Art & Around for the period June 28-July 7

EDITOR’S PICK:
Frozen lakes, native woodland flowers, insects and other nature scenes are part of a new photography exhibit by Farmington resident Norm Thompson that runs through July 13 at the Nature Center at Heritage Park on Farmington Road between Ten and Eleven Mile Roads. The exhibit, presented by the City of Farmington Hills Cultural Arts Division, is on display Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Thompson spent most of his life in the Milford area and began photographing nature in 1985 in Kensington Metro Park. He has made thousands of photo images in the park, as well as various other Michigan locations. His works are on display in Northern Michigan restaurants, as well as in private collections and local shows.
Many of the photos in the exhibit are for sale from the artist. For more information about the exhibit, please call 248-473-1856.
Donald V. Calamia

SUMMER ARTS FESTIVALS:

Ann Arbor Summer Festival A three-week celebration of performing arts, outdoor entertainment and community spirit that offers dozens of legendary artists, pop icons, international superstars and emerging newcomers in and around the Power Center and Hill Auditorium. Through July 9. A mix of free and ticketed events. Ann Arbor: 734-764-2538. http://www.annarborsummerfestival.org
artBLAST The quintessential summer arts celebration provides families with a great opportunity to share time together in a creative environment, with entertaining art adventures, nostalgic Michigan food, live music by folksinger Joel Mabus and fireworks. July 3 at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. $110/family; $50/adults. Birmingham: 248-644-0866. http://www.bbartcenter.org
8 Days in June A new festival, designed to challenge traditional ideas about classical music and the role of symphony orchestras today, will present classical, jazz and chamber music, as well as drama, spoken word, film, lectures, visual art and more. Through June 28 at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. $10-$65 per event/$300 Festival Pass. Detroit: 313-576-5111. http://www.8daysinjune.com
Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights A weekly summer festival of free concerts, children’s entertainers and other attractions staged simultaneously every Thursday evening in downtown Chelsea on Main Street. Festival continues June 28 with Bill Bynum & Company, Blues Shift, Matt Watroba and more; and July 5 with Bill Bynum & Company, Kitty Donahoe, Lottie Prenevost and others. Chelsea: 734-475-1145. http://www.chelseafestivals.com
Summer in the Park A season-long series of events in downtown Detroit that includes “Lunchtime Arts” (weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through Sept. 28), “Culture Corner Weekends” (through Aug. 24) and “Healthy Moves” (through Aug. 25). Campus Martius Park. Free. Detroit: 313-962-0101. http://www.campusmartiuspark.org
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ARCHITECTURE/GARDEN TOURS:

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Take a tour behind the scenes and examine special subjects that provide a new perspective on the family that left an indelible mark on the automotive industry, the arts community and the region. Some advance reservations are required; fees vary. Open Tue.-Sun. Grosse Pointe Shores: 313-884-4222. http://www.fordhouse.org

ART, HISTORICAL & SCIENCE MUSEUMS:

Arab American National Museum Exhibit: “The Photography of Suleiman Al Awadi (through Aug. 19); plus “Arab Civilization: Our Heritage” (Community Courtyard); “Coming to America” (Gallery 1); and “Making an Impact” (Gallery 3). Open Wed.-Sun. Dearborn: 313-582-2266. http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Cranbrook Art Museum A contemporary art museum located at the heart of Cranbrook Educational Community, one of the nation’s greatest architectural complexes. Open Wed.-Sun. $6 museum admission. Bloomfield Hills: 248-645-3314. http://www.cranbrookart.edu/museum
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. 248-645-3200. http://science.cranbrook.edu
Detroit Historical Museum Exhibits include: “Treasures of the Collection,” “Fabulous Five: Detroit Music Legends” and “Detroit Then & Now.” Wed.-Sun. $5 admission. Detroit: 313-833-1805. http://www.detroithistorical.org
Detroit Institute of Arts While the museum is closed to complete renovations, the DIA presents “Fore! Fun,” a one-of-a-kind, 10-hole mini-golf course on the north lawn. Runs Wed.-Sun., through Labor Day. $5. Detroit: 313-833-4005. http://www.dia.org
Detroit Science Center Exhibit: “Our Body: The Universe Within.” Extended through Sept. 3. $24.95/adults, $19.95/children; includes general museum admission. Open daily. Detroit: 313-577-8400. http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org
Flint Institute of Arts Exhibits include: “Artists of the Great Lakes: 1910-1960.” Through Aug. 19. Open Tue.-Sun. Flint: 810-234-1695. http://www.flintarts.org
The Henry Ford Exhibit: “Rock Stars’ Cars & Guitars,” featuring more than 19 legendary cars and 30 guitars that are synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll. At Henry Ford Museum through Sept. 30. $14 museum admission. Dearborn: 313-982-6001. http://www.thehenryford.org
Kresge Art Museum Exhibits include: “Circus: The Art of the ‘Strange & Curious” (through July 27); and “Sorrow Unmasked: Images of Grief, Mourning and Remembrance” (through July 27). 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
Michigan State University Museum Exhibits include: “Workers Culture in Two Nations: South Africa and the United States.” Through Aug. Open daily; free admission. 517-355-2370. http://www.museum.msu.edu
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit Exhibits: “STUFF: International Contemporary Art from the Collection of Burt Aaron.” Through July 29. Open Wed.-Sun.; free admission. Detroit: 313-832-6622. http://www.mocadetroit.org
Plymouth Historical Museum Exhibit: “Plymouth Rides the Rails,” an exploration of the history of trains in Plymouth from 1871 to the present. Through Nov. 1. $5. Open Wed., Fri., Sat. & Sun. Plymouth: 734-455-8940. http://www.plymouthhistory.org
Sloan Museum Exhibits include: “Fair Housing in Flint” (through Nov. 4); and “Rides and Rebels,” a celebration of the adventure, look and lifestyle of motorcycles (through March 2008). $6. Open daily. 810-237-3450. http://www.sloanmuseum.com
University of Michigan Museum of Art Exhibits include: “Out of the Ordinary/Extraordinary: Contemporary Japanese Photography.” Through Sept. 16. Open Tue.-Sun. at its 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: “Unreal Lives,” real and imagined painted satirical portraits by Dick Keaveny in the Race Street Gallery; “Limping Down the Fence Line,” a multimedia installation by Robin Starbuck in the In Space Gallery; and “Archeopteryx in a Cactus Patch: A Story of Ecological Invasions” by Jenny Pope in the Front Street Gallery. Through July 22. Open Tue.-Sun. Grand Rapids: 616 454 3994. http://www.uica.org

ART GALLERIES:

Abreact: The Art Gallery Exhibit: “Theaters throughout Michigan,” photos of theaters in their current state of decay by C. H. Carroll. Every Saturday afternoon through June. Detroit: 313-247-5270. http://www.theabreact.com
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 Exhibit: “Made in Michigan: Blown and Sculpted Glass” (June 29-Aug. 12); and “Photographer, Michelle Stamler,” (June 29-Aug. 12). Ann Arbor: 734-994-8004, ext. 110. http://www.annarborartcenter.org
Biddle Gallery Exhibit: “Vessels” by John Albert Murphy (through Aug. 31); and “Climate Controlled Art Fair” (July 1-Aug. 31). Open Mon.-Sat. Wyandotte: 734-281-4779. http://www.biddlegallery.com
Brown and Juanita C. Ford Gallery Exhibit: “Heritage: Brilliance.” Through July 13. Detroit: 313-496-2570.
Collingwood Arts Center Exhibits: “Dark Visions,” a collaborative photographic show that presents different conceptions about what might be considered dark and edgy (through June 30 in the Gerber Parlors); “Exhibit of Works by Lisabelle” (through July 1 in the Lobby Gallery); and the “Toledo Artists Club Exchange Exhibit” (through July 1 in the B-Wing Gallery). Open weekdays during regular business hours and during special events. Toledo: 419-244-2787. http://www.collingwoodartscenter.org
Community Arts @ Paramount Gallery Exhibit: “Transient Structures,” featuring works by Lynn Bennett-Carpenter and Mary Kim. Through July 21. Open during regular bank hours. Ferndale: 248-414-6500. http://www.theparamountgallery.com
Downriver Council for the Arts Exhibits: landscape paintings by Richard Brinn and Kevin Myers, and clay sculptures by Ginger Scobie in the Home Gallery; and paintings by Christopher Fick in the Skylight Gallery. Through June 29. Open Wed.-Sat. 734-287-6103. http://www.downriverarts.org
Farmington Hills City Hall Exhibit: “Celebrate Diversity in People, Places, Sounds and Colors,” a traveling exhibit from the Arts League of Michigan. Through June 29. Open weekdays during business hours. Farmington Hills: 248-473-1856.
Gallery Project Exhibit: “State of the Union,” in which collaborators are invited to comment through their work on conditions in the country (through July 29). Open Tue.-Sun. Ann Arbor: 734-997-7012. http://www.thegalleryproject.com
Heritage Park Nature Center Exhibit: nature scenes by Farmington resident Norm Thompson. Through July 13. Open daily. Farmington Hills: 248-473-1856.
Lawrence Street Gallery Exhibits: “Intimate Views,” a joint mother-daughter show featuring mixed media pieces by Donna J. Engstrom and photography by her daughter, Mary Macey (through June 30); and “Ceramic and Fiber Art,” the work of Suk Jin Choi and Jung Yeon Choi (July 3-28). Open Tue.-Sat. Ferndale: 248-544-0394. http://www.lawrencestreetgallery.com
Lowell Area Arts Council Exhibit: “The Pet Project,” a collaborative exhibition featuring artists of all ages designed to pay tribute to an important family member: our pets. Two locations: Lowell Area Arts Council (Tue.-Sat.) and the Franciscan Life Process Center (Mon.-Fri.). Through July 19. Lowell: 616-897-8545. http://www.lowellartscouncil.org
Mephistos Exhibit: “Art Attack,” featuring the work of Lisa Downey, Amanda Rosado and others. Through July 15. Open Wed.-Sat. Hamtramck: 313-875-3627. http://www.mephistosdetroit.com
Nextstep Studio & Gallery Exhibit: “Solo Show,” featuring new work by Craig Paul Nowak. Through July 28. Viewable by appointment after the artist reception on July 23. Ferndale: 248-342-5074.
Octane Photographic Exhibit: “unfiltered 2,” an exhibition for artists outside the mainstream. Through July 15. Ferndale: 248-399-2355. http://www.octanephotographic.com
Plymouth Coffee Bean Company Exhibit: “Progressive Digression,” the never-before seen acrylic paintings on found wood boards of master artist Dennis Bruce Spencer. July 1-30. Plymouth: 734-454-0178. http://www.myspace.com/dennisbrucespencer
Rayn Gallery Exhibit: “From the Void,” the debut exhibit by surrealist painter Tom Wagner. Detroit: 313-894-4731. http://www.myspace.com/rayngallery
Riverside Arts Center Exhibit: “Heroes and Hotrods: Sculpture by Rick “Ruiner” Lappin,” which explores popular culture through three-dimensional works combining gadgetry, music and performance. June 28-July 28. Open Thur., Sat. & Sun. Free. Ypsilanti: 734-480-2787. http://www.riversideartscenter.org
Saugatuck Center for the Arts Exhibit: “The Art of Carl Hoerman: An Emigre’s Vision of America,” the first solo exhibition of the artist’s works. Through July 31. Free. Saugatuck: 269-857-2300. http://www.sc4a.org
Scarab Club Exhibits: “Blooms, Bugs, Beasts,” an all-media show; and “Scarab Club Members’ Exhibit,” an unthemed all-media show. Through June 30. Open Wed.-Sun. Detroit: 313-831-1250. http://www.scarabclub.org

DANCE, MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS:

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Start the summer with the DSO’s “Salute to America” concerts at The Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village in Dearborn. June 30-July 3. Adults: $22.50/Kids ages 5-12: $14. Detroit: 313-576-5111. http://www.detroitsymphony.com
LCC Performing Arts Dept. The LCC Faculty Jazz Combo will entertain as part of the Summer Stage Under the Stars festival. July 5 at the LCC Amphitheatre at the Washington Mall. Free. Lansing: 517-483-1488. http://www.lcc.edu
Lowell Showboat The Sizzlin’ Summer Concert series continues with The Willeys (June 28) and Rusty Wright Blues (July 5). Free. Lowell: 616-897-8545. http://www.lowellartscouncil.org
MSU College of Music The 11th Annual Muelder Summer Carillon Series runs five consecutive Wednesdays July 4-Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. at the MSU Beaumont Tower. Free. East Lansing: 517-432-5253. http://www.music.msu.edu
Music in the Parks The free summertime family outdoor concert series continues with the Flint Symphony Orchestra and The 5th Dimension. July 2 at Riverbank Park. Flint: 810-237-3112. http://www.musicintheparks.us
Stars in the Park A free outdoor concert series at Heritage Park continues with folk artist Barbara Bailey Hutchison (June 28). Farmington Hills: 248-473-1857.
Terpsichore’s Kitchen The popular dance troupe presents “Dancing in Summer,” a showcase of works by national and international independent choreographers. Through July 1 at Performance Network Theatre. $22-$25. Ann Arbor: 734-663-0681. http://www.performancenetwork.org

FILM & VIDEO:

Comcast Summer Film Series Head to downtown Detroit for an evening of current releases and family favorites shown outdoors on a big screen. Every Saturday night through August 18; begins at 8 p.m. with musical entertainment. Campus Martius Park. Free. Detroit: 313-646-4329. http://www.comcastfilmseries.com
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 Quality avant-garde, independent and international films that otherwise would not be seen in the Flint area. FIA Theater at the Flint Institute of Arts. Every weekend, Fri-Sun. $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). Military veterans will be admitted free through the four-day Memorial Day Weekend. 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. Royal Oak: 248-346-8449. http://www.thoughtcollide.com
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:

PicNap 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.picnap-poetry.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

ARTS NEWS & FUNDRAISERS:

FLINT CULTURAL CENTER – announces “Fore the Arts 2007,” its first annual golf outing set for Aug. 27 at the Flint Golf Club, 810-237-7379; GROSSE POINTE ART CENTER – will close its doors July 31 at its current location while looking for a new space; HENRY FORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE – glassblowing classes will be offered this fall for credit or fun, 1-800-585-4322; MACOMB CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS – is offering a series of summer music, drama and technical theater workshops in July and August, 586-286-2044; URBAN INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS – a new, free Art Therapy event for LGBT adolescents, “Photographing the Urban Landscape,” will meet Saturdays in August and September, 616-454-7000, ext. 25.