John Dunivant is a painter and multimedia artist working out of Detroit, Michigan. His largest artistic accomplishment—Theatre Bizarre—violated an untold number of laws and gave attendants an immersive Halloween masquerade experience that was unrivaled before being shut down by the city in 2010. He is also one of 12 Kresge Art Fellows in 2011.

Having spent his formative years moving to and from cities like Los Angeles, London, New York and Detroit, Matt Eaton became compelled to investigate his surroundings. While trying to find some familiarity and comfort in these new places, he became fascinated with local signage, lettering and advertising. 

This quickly lead to a deep admiration for graffiti and the layers of old ads plastered on walls of buildings and subway tunnels. The decay of once new and seemingly important information and how quickly it is forgotten and plastered over have become a major theme in his work. This imagery became a traveling companion of sorts, never having to be left behind and waiting to be enjoyed in every new place he found himself with bright friendly colors and interesting new themes.

The process of mixing these mental images with memories of sayings and quotations that he associates with certain areas and people allows him to use his training in calligraphy and graphic design to produce personal snapshots of his life experience. Having long ago stepped away from the active world of graffiti, Matt still uses techniques and materials native to graffiti culture, as well as painting on wood which allows him to explore more realistic and natural textures and layers while being able to control surface quality.

DENIAL is two things in one - a superb street artist and incontrovertible proof that our Canadian neighbors are not mere sideline onlookers to this burgeoning scene. His pseudonym is "an alphanumerical phonetic mix-up representing his first name" and his goal as a mixed media and graffiti artist is to lash out at the stale decadence of mass advertising, politics, and media entities.

"I, was born in Boston, raised an hour from New York City and now call Detroit, Michigan home. I'm proud of and love my adopted city of over 11 years. I'm happy to see young artists and entrepreneurs making it a viable home-base for a new wave of independent, sustainable manufacturing and I'm proud to be able to give a leg up to some young artists via time in my studio.

I received a BFA from Boston University and my MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art - although both concentrations were in sculpture, somehow making "Ties That Don't Suck" has taken over my life! In my not-so-spare time, I still explore studio art work, fashion, graphic design, photography, multimedia and music. I have a minor (ok, major) obsession with cats." -Bethany Shorb

In November 2012, 323East Gallery will once again host Glass, Cinder & Thorns. The all-women, fairy-tale inspired group exhibition at 323East Gallery in 2009 made such a huge impact both locally and nationally, that we decided to bring it back! Many of the artists from the first exhibition will be returning but there will be also be some great new artists as well.

"As children, our parents often read us bedtime stories of little mermaids, sleeping beauties, and little red riding hoods. However, these seemingly innocent stories often had evil lurking within their pages. The more we age, the more we realize how wonderful being an innocent child can sometimes be. Losing ourselves in fantasies of white horses, magic, and dazzling princesses. What Disney failed to mention is that the mermaid dies, multiple suitors defiled sleeping beauty, and the wolf ate grandma. Horrible things happen everyday and we all sometimes wish for a place and time where life is simpler and better. We find ourselves yearning for the warmth of our childhood beds, the calming voice of our parents, and the journey back to that enchanted world. Yet we must remember that even in fairylands of beauty and glitter, evil things creep about in false glamours. It may be the evil witch living in the gingerbread house or a beautiful sea nymph singing you into your watery grave." - April Segedi

Artists Featured:
Audrey Pongracz

Christina Jacobs

Edith LeBeau

DeEtta Harris

Jenna Colby

Megan Frau

Rudy Fig

Sheri DeBow

Sandi Calistro

Jen Beaudoin

Maria Finna

Kelly Vivanco

Emily Slade

Miss Mindy

Amy Earles

Samantha Bankle

Jana Brike

Bethany Shorb

Caitlin Hackett

Jasmine Worth

Erica Williams

Eimi

Chikuwaemil

Shojono Tomo

Nicole Spencer

Lacey Bryant

Sienna Freeman

Jaclyn Shanes

April Segedi

And More....