Handmade Detroit Husband Ethan was at the Allied Media Conference last week, and while there he got to meet and talk to a t-shirt artist from Freedom House Detroit (and also got an awesome shirt with the slogan “Detroit – Anything Can Happen”). The political refugees staying at Freedom House are given entrepreneurial training to help them when they leave the program, and some of the skills learned involve making handmade goods! They will be selling some of these goods this Thursday, July 1 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Boll Family YMCA, 1401 Broadway, Detroit.
Below is the press release.
PRESS RELEASE: FREEDOM IN DETROIT EXHIBIT FEATURES NEWCOMER PRODUCTS
June 28, 2010
(Detroit) The spirit of freedom and independence is celebrated in an exhibition at the YMCA featuring the work of political refugees from Freedom House Detroit. Screen printed t-shirts, ceramics and jewelry all created by hand will be on display and sold at the “Freedom In Detroit” exhibition. The free event open to the public takes place Thursday, July 1 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Boll Family YMCA, 1401 Broadway, Detroit.
The exhibition features products made by residents of Freedom House Detroit, a temporary home for those seeking political asylum in the United States and Canada. Through an entrepreneurial training program conducted by Y-Arts, the Arts & Humanities branch of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, the residents produce screen printed t-shirts and posters, jewelry including necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings, and ceramic planters, woven baskets and vases. These items will be available for purchase with proceeds going to the training program. Entertainment will also be provided by Freedom House featuring traditional African dances and drumming.
Selected items will remain on display in the lobby and will be available for purchase at the member services counter throughout the month. For additional information call the Y-Arts office at 313-223-2751 or visit the website at