John F. Korachis Scholarship Awards, April 20, 2007

One thing we’ve discovered about our friend and Greek-community conduit John F. Korachis—he never recommends an event to us that is not absolutely worthwhile… in the context of ‘Our Greek Story’ and to gain a better understanding of Detroit in general.

So it was with delight, if not surprise, that we spend several hours at the Detroit Artists Market 2007 Wayne State University Annual Scholarship and Exhibition Program.  The comfortable art gallery, wedged into the Wayne State campus on Woodward, featured the works of three scholarship recipients and five other student finalists, and the opening on April 20 was attended by hundreds of art patrons, Korachis colleagues and Wayne students curious to see what the crowds were all about.

First prize winner was Vanessa Miller, a photographer whose series of photos covering the beauty and the bitterness of decaying settings around Detroit, was striking even at first glance.  Miller, a Wayne State student pursuing a degree in fine arts photography, is well suited to be recognized by John Korachis and the DAM.  See more of her works at flickr.com/photos/vanessamiller.

Second prize was awarded to Lynne Spanke, whose massive acrylic of a tortured trio (no doubt a detailed story behind the subjects, but none offered beneath the work) dominated her entire wall.

Many nationally renowned WSU faculty and distinguished alumni also exhibited at the presentation, including Sergio Del Giusti, who we featured in ‘Our Italian Story’ in 2006.

Korachis says, “The exhibition is extraordinary in many ways.  It allows us to celebrate the contributions of two very important institutions in our community.  It also brings together many generations of fine artists, all of whom have been affiliated with Wayne State University…”

Thanks to John, we were also fortunate to receive introductions to many influential members of Detroit’s Greek community who will, we hope, become future interviewees for ‘Our Greek Story’.  This includes George Roumell, former president of the Michigan Bar Association.

Also present were two individuals whose Greek wedding will form the core of ‘Our Greek Story’, Cristina Alexander and Brian Abbott.  This delightful couple will be married in Greece in July, and the Visionalist crew will be there to capture it.

Meanwhile, the DAM Scholarship and Exhibition will be open to the public through May 26, 2007.  You’re highly urged to check it out.

Detroit Artists Market
4719 Woodward Avenue
Detroit MI  48201