Art & Around for the period March 15-24

ARCHITECTURE/GARDEN TOURS:

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Discover the Ford House with all-new tours that go behind the scenes, examine special subjects and 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: “Juxtaposed!” – a one-man show by Detroit-based Arab American Adnan Charara (March 16-May 31). Open Wed.-Sun. Dearborn: 313-582-2266. http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Cranbrook Art Museum Exhibits include: “Shrinking Cities: International Research,” which examines the phenomenon of urban decline in four focus cities, including Detroit (through April 1); and “Gord Peteran: Furniture Meets Its Maker” (through April 1). Open Wed.-Sun. Free with $6 museum admission. Bloomfield Hills: 248-645-3314. http://www.cranbrook.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 Exhibits include: “Ansel Adams: America’s Treasures from an American Treasure” (through May 27). Open Wed.-Sun. $10. Detroit: 313-833-4005. http://www.dia.org
Detroit Science Center Exhibit: “Our Body: The Universe Within” (through May 28; $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: “David Driskell: Painting Across the Decade 1996-2006 (through March 25); and “After Lewis and Clark: The Forces of Change, 18-06-1871” (through April 29). Tue.-Sun. Flint: 810-234-1695. http://www.flintarts.org
Kresge Art Museum Exhibits include: “Yousuf Karsh Photographs”; “The Workers’ Landscape: American Images, 1900-1950”; and “Contemporary Arctic Expressions,” (all running through March 18). 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: “MISTIC Memories: 50 Years of Computing at MSU’ (through March); and “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: “Shrinking Cities: Interventions,” in which artists see four depopulated cities as a blank slate for developing new ways of living and working (through April 1); and “Meditations in an Emergency” (through April 29). Open Wed.-Sun.; free admission. Detroit: 313-832-6622. http://www.mocadetroit.org
Sloan Museum Exhibits include: “Tech City” (through April 29); “Flint’s 1947 Flood” (through May 6); and “Fair Housing in Flint” (through Nov. 4). $6. Open daily. 810-237-3450. http://www.sloanmuseum.com
University of Michigan Museum of Art Exhibits include: “Embracing Eatonville” (through March 18). 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

ART GALLERIES:

Ann Arbor Art Center Exhibits: “Potential” (through March 25). Open 7 days. Ann Arbor: 734-994-8004, ext. 110. http://www.annarborartcenter.org
Biddle Gallery Exhibit: “New Pottery” by Elenor Wilson (through April 30). Open Mon.-Sat. Wyandotte: 734-281-4779. http://www.biddlegallery.com
Biegas Gallery Exhibit: “Insatiable,” featuring the eclectic works of eight of Metro Detroit’s consistently working artists (through April 1). Open Tue.-Sat. Detroit: 313-961-0634. http://www.biegas.com
Brown and Juanita Ford Gallery Exhibit: “American City: Detroit Architecture 1845-2005” (through March 31). Open weekdays at WCCCD Downtown Campus. Detroit: 313-496-2536. http://www.wcccd.edu/about/gallery_history.asp
Butcher’s Inn Exhibit: “Artist Terry Johnson,” whose works include many nationally known musicians. Through April 16. Detroit: 313-566-0966. http://www.butchersinn.com
Charles Waterhouse Studio and Gallery Photo exhibit: “The Raw Beauty of Ireland” (March 17-24). Open Tue.-Sat. Auburn Hills: 248-853-6779. http://www.waterhousephoto.com
Community Arts @ Paramount Gallery Exhibit: “His and Hers: Moment,” features the sculptures of Ryan Buyssens and photography of Molly Reilly (through March 24). Open Mon.-Sat. inside Paramount Bank. Ferndale: 248-414-6500. http://www.theparamountgallery.com
Detroit Artists Market Exhibit: “Detroit Next,” focusing on nine artists from the upcoming generation (through April 7). Open Tue.-Sat. Detroit: 313-832-8540. http://www.detroitartistsmarket.org
Detroit Repertory Theatre Lobby Gallery Exhibit: “The Artwork of Anthony Dixon” (through March 18). Open during theater performances, Thu.-Sun. Detroit: 313-868-1347. http://www.detroitreptheatre.com
Downriver Council for the Arts Galleries Exhibit: “7th Annual Emerging Artists Exhibit” (through April 13 in the Home Gallery); and “Rebecca Vogel: thoughts, ideas, questions, concerns” (through April 13 in the Skylight Gallery). Open Wed.-Sat. Taylor: 734-287-6103. http://www.downriverarts.org
Gallery Project Exhibit: “Imprint of Place,” featuring 14 artists exploring “a limitless world” (through March 25). Open Tue.-Sun. Ann Arbor: 734-997-7012. http://www.thegalleryproject.com
Grosse Pointe Artists Association Local and national artists combine to produce two-and-three-dimensional art, music, poetry and choreography in the GPAA’s “Collaborative and Correspondence Art Exhibition” (through March 17; free). Open Wed.-Sat. Grosse Pointe Park: 313-821-1848. http://www.myspace.com/grossepointeartcenter
HATCH Hamtramck’s new arts collective is “Hatched” with a juried exhibit and sale (through April 7 at Cafe 1923, Hamtramck). http://www.hatchart.org
Lansing Art Gallery Exhibit: The LCC Student Art Exhibit (through March 28). Open Tue.-Sat. Lansing: 517-483-1546. http://www.lansingartgallery.org
Lapeer Art Association Exhibit: “Kaleidoscope of Color” (through March 24). Open Tue.-Sat. Lapeer: 810-667-3632. http://www.lapeerart.com
Lawrence Street Gallery Exhibits: “Exposures: Photography 2007” (through March 30). Open Tue.-Sat. Ferndale: 248-544-0394. http://www.lawrencestreetgallery.com
Liberal Arts Gallery A unique space offering a revolving exhibit featuring local artists. Open Saturdays and by appointment. Detroit: 313-925-9578. http://www.liberalartsgallery.com
Lowell Area Arts Council Exhibits: The 21st Annual West Michigan Regional Competition (through March 24); and “Zurina Zainal Ariffin: Batik Painting” (through April 9). Tue.-Sat. Lowell: 616-897-8545. http://www.lowellartscouncil.org
Macomb College Art Gallery Exhibit: “Home Front, Revisited” by Laura Cloud (through March 22). At the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. Open Mon.-Fri., plus 90-minutes prior to all engagements at MCPA. Clinton Twp: 586-286-2089. http://www.macombcenter.com
Riverside Arts Center Exhibit: “It Grows on Trees” (through April 7). Open Thu.-Sun. 734-480-2787. http://www.riversidearts.org
Saugatuck Center for the Arts Exhibits: “Read for Me, Mama,” 16 pieces of original art by Lori McElrath-Eslick for the book of the same name (through March 31); and “Snakepit: a metamorphosis of firm” featuring new works by Katherine Sullivan (through April 23). Open weekdays. Saugatuck: 269-857-2399. http://www.sc4a.org
Sherry Washington Gallery Exhibit: Moments and Movements II”: the new drawings and paintings of Chun Hui Pak (through April 14). Detroit: 313-961-4500. http://www.sherrywashingtongallery.com
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts West Michigan’s vibrant research and development center for the art of today and tomorrow. Open Tue.-Sun. Grand Rapids: 616 454 3994. http://www.uica.org

DANCE, MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS:

The Ark A new jazz series in collaboration with the Michigan Theater begins with jazz vocalist Kurt Elling and his trio (March 17; $30). Ann Arbor: 734-763-TKTS. http://www.theark.org
Chamber Music Society of Detroit The Opus 3 Piano Series continues with Grammy Award-winner Emanuel Ax (March 17 at Seligman Performing Arts Center on the campus of Country Day School, Beverly Hills; $41-$75). Farmington Hills: 248-855-6070. http://www.comehearcmsd.org
Detroit Symphony Orchestra The season continues with “The Civic Experience” featuring the DSO Youth Ensembles (March 14 & 18; $12); “Celtic Celebration with Natalie MacMaster” (March 15-18; $15-$66); The Tiny Tots’ concert, “Imaginary Homeland” (March 17; $10-$27); “Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique” (March 22-24; $15-$69); and Detroit Symphony Civic Youth Orchestra (March 24; $10). Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center. Detroit: 313-576-5111. http://www.detroitsymphony.com
First Congregational Church of Rochester Virtuoso pianist, organist and raconteur Joseph Palazzolo returns for his third annual concert (March 24). Rochester: 248-651-6225.
Lansing Symphony Orchestra The season continues with “Rhyme and Rhythm” (March 17 at Wharton Center; $10-$43). Lansing: 517-487-5001. http://www.lansingsymphony.org
Macomb Center for the Performing Arts Events include: “A Soldier’s Tale” by Eisenhower Dance Ensemble (March 17; $18-$30). Clinton Twp.: 586-286-2222. http://www.macombcenter.com
Marygrove College Associate Professor and Composer-in-Residence Geoffrey Stanton bands together with friends and colleagues to present a memorable evening of eclectic music (March 16 at Sacred Heart Chapel; free). Detroit: 313-927-1310. http://www.marygrove.edu
MSU College of Music Programs include: Artist Faculty George Vatchnadze, piano (March 14 at Music Bldg. Auditorium; $8); Women in Jazz (March 16 in Music Practice Building, Room 103); free); Wind Symphony and Concert Band (March 20 at MSU Concert Auditorium; $8); and 2007 Honors Concert Symphony Orchestra (March 24 at Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall; $8). East Lansing: 517-355-5340. http://www.music.msu.edu
Oakland University Dept. of Music, Theatre and Dance The OU Flute Choir presents works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Bizet and others (March 18 in Varner Recital Hall; free). Rochester: 248-370-2030. http://www2.oakland.edu/mtd
Saugatuck Center for the Arts Events include: Acoustic blues singer/songwriter Keith Scott (March 24; $15). Saugatuck: 269-857-2399. http://www.sc4a.org
Tecumseh Civic Auditorium Events include: Chelsea House Orchestra & Tecumseh Strings Orchestra (March 23-24; $6). Tecumseh: 517-423-6617. http://www.tecumsehcivic.com
University Musical Society Programs include: Tamango’s Urban Tap (March 14 at Michigan Theater; $18-$36); Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis (March 15 at Hill Auditorium; $10-$70); Brazilian singer/songwriter Gilberto Gil (March 16 at Hill Auditorium; $10-$60); Pianist Murray Perahia (March 17 at Hill Auditorium; $10-$70); Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France (March 20 at Hill Auditorium; $10-$75); and Canadian Brass (March 24 at Hill Auditorium; $10-$48). Ann Arbor: 734-764-2538. http://www.ums.org
Wharton Center Events include: Jazz artist Keiko Matsui (March 16 at Pasant Theatre; $38); Celtic fiddle virtuoso Natalie MacMaster (March 18 at Cobb Great hall; $25-$38); and Clairmont Trio (March 18 at Pasant Theatre; $26). East Lansing: 517-432-2000. http://www.whartoncenter.com

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, Detroit. $7.50. 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, Flint. Every weekend, Fri-Sun. $6. 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). 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, Royal Oak. $10. 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. 313-537-2560. http://www.redfordtheatre.com
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts West Michigan’s “best alternative film theater” presents cutting edge movies in Grand Rapids seven days a week. $4-$7. 616 454 3994 . http://www.uica.org

THE WRITTEN/SPOKEN WORD:

826michigan Events include: Speaker Valentino Achak Deng, subject of the book “What is the What” (March 16 at Ann Arbor District Library Main Branch; free); Dave Eggers: Writing and Publishing the Memoir (March 17 at 1 p.m. at Kerrytown Concert House; $50); and Salon 826 featuring Dave Eggers (March 17 at 7 p.m. at a private home; $250). Ann Arbor: 734-761-3464. http://www.826michigan.org
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
Poets Follies This month’s event brings together an internationally-inspired potluck of writing and writers. March 16 at the Grosse Pointe Art Center. $5. Grosse Pointe Park: 313-821-1848. http://www.grossepointeartcenter.com
Shaman Drum Bookshop Events for young and old; call for details. Ann Arbor: 734-662-7407.
Survivin’ & Thrivin’ Deena Tyler, Marycela and Melissa Dey Hasbrook host poetry open mic night. March 17 at Gone Wired Cafe. Lansing: 517-853-0550. http://womenwriters.blogspot.com
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

CLASSES, FUNDRAISERS, ETC:

FAR FIELD RETREAT FOR WRITERS – Poet Jack Ridl will be among the featured authors at this year’s annual weekend retreat at Oakland University, May 17-20, 248-370-2250 for reservations; FARMINGTON AREA ARTS COMMISSION – accepting nominations through April 6 for Farmington Area 2007 Artist-in-Residence and Distinguished Service to the Arts Awards, 248-473-1856; GROSSE POINTE ART CENTER – the annual Attic Treasure Sale will be held March 23-24, 313-821-1848; LOWELL AREA ARTS COUNCIL – a “call for entries” has been issued for this summer’s “The Pet Project,” 616-897-8545; SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS – artist Dawn Stafford will guide an Open Figure Studio on Tuesdays beginning March 20 and Eve Reid will conduct “Papermaking Plunge” on March 24, 269-857-2399; SLOAN MUSEUM – now collecting information from families or individuals who moved from the South to the Flint area in eras past for use in a future exhibit, 810-237-3440.