Wednesday May 17th will be the first ever gathering of the Ypsi Fine Arts Club! Inspired by the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club (DFABC), Riverside is looking forward to providing a space for local artists to showcase their work. 

 

The creation of Ypsi’s Fine Arts Club could not have been possible without the involvement of Takeisha Jefferson and Lynne Settles. Takeisha is a longtime member of DFABC, working primarily as a photographer. Lynne Settles is a retired arts educator for Ypsi Community Schools, and is the Treasurer of Embracing our Differences, Michigan. Both these women, community leaders in their own right, brought the idea of providing an experience similar to DFABC to Ypsilanti for those artists who crave a community gathering space, but are unable to make the trip out to Detroit. After meeting with Takeisha and Lynne, and visiting our first ever DFABC, we knew this was a project worth pursuing.

Takeisha Jefferson mc’ing our test run of YFAC on May 3rd, 2023.

Elizabeth Warren, Executive Director of Riverside Arts Center, shares her experience visiting the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club:

“Each time I’ve attended the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club I’ve left with gifts both physically and emotionally. The sense of togetherness and creativity that comes from this truly supportive group is magical. I also happened to win their art raffle on my first visit, which I later learned was a piece by the DFABC founder’s sister: Rosemary Harper. 

On my second visit, I was lucky enough to sit with Tony Hamilton, an incredibly talented local artist. We started chatting, and when he learned more about Riverside Arts Center immediately asked if we take donations of art. I replied with an enthusiastic, “Absolutely!” And only a few minutes later was presented with a gorgeous line-drawing piece that will be on display at the Ypsi Fine Arts Club grand opening. Whether by total chance or the universe conspiring in my favor, both times I’ve attended DFABC, the experience made me feel truly part of this large creative family. Riverside hopes to bring this same sense of belonging and brilliance to Ypsi. We can’t thank the founders Henry Harper and Harold Braggs for their very kind blessing to allow us to create our own version of their vision.”

A work by Tywree Bailey being shown at the test run of YFAC on May 3rd, 2023.

What can you expect from an Ypsi Fine Arts Club gathering?

Expect dancing canvases navigating the room as artists talk about their work and creative process!  Artists will have the opportunity to connect with other artists, art lovers, and collectors to talk about their work and art as a whole.. You might even want to purchase an artist’s work on the spot if you are moved by their creation. Local restaurants and chefs that will vary week to week, will provide a delicious dinner option while you take part in the experience. 

The Ypsi Fine Arts Club rings in an era of new programming at Riverside Arts Center that hopes to provide opportunities to share creativity, explore art, and grow community together. 

Join us on Wednesday May 17th, to be a part of this truly energizing and unique experience. Riverside’s Ypsilanti Fine Arts Club will meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month (excluding holidays), from 5:00pm-8:00pm.

We highly encourage you to attend the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club Mondays at Marygrove College in Detroit. They take place every Monday from 5:30pm-8:00pm (doors at 4:30) except holidays. Check out their social media for more information and updates.