Category: Features
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Former Detroit writer looks back at real-life tragedy in “Purgatory”
By Stephanie Sokol for The Oakland Press Bryan Gruley’s advice for writing a novel? Sit down and do it. After years working in a newsroom, the Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, Bloomberg reporter and former writer for the Detroit News says he can write in any setting, with any noise level. It’s really just about getting it…
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Canton artist brings stained glass paintings to HVCA in Highland
By Stephanie Sokol for The Oakland Press J. Susan Aitken loves the look of stained glass. But instead of working in that medium, she captures its likeness through her paintings. Stained glass became her subject after a trip with her children years ago to Italy and France, where she was captivated by the beautifully ornate…
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Artist makes butterflies ‘fly off the canvas’ using augmented reality
At first look, Tim Yanke’s butterfly painting feels as if the insects are coming to life. But being an innovator, he wanted to take things a step further. His painting “Peta louthias,” Greek for butterfly, was inspired by a pair of women’s cowboy boots with butterflies on them that he’d seen when traveling out west.…
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Detroit photographer exhibits emotional photos, stories of refugees
Stephanie Sokol for The Oakland Press Looking through his lens, photographer Kenny Karpov tries to capture who people truly are — their expressions, their bodies and the light in their eyes. His emotional portraits, paired with written work, tell their stories. In Karpov’s latest project, the book “Despite It All We Never Learn,” he tells…
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Six pierogi spots to try at the annual Pierogi Fest in Whiting this weekend
By Stephanie Sokol for The Chicago Tribune Loading up on potato-filled goodness during the last weekend in July has become a Northwest Indiana tradition — drawing crowds for more than two decades. Pierogi Fest in downtown Whiting celebrates its 25th anniversary this weekend, featuring more than 30 food and beverage vendors. People flock in to…
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Paint Creek Center for the Arts introduces new executive director
By Stephanie Sokol for Digital First Media Elizabeth Chilton wears many hats. She serves on multiple museum boards and has held many corporate roles at museums in the Detroit area. She also is a single mother and a yogi. Now, she is taking on a role she is really looking forward to — executive director…
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Lathrup Village clockmaker enjoys sharing his works with people
Stephanie Sokol for The Oakland Press When choosing the direction his life would take, Duane Scherer knew he wanted to do something creative. After high school, the Lathrup Village resident worked as a musician and began painting, and a few years later, focused solely on visual art. “I wanted to bring joy and aesthetic variation…
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Metro Detroit artists bring birds to life through paintings
Stephanie Sokol for The Oakland Press For painter Helena Kuttner-Giasson, art is a way to communicate in more ways than one. When she couldn’t find the words, her art spoke for her, and she took inspiration from her surroundings. “Art is my first language,” says Kuttner-Giasson, of Clinton Township. “I always enjoyed doodling and drawing…
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Local photographer and author release third picture book, ‘Among a Thousand Fireflies’
Stephanie Sokol for The Oakland Press Rick Lieder knows beauty and nature can be found right in your own back yard. In his latest children’s book, “Among a Thousand Fireflies,” created with award-winning poet Helen Frost, the long-time photographer, artist and former photojournalist captured fireflies outside his home. “Helen did a great job telling the…
Stephanie Dennis 