employ the decorative as a means to engage the audience. Feb. 20-March 30. Ann Arbor: 734-997-7012. http://www.thegalleryproject.com
Lawrence Street Gallery Exhibit: “The Body Eclectic,” an all-media juried exhibition featuring the figure. Through Feb. 29. Open Wed.-Sat. Ferndale: 248-544-0394. http://www.lawrencestreetgallery.com
Liberal Arts Gallery Exhibit: “Dawud Mohammed, Recent Works.” Through Feb. 23. Free. Open Saturday afternoons. Detroit: 313-925-9578. http://www.liberalartsgallery.com
Lowell Arts Council Gallery Exhibit: “The 22nd West Michigan Regional Competition,” a juried event featuring area artists. Feb. 17-March 22. Open Tues.-Sat. Lowell: 616-897-8545. http://www.lowellartscouncil.org
paulkotulaprojects Exhibit: “Zero/Suspension,” featuring sculptures and works on paper by Jim Shrosbree. Through Feb. 23. Open Wed.-Sat. Ferndale: 248-544-3020. http://www.paulkotula.com
Riverside Arts Center Exhibit: “Eastern Michigan University Art Masters Association Fifth Annual Invitational.” Through March 1. Free. Open Thu.-Sun. Ypsilanti: 734-480-2787. http://www.riversidearts.org
Saper Galleries Come see why Decor Magazine named the gallery its top art gallery in 2007. Open Mon.-Sat and first Mondays. East Lansing: 517-351-0815. http://www.sapergalleries.com
Saugatuck Center for the Arts Exhibit: “Gallery Owners Select,” works from five area galleries showcasing the essence of each business. Through Feb. 18. Open during regular business hours and during performances. Free. Saugatuck: 269-857-2399. http://www.sc4a.org
Sense Design Inc. Exhibit: Art That Makes Sense,” a solo exhibit of local landscapes and figures by Victor Pytko. Through March 3. Weekdays, by appt. only. Ferndale: 248-658-1130.

DANCE, MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS:

Arab American National Museum The Global Thursdays world music concert series continues Abuakwa African Music & Dance Ensemble (Feb. 14); and Le Trio Joubran (Feb. 21). $10-$12. Dearborn: 313-582-2266. http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings The Nightnotes series continues with DSO Assistant Principal Viola James VanValkenburg in a solo recital. Feb. 22 at Hagopian World of Rugs, Birmingham. $20. 248-559-2095. http://www.detroitchamberwinds.org
Detroit Symphony Orchestra The 2007/08 season continues with “A Funny Valentine” (Feb. 14-17; $15-$71); “Chinese New Year” (Feb. 16; $19-$50); The Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra (Feb. 21; $12-$25); and “Classical Roots” (Feb. 21-23; $20-$71). Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center, Detroit. 313-576-5111. http://www.detroitsymphony.com
Flint Institute of Music The Flint Jubilee Chorale and Creative Expressions Dance Studio present “Lift Ev’ry Voice,” featuring the voices of men and women from past to present who speak out against racism, hatred, slavery and apartheid. Feb. 21-22 at FIM; Feb. 23 at Grace Emmanuel Church. Free. Flint: 810-238-1350. http://www.flintinstituteofmusic.com
Flint Symphony Orchestra World-renowned baritone Jubilant Sykes joins the FSO for an evening that includes a variety of pieces ranging from a classical aria to spirituals. Feb. 16 at The Whiting, Flint. $9.50-$56. 810-237-7333. http://www.flintinstituteofmusic.com
MSU College of Music Programs include: “Musique 21” (Feb. 15 at Music Bldg. Auditorium; free); Women’s Chamber Ensemble (Feb 16 at Plymouth Congregational Church; $9); and Concert Orchestra (Feb. 21 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church; $9). East Lansing: 517-432-5253. http://www.music.msu.edu
Oakland University Dept. of Music, Theatre & Dance Dr. Yin Zheng will present her first piano recital. Feb. 20 in Varner Recital Hall, Rochester. Free. 248-370-2030. http://www2.oakland.edu/mtd
Palmer Woods Concerts in Homes The monthly series continues with Peter Psarianos & Odyssey, who will take you on a journey to Asia Minor Greece with oud, lauoto, violin, vocals and percussion. Feb. 23. $25. Detroit: 313-920-4864. http://www.palmerwoods.org
Plymouth Canton Symphony Society “A Beatles Blast,” a benefit concert to raise money to support the society’s music education programs. Feb. 21 at the historic Penn Theatre, Plymouth. $100. 734-451-2112. http://www.plymouthsymphony.org
Saugatuck Center for the Arts Events include: Louis Nagel, classical piano (Feb. 17; $10); and singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist David Molinari (Feb. 23; $15). Feb. 9. $15. Saugatuck: 269-857-2399. http://www.sc4a.org
Seldom Blues The monthly Grey Goose Jazz Concert Series continues with singer Maysa and flutist Alexander Zonjic. Feb. 17. 5 p.m. intimate dinner performance: $80 (which includes a four-course meal, reservations recommended); 8 p.m. performance: $30. Detroit: 313-567-7301. http://www.seldomblues.com
University Musical Society The 2007/08 season continues with: violinist Christian Tetzlaff (Feb. 14 at Hill Auditorium; $10-$50); Noism08 (Feb. 15 at Power Center; $16-$40); and the Ahmad Jamal Trio (Feb. 16 at Hill Auditorium; $10-$42). Ann Arbor: 734-764-2538. http://www.ums.org
Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers The annual “Dance Forum” is a juried event that provides an opportunity for local and regional choreographers to share their work. Feb. 15-17 at the Wellspring Theater at the Epic Center, Kalamazoo. $15. 269-387-2300. http://www.wellspringdance.org
Woodside Church The Jazz Vespers series continues. Feb. 15. Free. Flint: 810-767-4911. http://www.woodsidechurch.net

FILM & VIDEO:

Detroit Film Theatre Celebrating 30 years as one of America’s most comprehensive, popular acclaimed showcases of contemporary and classic world cinema. DFT at the Detroit Institute of Arts. $7.50. Detroit: 313-833-3237. http://www.dia.org/dft
FIA Theater The FIA presents independent, international and avant-garde films every weekend. FIA Theater at the Flint Institute of Arts. Fri-Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun. at 2 p.m. $6. Flint: 810-234-1695. http://www.flintarts.org
Michigan Theater Ann Arbor’s daily selection of specialty cinema, including documentaries, independent, foreign, and classic films ($8.50); PLUS: Magnolia Pictures and Shorts International will screen all 10 2008 Oscar-nominated short films (Feb. 15); and every Monday in February: Academy Award-winning Best Pictures at 7 p.m. Ann Arbor: 734-668-TIME. http://www.michtheater.org
The Mitten Movie Project A filmmaking collective that exhibits the work of filmmakers in Michigan on the first Tuesday of every month. Main Art Theatre. $10-$11. Royal Oak: 248-346-8449. http://www.thoughtcollide.com
Peace Education Center Four movies that cover a broad range of current affairs. Feb. 16, March 11 & 15. Free. At the Gone Wired Cafe, Lansing. http://www.peaceedcenter.org
Redford Theatre An historic 1928 movie house in northwest Detroit with an original Barton Theatre Pipe Organ that presents classic film series, organ concerts and special events in a beautifully restored setting. $4/regular tickets; $5/special movie tickets. Detroit: 313-537-2560. http://www.redfordtheatre.com
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts West Michigan’s “best alternative film theater” presents cutting edge movies seven days a week. $4-$7. Grand Rapids: 616 454 3994 . http://www.uica.org

SPOKEN/WRITTEN WORD:

EchoVerse Poetry Series & Slam Enjoy national and local feature performances, in the city’s most nurturing environment for creative expression every. Every Friday at the Java Exchange Cafe in Detroit’s TechTown. $5-$7. Detroit: 313-822-6456. http://www.echoversepoetry.com
Shaman Drum Bookshop Events for young and old; call for details. Ann Arbor: 734-662-7407.
UICA Writers’ Studio A weekly gathering that provides criticism and inspiration to those whose passion is writing. Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Every Wed. beginning at 6:30 p.m. Grand Rapids: 616-454-7000. http://www.uica.org