Edition No. 76
In our 76th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we dedicate both sections to the Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s extensive art-based opportunities available to community members, programming for veterans, and its long-standing partnership with The War Memorial!
Arts and Culture
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association presents Spring Break featuring Birmingham Society of Women Painters (BSWP).
Community and Family
The War Memorial highlights its long-standing partnership with the Grosse Pointe Artists Association!
Spring Break
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association (GPAA) is proud to host Spring Break, a show by the the Birmingham Society of Women Painters (BSWP). The exhibit will highlight art by some of the most talented artists in the Birmingham/Bloomfield, Michigan area.
For more than fifty years, the BSWP has brought together artists of merit to further their shared interests. Founded in 1944 to provide formal instruction and workspace for women painters, the BSWP today is a dynamic organization of 50 artists working in diverse media. The BSWP is proud of its exceptional history of supporting the achievements and leadership of women in the arts.
The show was juried by Kim Fay, a well-known artist, teacher, and journalist.
You can view Spring Break in person at the GPAA gallery at The War Memorial, now through June 18.
Partnership remains vibrant between Grosse Pointe Artists Association and The War Memorial
‘We are here to use art to bring people together’
At The War Memorial, we are continually inspired by our friends and resident partners of the Grosse Pointe Artists Association (GPAA) and its extensive art-based opportunities available to community members and programming for veterans. GPAA provides a diverse offering of art classes lead by high caliber instructors, exhibitions to celebrate local artists and inspire new talent, programming to engage and educate the general public and more.
The Association, which has about 100 members, has had many homes, with its first being at TWM. After years of moving from one commercial space to another, GPAA returned to TWM six years ago.
“We’re very excited because this is very gallery-like and the artists are really thrilled,” GPAA President Karen Pope said in describing the GPAA Gallery at TWM.
GPAA began in 1927 when a group of artists organized a juried exhibition at a local club. Soon after, the Association began offering art classes, and by 1942 the American Federation of the Arts listed GPAA in its American Art Annual.
“We’ve expanded to support The War Memorial in its goal of being a cultural center,” Pope said. “We are here to use art to bring people together.”
It is a nonprofit totally dependent on the talents and generosity of volunteers and donors, who are dedicated to sharing their love for art by merging creativity and community.
Recently, a $10,000 legacy grant was awarded to the Association from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. It will be used to upgrade lighting in the gallery. Additional advancements set to be made in the Avalo Brown Petri Art Studio room utilized by The Association include replacing window shades and the installation of a new sink.
Its next art show runs from June 9 to July 14 inside the GPAA Gallery at TWM. The title is Worlds Collide, also known as the hybrid challenge. For this show, artists are challenged to combine two seemingly discordant ideas into one finished artwork. The goal is to discover the unexpected when opposing forces occupy the same physical space.
“Worlds Collide is totally new work, whereas other exhibitions aren’t,” Pope said. “Artists see a topic, go through their files and see what they can work on. It will probably be the most dynamic and current exhibition we’ve had.”
Each Wednesday, from June 1 to June 22 at the studio, the Association hosts a Crash Course in Collage with Marat Paransky. Classes are from 5 to 8 p.m. Students will learn to cut and paste materials, prepare different surfaces, mounting techniques and finalize and finish projects. Necessary supplies include acrylic matte gel medium, grafix double tack mounting film, archival polyvinyl acetate and more.
Also in June, on the 11th and 18th, the Association presents Drawing Foundations with Donald Cronkhite. It is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In these two sessions, award-winning artist and experienced instructor Donald Cronkhite gives students the drawing foundations they need to move forward.
From her perspective as president, Pope said the creative process gives Association members and artists the greatest joy.
“The process is a cycle and to complete that cycle, you really need to show your art to someone,” she mentioned. “Exhibitions and getting artists together are essential.”
In the spring, artwork from the Birmingham Society of Women Painters was on display in the Friends of the GPAA gallery, situated in the hallway leading to the GPAA Gallery at TWM. About eight art shows are held a year at TWM.
Additional art classes include Art making for Veterans on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and A Morning Out for seniors meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
Learn more about GPAA by visiting its website at grossepointeartcenter.org.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 75
In our 75th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the DIA celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with cultural presentations featuring AAPI artists based in Southeast Michigan; and TWM resumes its annual in-person Memorial Day service to recognize, reflect, and to pay respects to veterans, military members, and their families.
Arts and Culture
DIA celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with cultural presentations featuring AAPI artists based in Southeast Michigan.
Community and Family
The War Memorial resumes annual in-person Memorial Day service to recognize, reflect, and to pay respects to veterans, military members, and their families.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Cultural Presentations at the DIA
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) artists based in Southeast Michigan come together Saturday, May 28, to showcase their work informed by the traditions of their ancestral homes and their lived experiences in America. The presentations will feature Korean-American choreographer, Joori Jung, in collaboration with traditional Korean pansori artist Eun-oh Shin and electronic musician Joo-won Park, uses movement, music, and metaphor to explore where we’ve been and where we hope to go. Jenny Mualhlun and Mary Hniang share their experiences as 1.5-generation Burmese Americans and how they found their sense of belonging in the middle ground.
Musicians from the Morin Khuur Center in North America demonstrate the iconic Horse Head Fiddle, a symbol of Mongolian national identity that has been making recent waves in contemporary music. Xiao Dong Wei mixes classical Chinese Instruments with rock and roll and Sakura Japanese Instrumental Group & Great Lakes Taiko Center: Raion Taiko shares the magnificent and powerful sounds of Japanese musical instruments through songs composed by Yamada Mizue.
With introductory remarks by Senator Stephanie Chang and Representative Padma Kuppa as well as DIA Director, President and CEO Salvador Salort-Pons and other DIA staff and auxiliary members. Emceed by Fox 2 Detroit news anchor, Roop Raj.
This event is free and open to the public. Purchase tickets at the button below.
Patriotism remains strong as annual Memorial Day service returns to in-person celebration
The War Memorial is proud to once again offer in-person celebrations to honor our community’s veterans, military service members, and their families with special programs and events leading up to Memorial Day. Both Our Community Salutes kicking off tomorrow, May 26 and the annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 30 will provide a time for community members to come together to recognize, reflect, and to pay respects to veterans, military members, and their families.
The War Memorial’s week of service and honor culminates in a solemn hour of remembrance during our traditional Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m., back in-person on the grounds of the historic Alger House. This moving ceremony takes place on the lakefront lawn of The War Memorial as we honor and remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
This year’s Memorial Day event will feature a moving performance of the United States national anthem; remarks from War Memorial leadership; a keynote address from brigadier general and Board Member Rolf Mammen; and will conclude with a moment of solemnity, featuring a bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace performed by local musician Mary Beth Nicholson.
The reading of the names of fallen Grosse Pointe service members from all military branches will also be included.
“We are humbly honored to once again welcome the community to this time-honored and important ceremony, the first in person ceremony since 2019” said The War Memorial President and CEO Charles Burke. “The foundation of our institution is built on the names engraved on the walls of the historic Alger house. It’s a privilege and duty to bear witness to the lives lost and pause as we reflect on their collective sacrifice.”
Also participating are members of the Grosse Pointe Veterans Club, Motor City Brass Band, Blue Star Mothers Lake Erie Chapter, the Grosse Pointe Veterans Garden, the American Legion Grosse Pointe Post 303, JROTC Osborn High School Honor Guard, along with local Boy Scout Troop 96.
The Memorial Day Service is free, open to the public, and attended by hundreds of members of the community. Guests are welcome to experience the service from their boats. Pre-registration for this year’s ceremony is required; seating and parking will be limited.
All Memorial Day Celebrations will be held at The War Memorial, located at 32 Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms. For more information on Memorial Week as a whole, guests can visit www.warmemorial.org/memorialday2022
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 74
In our 74th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share details about the new CANVS Interactive Street Art app allowing mural enthusiasts the ability to identify specific Detroit murals and artists; and our upcoming Our Community Salutes Detroit ceremony recognizing and celebrating area high school seniors who are soon enlisting in the Armed Forces following graduation.
Arts and Culture
CANVS Interactive Street Art allows mural enthusiasts the ability to use smartphones to identify specific Detroit murals and artists.
Community and Family
Our Community Salutes Detroit ceremony recognizes and celebrates area high school seniors who are soon enlisting in the Armed Forces following graduation.
New app developed to track Detroit art murals
Like many cities across the country, Detroit’s canvas is interwoven with murals far and wide. They are admired by many which led a group to curate a new app to help track them.
According to a recent article in The Detroit News, the City’s office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship announced a new partnership with art technology company CANVS to identify all of the art on the city's walls and eventually create a digital map on the city's website. CANVS Interactive Street Art will allow residents, tourists and other mural enthusiasts the ability to use their smartphones to identify specific murals and the artist.
CANVS provides a more accessible way to connect with the art and the city. Detroit’s mix of eclectic murals, from Sydney James' "The Girl With the D Earring" on East Grand Boulevard to Desiree Kelly's mural inspired by her daughter at Meijer Rivertown Market.
The CANVS initiative is co-sponsored by the Ford Foundation and is part of ACE’s contribution to Mayor Duggan’s Blight to Beauty campaign.
To download the app, go to wherever you purchase apps and search for "Canvs Street Art."
To read the full Detroit News article, click the button below.
A salute to high school seniors
Our Community Salutes Detroit returns to an in-person ceremony for the first time in three years. The reception begins at 6 p.m. May 26 at The War Memorial’s historic Alger House, with a ceremony following at 7 p.m. The ceremony recognizes and celebrates area high school seniors who are soon enlisting in the Armed Forces following graduation.
The ceremony includes the presentation of the General Colin L. Powell Service Award, comments from Brig. Gen. Scott Hiipakka and Dr. Steven P. Bucci, with musical selections from the Motor City Brass Band.
This longstanding enlistee recognition ceremony is free and open to all who feel compelled to witness a stirring commitment to service. Online registration is required for all enlistees and guests.
The General Colin L. Powell Service Award will be presented to one or more high school guidance counselors from Michigan schools that best exemplify a counselor’s support of young adults in making their individual educational and career choices in high school and upon graduation.
OCS was established in New Jersey in 2009. Today, its chapters exist in over 23 states, and Puerto Rico and conducts over 30 ceremonies annually. For more information about OCS, check out OurCommunitySalutes.org.
To learn more and to register for this year’s OCS at TWM, visit www.warmemorial.org/ocs2022.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 73
In our 73rd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share a new online exhibition featuring works from Broadway's Golden Age; and The War Memorial’s next evening with Executive Chef Joe Paxton, celebrating spring in Michigan with local food and wine at the Alger House.
Arts and Culture
New online exhibit You'll Be Swell! You'll Be Great! features works from Broadway's Golden Age. Photo credit: Ballerinas Ruth Falkin
Community and Family
The War Memorial’s Executive Chef Joe Paxton is set to celebrate spring in Michigan with local food and wine at the Alger House!
Online exhibit celebrates the Golden Age of Broadway
NPR recently shared an article featuring a new virtual art exhibition celebrating theater, movies and television with original sketches by Broadway set and costume designers, and paintings and drawings of shows and theaters.
Helicline Fine Art's exhibition You'll Be Swell! You'll Be Great! — after the famous lyrics from the musical Gypsy — is the brainchild of theater publicist Keith Sherman, who collects art with his husband Roy Goldberg. Most of the works come from what's considered Broadway's Golden Age, from the 1930s to the 1960s.
You'll Be Swell! You'll Be Great! will be available online through Aug. 31. Read the full article at the button below.
Celebrate Michigan culinary favorites at The War Memorial
With spring weather in full bloom, War Memorial Executive Chef Joe Paxton is set to celebrate spring in Michigan with food and wine. The event begins May 20 at 6:30 p.m. at The Alger House in Grosse Pointe Farms.
Paxton has gathered recipes featuring local ingredients and dishes. Throughout the evening, guests will indulge in delectable dishes that highlight the flavors and heritage from our Great Lakes State. From chef’s mother’s house rolls to a crisp glass of wine from Leelanau Peninsula, this culinary experience is sure to encompass the essence of pure Michigan.
“The great State of Michigan is often overlooked in terms of agricultural prowess however, I find that when you look closely there is a thriving culture of farmers and producers quietly curating some of the best food around,” Paxton said.
The evening will feature a multi-course dinner interspersed with personal remarks by Paxton highlighting the inspiration and preparation of the meal. Dinner guests will also enjoy hearing from chef's brother, Nick Paxton, of Michigan-based Joli Cochon Farms and our wine expert from Great Lakes Wines and Spirits. This wine dinner experience features both the multi-course dinner and selected wine pairings and are included in the ticket price. Joli Cochon is located in East Jordan, a Michigan destination where the famed Jordan River meets Lake Charlevoix and is ran by owner-operator Nick Paxton.
During the evening, guests will hear and enjoy hand-selected wines from Great Lakes Wines and Spirit, who proudly services all 83 Michigan counties.
The menu includes bread service, a four-course meal with Leelanau Raclette, Michigan Ramp and Potato Soup, Red Elk and Chanterelle Mushroom Pastie and Strawberry Rhubarb ‘Bonut’ Sundae.
To register, click the button below!
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 72
In our 72nd edition of Inspired Thoughts, we celebrate National Military Appreciation Month, recognizing and honoring all U.S. service members; and details about the award-winning novel coming alive at Redford Theatre in Detroit.
Arts and Culture
May is National Military Appreciation Month recognizing and honoring all U.S. service members. photo credit: national archive
Community and Family
An award-winning novel comes alive at Redford Theatre in Detroit.
Celebrate Military Appreciation Month
May is designated as National Military Appreciation Month to recognize and honor all U.S. service members. During the month, Armed Forces Day and Military Spouses Appreciation Day are celebrated and the month culminates with the celebration of Memorial Day.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is one of three museums that currently houses the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum. The facility is dedicated to honoring the legacy and achievements of the nation's first All-Black air fighter squadron.
The museum is a repository for the oral and written history of the Tuskegee Airmen and boasts the largest collection of Airmen artifacts in the world. With respect for the past and solid investment in the future, the museum is proud to be a springboard to inspire the next generation of aviators and aerospace enthusiasts through targeted youth programs.
Did you know: The Tuskegee Airmen were awarded 8 Purple Hearts, 14 Bronze Stars, 3 Distinguished Unit Citations, and 744 Air Medals and Clusters for their service in the U.S. military? Learn more at the button below!
The War Memorial is proud to set aside once again an entire week to honor our community’s veterans, military service members, and their families with special programs and events leading up to Memorial Day. Both Our Community Salutes on May 26 and the annual Memorial Day Service on May 30 will provide a time for community members to come together to recognize, reflect, and pay our to respects veterans, military members, and their families.
Award-winning novel comes alive at Detroit theater
The stage adaptation of a 2015 book is being hailed as an honest, unsentimental celebration of the power of love. Peter Ferry’s award-winning novel Old Heart, about an 85-year-old American World War II veteran searching for the Jewish translator he fell in love with, opens May 14 live on stage at the historic Redford Theatre in Detroit.
The play, set in Detroit and the Netherlands during World War II and in 2006, is scheduled on May 14 at 7 p.m. and May 15 at 4 p.m. Directed by Karl King, the stage adaptation of Old Heart is co-produced by Detroit’s beloved Redford Theatre, located at 17360 Lahser Road.
The play tells the story of American GI Tom Johnson who joins forces with 24-year-old Sarah van Praag and the Dutch resistance to smuggle food and supplies from the liberated southern Netherlands across Nazi lines to starving cities in the northern Netherlands. Their brief love affair collapses at the end of the war, and 60 years later Johnson, about to be sent off to assisted living by his family, disappears on a flight to Amsterdam. While his children desperately try to locate him, Johnson is determined to track down Sarah.
This acclaimed novel has garnered a steadily widening readership since its first appearance in 2015. Dave Eggers called the book “astonishing.” The Chicago Tribune says the novel “will stay with you for keeps.” And Publishers Weekly asserts the novel is “life-affirming.”
To purchase tickets or to learn more about the play, visit the link at the button below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 71
In our 71st edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation’s upcoming exhibition Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibition; and Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial ground breaking ceremony at Memorial Park in Royal Oak.
Arts and Culture
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation® explores Disney costume design as part of its upcoming Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume exhibition.
Community and Family
Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial breaks ground at Memorial Park in Royal Oak.
Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume
Opens June 25 at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®
Disney productions has graced the screens of many households for decades. From iconic princesses to mischievous villains, The Henry Ford will explore how Disney has been present since the earliest days of animation, through innovations in live-action filmmaking, pioneering efforts in television, location-based entertainment and retail, and even gaming. Curated by the Walt Disney Archives, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume will featuring more than 70 original pieces, including ball gowns, sorcerers’ capes, military uniforms, tiaras, and of course glass slippers, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume explores the vision, process, and craft used to create the costumes worn by some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Exhibition costume highlights include:
101 Dalmatians (2000) - Cruella de Vill
Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) - Red and White Queen
Beauty and the Beast (2017) - Belle ball gown, Gaston and Beast
Cinderella (2015) - Cinderella ball gown
Hocus Pocus (1993) - Sanderson Sisters dresses and vacuum
Mary Poppins (1964) - Traveling dress
Once Upon A Time (2017) - Evil Queen and Hook
Pirates of the Caribbean (2003) - Jack Sparrow and Barbossa
This is a limited-engagement exhibition at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation®. Read more about the exhibit at the button below.
Ceremony held for World War II Legacy Memorial
Earlier this month, the Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial held a groundbreaking ceremony at Memorial Park in Royal Oak. The park is located near 13 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue.
World War II veterans, original Rosie the Riveters, veterans' organizations from across the state, and state and local dignitaries were on hand.
Phase one of construction will begin this spring and should be finished later this summer. This first phase of construction will include laying over 1,200 Walk of Honor paver bricks, installation of the first full-sized statue, installation of the flag poles representing all branches of the service and pouring the footings for the Wall of Stars and future statue scenes.
To learn more about the Legacy Memorial, visit michiganww2memorial.org.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 70
In our 70th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we conclude our "Live at the Alger" series with Kris Johnson performing a special interactive solo concert titled #looptherapy; and share details about Grosse Pointe Restaurant Week kicking of April 26!
Arts and Culture
Kris Johnson to perform a special interactive solo performance titled #looptherapy as the final artist in the "Live at the Alger" house-concert series.
Community and Family
Enjoy delicious foods and great special during Grosse Pointe Restaurant Week kicking of April 26!
Award-winning trumpeter Kris Johnson brings #looptherapy to The War Memorial, concluding the Live at the Alger performance series
Many are familiar with the concept of music therapy, but award-winning trumpeter, composer, and educator Kris Johnson has coined the phrase #looptherapy as part of his arsenal of explorative music.
As the final performer to round out The War Memorial’s Live at the Alger, a series of house-concert style performances, Johnson will introduce #looptherapy to the Grosse Pointe communities on Friday, April 22. Beginning at 7 p.m., the event will dive into Johnson’s enlightening musical process providing listeners with a unique artistic experience.
Johnson uses looping technology on his iPad Pro in combination with the trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion instruments, voice, and more, to create unique textures and grooves as a part of #looptherapy.
“Learning about generational trauma and breaking toxic cycles has been extremely crucial to my personal development in the past few years,” explained Johnson. “The circular nature of trauma has fascinated me, and #looptherapy artistically represents breaking through toxic patterns.”
As an artist, Johnson’s work focuses on music that spans the depth and breadth Black American music. The influences that have shaped his artistry include Terence Blanchard, Thad Jones, Nicholas Payton, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews, Clifford Brown, Roy Hargrove, and many others.
Although a young artist, Johnson’s professional career is expansive and includes playing in and arranging for the renowned Count Basie Orchestra; directing the University of Utah Jazz Studies program; composing several musicals, including Jim Crow's Tears and Hastings Street: The Musical; and even produces the Kris Johnson Big Band YouTube series.
“Music is everywhere. Art is everything,” expressed Johnson. “My music is both a reflection of my life as well as an inspiration that guides how I operate day to day.”
Currently, Johnson works as the director of the Michigan State University Community Music School-Detroit and continues his freelance work as a composer and performer. He also teaches through his online platform, “Office Hours with Kris.”
Johnson has appeared on five Grammy-nominated albums and composed the original score for the four-time Emmy-nominated web series “King Ester.”
Guests will enjoy Johnson’s interactive performance combined with storytelling to discover ways in which art can provide healing and reflection in our lives.
“My hope is that by sharing my music, I will inspire others and spark much needed dialogue about the intersection of art, therapy, and quality of life.”
Event details:
7:00 p.m. (pre-glow ticketholders): Pre-glow in the historic 1910 Alger House. Ticket includes one complimentary drink, and delectable light hors d’oeuvres
7:30 p.m. (all ticketholders): Concert in the Alger House library
Full cash bar available throughout the evening. To purchase tickets, visit www.warmemorial.org/arts/liveatthealger-johnson.
Learn more about Jonson at the button below.
It’s restaurant week!
Foodies, are you ready to indulge in some of our local favorites? Grosse Pointe Restaurant Week is nearly here. The Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce presents its anticipated Restaurant Week kicking off April 26 and running through May 1. During the week, visitors can enjoy dinner deals at over a dozen restaurants. In-person dining and carry-out specials will be offered.
Participating restaurants include:
Alma Kitchen
Beyond Juicery + Eatery
The Bricks Pizzeria
Burger Pointe and Wings
Cadieux Café
Cellar 313
Champs Rotisserie & Seafood
Churchill's Cigar Bar & Bistro
The Continental at Ford House
To check out more about Restaurant Week, visit the button below!
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 69
In our 69th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the GPAA’s next exhibit theme Worlds Collide (aka Hybrid Challenge) and its call for entries; bestselling author A.J. Baime virtually returns to The War Memorial to speak about his new book; and the Atlantic’s Yasmeen Serhan reminds us of the threats to democracy rising within some European Union and NATO member states.
Arts and Culture
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association challenges artists with its next exhibit theme Worlds Collide (aka Hybrid Challenge).
Community and Family
Bestselling author A.J. Baime virtually returns to The War Memorial to speak about his new book, White Lies: The Double Life of Walter F. White and America’s Darkest Secret.
American Democracy
The Atlantic’s Yasmeen Serhan reminds us of the threats to democracy rising within some European Union and NATO member states.
CALL FOR ENTRIES: Worlds Collide, (aka Hybrid Challenge)
Deadline, May 16, 2022
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association is challenging artists with its next exhibition Worlds Collide (aka Hybrid Challenge) which combines two seemingly discordant ideas into one finished artwork. The goal is to discover the unexpected when opposing forces occupy the same physical space. The focus should be on the coalescing of ideas, not mediums.
Steve Miller will be the juror of this exhibit. Miller is an artist, songwriter and graphic artist. He completed his BFA in painting and printmaking at the University of Oklahoma in 1995. After graduating, he spent a decade working as an art director for advertising agencies in Dallas and Chicago, moving to Michigan in 2002. His work has been showcased in art communities throughout Michigan, Texas and Oklahoma. He won the Corrine Maillard Robinson Award in the 38th Annual Michigan Fine Arts Competition at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.
Bestselling author talk with The War Memorial shifts to online-only format
On Wednesday, April 20, bestselling author A.J. Baime virtually returns to The War Memorial to speak about his new book, White Lies: The Double Life of Walter F. White and America’s Darkest Secret.
Originally scheduled as an in-person American Democracy event, with an online component, Baime’s discussion will now be online only. The author talk will be on Zoom at 7 p.m.
Released in February to positive reviews in the New Yorker, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and other publications, White Lies is a true story of undercover investigations, political organizing, and racial identity. The book explores the complexities of Walter White’s life and illustrates his lasting impact on American life.
Baime called White the most influential civil rights leader of the first half of the 20th century, “Walter White was a minor character in the last four books I’ve written and every time in my research I came back to him, I found his story got more and more incredible.”
“I’m always excited to come to Detroit and even more so for this book,” Baime said. He went on to explain that White Lies has a Detroit connection through the Dr. Ossian Sweet trials, which riveted the nation in 1925 and 1926. Baime said Sweet was a prominent black physician who, in 1925, moved into a largely white section of Detroit with his wife and 14-month-old baby. On the night that the Sweet family moved into their new home, Ku Klux Clan-inspired mob violence broke out and a man was shot and killed. Dr. Sweet, family members, and friends were charged with murder but successfully defended by a defense team organized by Walter White and including the famous Clarence Darrow.
The 7 p.m. author talk can be streamed to your computer or other device, that option is free, but registration is required. To learn mor eabout Baime, his book or to register for the event, click the button below.
“The Other Threat to Democracy in Europe,”
The Atlantic, April 11, 2022
With the world’s attention focused on Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine, The Atlantic’s Yasmeen Serhan seeks to remind us all of the threats to democracy rising within some European Union and NATO member states, most notably Hungary where Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was just reelected by a two-thirds supermajority. With a supermajority, Orbán’s Fidesz party can now unilaterally amend the country’s constitution and continue its destruction of Hungarian democracy. In fact, Hungary is now what diplomats and other international relations experts call a “soft” or “competitive” autocracy where elections are held but are not truly free or fair. For more about Hungary, click the button below.
In addition to Hungary, Poland has also been headed down an anti-democratic path. This spring, those two nations could well be joined by France in the event that Marie LePen and her far-right National Rally (formerly National Front) party win that nation’s April 24 Presidential run-off election. For more about France, click the button below.
Michael Montgomery who curates American Democracy content for The War Memorial is a former-US diplomat who, when not working with us, teaches at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 68
In our 68th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share The Henry Ford museum’s article exploring what it is about baseball that makes it America’s national pastime; Baseball is back and various Detroit restaurants and venues are gearing up for the Detroit Tigers’ first official home game of the season; and we call your attention to two pieces on the role of baseball, our national game, in American life during World War II.
Arts and Culture
The Henry Ford explores what it is about baseball that makes it America’s national pastime.
Community and Family
Baseball is back! Various Detroit restaurants and venues are gearing up for the Detroit Tigers’ first official home game of the season!
American Democracy
This week, we call your attention to two pieces on the role of baseball, our national game, in American life during World War II.
Baseball: America’s national pastime
With baseball back in action, we look this week at what a metro Detroit museum has to say about how baseball became the national pastime.
This article from the Henry Ford in Dearborn references when in 1867, the city of Detroit hosted the "World's Tournament of Base Ball." The tournament was held at the grounds of the Detroit Base Ball Club during one August week over 150 years ago.
Each summer, Greenfield Village commemorates Detroit’s 1867 tournament with a gathering of teams that play an outstanding weekend of America’s game by the rules of 1867.
Take a look at The Henry Ford’s article below to see just what it is about baseball that makes it America’s national pastime.
Play ball!
The calendar has flipped to April and with it comes the Detroit Tigers home opener and the start of the 2022 Major League Baseball season! The Tigers home opener is April 8 at 1:10 p.m. against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park.
Last year’s hometown team finished in third place in the American League Central Division, with a record of 77-85. New additions to this year’s squad include outfielder Austin Meadows, catcher Tucker Barnhart, and shortstop Javier Baez. Manager A.J. Hinch is in his second year of leading the team, a roster that is looking to make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Check out Detroit Tigers beat reporter Jason Beck’s Opening Day preview of the 2022 Detroit Tigers at the button below.
Looking for things to do around town for Opening Day? The Detroit News recently shared a round up of various restaurants, bars and venues around the city that are hosting exciting events for the Detroit Tigers’ first official home game of the season. Click on the button below to read what locations - within walking distance of the stadium - have in store for the big day! Visit www.detroitnews.com for more details!
Baseball and World War II
This week, we call your attention to two pieces on the role of baseball, our national game, in American life during World War II. The first, considers why professional baseball continued to operate at all during the war years. The second considers the role of amateur baseball in the lives of one particular group of Americans who otherwise had very little to look forward to during the War.
“I honestly feel that it would be best for the country to keep baseball going.” – President Franklin D. Roosevelt
“Should Sports Be Stopped During the War?” National World War II Museum, New Orleans
The National World War II Museum in New Orleans has a nice piece online concerning how, and why, professional baseball continued through the Second World War II. Centered on a 1942 Gallup Poll asking a representative sample of Americans whether baseball should continue, the piece also introduces readers to an archive of wartime polling available through the Museum. For access to the piece on wartime baseball and the other polls, follow the button below.
"Without baseball, camp life would have been miserable” -- George Omachi, World War II internee and, later, Major League Scout
“Baseball Behind Barbed Wire,” National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
The acquisition of a baseball uniform worn by Tetsuo Furukawa during a thirteen game, 1944 all-star series between teams representing the Gila River (Arizona) and Heart Mountain (Wyoming) incarceration camps prompted the Smithsonian Institution to consider role that baseball played in the lives of the 120,000+ Americans of Japanese descent who were interned by the US Government during the War. Seven camps spawned active baseball leagues and four, including Gila River and Heart Mountain, had teams that were permitted to travel for games. For more on World War II baseball behind barbed wire, click the button bellow.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 67
In our 67th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we remember Anne Parsons, former president and CEO of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; welcome The Elephant of Belfast author to speak at The War Memorial; and share two articles discussing challenges facing Michigan’s public universities.
Arts and Culture
Remembering Anne Parsons, former president and CEO of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Community and Family
The Elephant of Belfast author to speak at The War Memorial.
American Democracy
Two challenges facing Michigan’s public universities.
Remembering Anne Parsons, former president and CEO of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
On Tuesday, March 29, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra announced the passing of DSO President Emeritus Anne Parsons late Monday evening, following a courageous battle with cancer. Parsons, served as President and CEO of the DSO for more than 17 years, from July 2004 to December 20, 2021. Plans by the DSO to celebrate Anne Parsons’ life and legacy are forthcoming.
Before retiring last year, Parsons was the longest-serving executive leader in the DSO’s modern era, and prior to coming to Detroit was general manager of the New York City Ballet. She helped guide the DSO to fiscal stability, along with global acclaim for a series of pioneering digital initiatives after taking the reins in 2004.
Following her appointment at the DSO, Parsons instilled a culture of resilience and financial stability and grew the audience and donor base, all while successfully navigating local and national economic downturns and a global pandemic. Under her leadership, the DSO posted nine consecutive operating surpluses from 2013 to 2021. Parsons was also responsible for bringing two new music directors to Detroit—Leonard Slatkin in 2007 and Jader Bignamini in 2020—and returning the orchestra to national and international prominence through touring and webcasts.
To read more about Ann Parsons’ respected leadership in the orchestra world, visit the link below.
The Elephant of Belfast author to speak at The War Memorial
Inspired by a true story, a novelist is set to give readers greater insight into the tale of events that took place in Northern Ireland during World War II.
S. Kirk Walsh will speak about her debut book, The Elephant of Belfast, April 7 beginning at 7 p.m. at The War Memorial (TWM.) The book was published by Counterpoint Press in 2021. A paperback version will be released April 5.
The event takes place at TWM’s historic Alger House in Grosse Pointe Farms. Walsh will present on her research for the historical novel, why she wrote it, her creative processes, take questions from the audience and sign books.
“I had heard about Denise Austin who inspired the main character of the book, Hettie Quin,” Walsh said. “She is called the elephant angel and it’s a story of a young woman taking care of an elephant during the bombings by the Germans on the city of Belfast.”
Inspired by the true story of Austin, Walsh deftly renders the changing relationship between Quin and her young charge, and their growing dependence on each other for survival and solace.
The Elephant of Belfast tells the tender and harrowing story of a young female zookeeper and the elephant, and what they endure together during the German blitz of Belfast. The novel speaks the tragedy of the times, but also to the ongoing sectarian tensions that still exist in Northern Ireland today.
Growing up in metro Detroit, Walsh said she is looking forward to coming back to TWM and getting a chance to celebrate the book in-person.
“I always knew I wanted to write about Ireland because of my family's connection and this story took me to Northern Ireland,” she said. “It presented a compelling narrative.”
Walsh is a novelist, an editor, and a teacher based in Austin, Texas. The novel has generated praise from The New Yorker, The Christian Science Monitor, and others as well as being selected for several top reading lists.
Book bundle options are $18 for paperback and $24 for hardcover. Bundle options include a copy of “The Elephant of Belfast,” book signing at the event, and a copy of the reading and discussion guide for book clubs from Counterpoint Publishing.
General admission is free but does not include a copy of the book. To purchase tickets, visit www.warmemorial.org/speakers/skirkwalsh. Pre-registration is required.
Two Challenges Facing Michigan’s Public Universities
This week, we call your attention to two recent articles about our state’s public universities from BridgeMICHIGAN. The first explores steep enrollment declines at Central Michigan University while the second argues that Michigan no longer adequately funds its public universities.
“Central Michigan University blames ‘complacency’ for enrollment dive,”
BridgeMICHIGAN, March 29, 2022
In the first article, Bridge’s Isabel Lohman and Mike Wilkinson looked at Central Michigan University’s 43% drop in enrollment from 27,114 students in fall 2012 to 15,465 students in fall 2021. They were careful to note, however, that, “Central is not the only Michigan university facing declines. Eastern Michigan’s fall 2021 numbers are down 34 percent since 2012, and Ferris State, Saginaw Valley and Lake Superior State are all down 29 percent, the data shows.”
According to Jennifer DeHaemers, CMU’s Vice President of student recruitment, her strategy for reversing enrollment declines includes a more aggressive will take a “sales and marketing.” But, according to the article, DeHaemers “does not anticipate CMU will return to 2012 enrollment levels” and believes, “we just need to get to the right size for this institution where we can best serve students.”
“Opinion: Michigan is dead last in Midwest in college funding. That must change,”
BridgeMICHIGAN, February 25, 2022
“Over the past 20 years, the equivalent of nearly $1 billion has been erased from state funding to universities.”
Writing in BridgeMICHIGAN, Grand Valley State University President Philomena Mantella did not mince words, “When it comes to public investment in public higher education in the Great Lakes states, Michigan is dead last. Last in state appropriations per capita for its public universities. Last in inflationary increases. Last in state-funded scholarships. Last when compared to Michigan’s regional neighbors.”
In President Mantella’s view, declining funding levels for Michigan’s public universities have reduced college affordability and undermined our state’s ability to compete for new, future-oriented jobs and investment.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 66
In our 66th edition of Inspired Thoughts, the DIA presents the 94th Academy Award® Nominated Live Action Short Films; GPAA presents its 6th Annual Promising Artists Exhibition; and we discuss how Supreme Court Justices are selected?
Arts and Culture
DIA resumes tradition of presenting the Academy Award® Nominated Live Action Short Films.
Community and Family
GPAA presents 6th Annual Promising Artists Exhibition.
American Democracy
How are Supreme Court Justices selected?
DIA presents Academy Award® Nominated Live Action Short Films
The Detroit Institute of Arts is proud to resume its tradition of presenting the 94th Annual Academy Award® Nominated Live Action Short Films on the big screen! Viewers can enjoy the films at the Detroit Film Theatre leading up to the televised event this Sunday, March 27.
In order to provide access to the films viewers want to see most—while limiting seating in order to provide distancing and comfort—ticketing will be available for each category as a separate performance on a wide variety of times and dates between leading up to the Academy Awards® presentation this Sunday.
For times and tickets, visit the button below.
6th Annual Promising Artists Exhibition
CALL FOR ENTRIES: Deadline, Monday April 11
The 6th Annual Promising Artists Exhibition is part of the Grosse Pointe Artist Association’s Promising Artists program designed to give current high school students and recent alumni of the program the opportunity to showcase their work and experience the process of participating in a professional, juried exhibition.
Building on his experience in Promising Artists exhibitions, Juror Bryan Wilson began entering gallery shows last year, taking home 2nd place awards in GPAA’s Have Your Say and the Huron Art Collective's Fall Juried Exhibition. A graduate of Cass Technical High School, Wilson is completing his second year at the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Assisting Wilson with his jurying duties will be Maria D'Agostini, an experienced gallery manager who has an undergraduate degree in art history and a master's degree in arts administration, both from Wayne State University.
How are Supreme Court Justices selected?
U.S. Supreme Court
Rounding back to a recent discussion of the confirmation of a new Supreme Court Justice to replace the retiring Justice Steven Breyer, now seems like a good time to learn more about the Court and how justices are selected. To do that, we turned to the Supreme Court’s official website.
The Supreme Court site is an absolute treasure trove of information about the Court, its history, its work, the Justices, and even how to visit the Court when you are in Washington -- look for links to that information along the left margin of the page at the link below. With the nomination and confirmation process heating up, however, we’ll point you first to the site’s FAQ section that begins with the question, “How are Supreme Court Justices selected?”
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 65
In our 65th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share GPAA’s newest exhibit Black and White; celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with fiddle and mandolin instrumentalist Brad Phillips; and a New York Times article about the Ukraine War shifting the Agenda in Congress.
Arts and Culture
Grosse Pointe Artists Association present's Black and White featuring 54 pieces by 43 artists exploring shades of grays to black. (Photo: Bridge by Lawrence Hamilton)
Community and Family
Live at the Alger performance series celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with fiddle and mandolin instrumentalist Brad Phillips.
American Democracy
“Ukraine War Shifts the Agenda in Congress, Empowering the Center” - New York Times
Black and White
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s current exhibition theme is Black and White. This exhibition challenges artists to look at a world without color. From subtle shades of grays to black, the exhibit will feature work ranging from realism to surrealism and abstraction. This exhibition features 54 pieces by 43 artists exploring the mystery of a world without color.
The Juror for this exhibition is Marat Paransky, a sculptor, painter, photographer, and mixed-media artist. Born in Kiev, Ukraine in 1986, his family settled in Metro Detroit in 1997.
You can view Black and White in person at the GPAA gallery at The War Memorial, now through April 28. Viewing hours are 2-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays. There will also be a artists forum providing an opportunity for viewers listen to the artists talk about their work at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, via zoom. It will be moderated by Mark Zapico of CCS.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with fiddle and mandolin instrumentalist Brad Phillips
The War Memorial (TWM) is excited to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with its next Live at the Alger performer Brad Phillips. The event will take place Thursday, March 17 at TWM’s historic Alger House. Phillips will indulge guests during an evening of storytelling through traditional and original instrumental music.
Identifying primarily as a fiddler, Phillips, is a classically trained violinist and multi-instrumentalist, playing both mandolin and guitar. His show Tales of a Midwestern Sideman explores the broad scope of influences from old-time American music to the various traditions of Celtic fiddling and jazz to tell the autobiographical tale of his journey from fiddler to sideman, to embracing his own creative voice as a singer-songwriter.
“My style is difficult to pinpoint. I'm a classically trained violinist who studied jazz in college, yet I identify more as a multi-genre fiddler than a classical or jazz musician,” explained Phillips. “As a singer-songwriter, I've been told that I match the vibes of James Taylor or John Denver. I've spent most of my music career as an instrumentalist, but the truth is, I've been keeping my singer-songwriter ambitions a secret until recently,” said Phillips.
Audience members can anticipate a wide range of songs and instrumental music on violin, mandolin, guitar, and octave mandolin during Phillips’ performance. There is also a narrative to his show with a lot of storytelling.
“I dive into the tales of the people I've met and the places I've been as a musician over the span of my unique professional path and play the music that I've found along the way,” said Phillips. “Ultimately, my path has led me to my own musical voice, and I'll be sharing some of my original music that is near and dear to my heart.”
In-person and virtual viewing opportunities are available at the link below!
“Ukraine War Shifts the Agenda in Congress, Empowering the Center”
New York Times, March 15, 2022
Over the past two weeks, a growing number of journalists, commentators, and political practitioners have noted that the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine seems to be leading to greater bipartisanship here in the US.
Writing in the New York Times, Jonathan Weisman noted that, “The escalating crisis in Ukraine is upending policy and political thinking on both the left and the right on Capitol Hill, as an immediate threat to the global order and soaring energy prices empower the political center at the expense of the two parties’ flanks.” Weisman, however, noted that significant political potshots were still being taken by Senators and Representatives from both parties. As a result, he was unable to determine whether this is just a lull in partisanship or a movement back toward a more genuinely bipartisan US foreign policy in which politics again stops at the water’s edge.*
The Times article is at the link below.
*In 1948, while pushing the measure that paved the way for US membership in NATO through a reluctant Senate, Foreign Relations Committee Chair Arthur Vandenberg (R-Michigan) coined a phrase that still resonates and, perhaps, sets a standard for our national leadership at this time, “politics stops at the water’s edge.”
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 64
In our 64th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share Women’s History Month events at the DIA; a virtual tour celebrating Women's History Month along Detroit’s Riverfront; and Oakland University faculty discussing the Ukraine War
Arts and Culture
The Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates Women’s History month.
Community and Family
Join City Institute for a virtual tour celebrating Women's History Month along Detroit’s Riverfront.
American Democracy
Oakland University faculty hosts Ukraine War discussion.
Celebrate Women's History Month
March 1 marked the start of Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and celebrate the vital role of women in American history. The Detroit Institute of Arts is offering a variety of events that celebrate the creative contributions of women.
Throughout March, guests can enjoy films, music, artist demonstrations and more. Guided tours will focus on works by women artists in the museum's collection.
Admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Take a look at the complete list of events found at the button below.
Women's History along Detroit’s Riverfront
Women have been an integral part of Detroit’s growth and success but too often are left out of the history books. Hosted by City Institute, this virtual tour travels throughout the decades and along the Detroit Riverfront to learn about the city’s most innovative and inspirational women both past and present.
Highlights include:
Brief overview of Detroit’s history and the development adjacent to the Riverfront
Historical figures such as Madame Cadillac, Lisette Denison and Fannie Richards
Women-owned businesses today including Savvy Chic Boutique and Wheelhouse Detroit
Women artists such as Sydney James and Louise Jones “Ouizi”
City Institute’s mission is to provides a deeper understanding of Detroit so that residents and stakeholders can be better equipped to shape an equitable and thriving city. Additional interviews with Detroit residents, community leaders, and small business owners on a various topics are available at www.thecityinstitute.com.
Ukraine War Discussion with Oakland University Faculty
Thursday, March 10, 12:00 p.m. - Online
As part of our partnership with the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University, we wanted to call your attention to a program on the war in Ukraine that they are holding. Three international relations experts from OU’s political science department will be joined by faculty from other areas to help us all to better understand the conflict. To learn more or to register below.
If you are unable to attend at 12 p.m., a recording of the session will be made available later on the OU Center for Civic Engagement Facebook page.
Additionally, join us Wednesday, March 16 at 7pm for our next American Democracy online event. Andrew Lapin joins us to talk about his podcast “RADIOACTIVE: The Father Coughlin Story" and the infamous “Radio Priest". Follow the button below for more information and to register.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 63
Last week's edition of Inspired Thoughts went live before the Russian invasion of Ukraine was broadly known in the west. As a result, the leading challenge facing our world was a very conspicuous absence from that issue. In response, we will devote all three sections of the 63rd edition of Inspired Thoughts to Ukraine.
Arts and Culture
Stories this past week on how Ukrainian visual and performing artists and arts institutions are responding to the current Russian invasion.
Community and Family
Local media has been filled with stories about how the Russian invasion has prompted worry as well as charitable and advocacy efforts by local Ukrainian Americans.
American Democracy
Where does the US, Europe, and the world now stand because of the invasion?
Protecting Ukrainian Art and Culture
CBS News, ARTNews, The Art Newspaper, and NPR had fascinating stories this past week on how Ukrainian visual and performing artists and arts institutions are responding to the current invasion as well as Putin’s longer-term effort to restore Moscow's political, economic, and cultural hegemony by denying the very existence of Ukraine as a distinct nation with its own people, culture, history, and right to self-determination.
In “Cultural Heritage Experts Fear Russian President Vladimir Putin Out to Destroy Ukraine's History,” CBS News visited a museum of Ukrainian culture in Stamford, Connecticut to explore fears that one of the invasion's objectives may be the systematic erasure of Ukrainian history and culture.
ARTNews’ “Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Intensifies, Artists and Institutions React to an Uncertain Future” focused on continuing efforts by Ukrainian museum curators to protect and preserve their nation's cultural resources.
NPR highlighted how, Ukrainian musicians, rejecting Russia is a matter of national pride.
Finally, The Art Newspaper’s “From naked protests to blockchain fundraising: how artists are protesting Russia's invasion of Ukraine” focused on how visual artists, including some in Russia, are protesting the invasion.
The Local Dimension
Metro Detroit is home to a large and active Ukrainian American community. Not surprisingly, our local media has been filled with stories about how the Russian invasion has prompted worry as well as charitable and advocacy efforts by local Ukrainian Americans. Two items, however, one from Channel 7 another from the Detroit Free Press, really stood out.
WXYZ Channel 7 told us about Steve Andre, a metro-Detroit photojournalist currently working in Ukraine and how his perspective and definition of his role have been involving in recent days as the metro Detroit community supports Ukraine amid crisis with Russia.
The Sunday Detroit Free Press reported on local rallies in support of the Ukrainian people and efforts to not just mobilize medical and relief aid but to influence US policy, “Ukrainian Americans, who number roughly 37,000 in Michigan, are also getting active in contracting elected official, urging them to support tough sanctions against Russia and increase aid to defend Ukraine.”
Where does the Invasion leave America, Europe, and the World?
There is no doubt that America has played a leadership role in our world since World War II if not earlier. As a result, what we do, or not do, at this time could have significant consequences for our national interest and the global order but even greater, potentially tragic, consequences for the Ukrainian people. Not surprisingly, there has been an enormous amount of material coming out this past week about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and where the US, Europe, and the world now stand because of that invasion.
“Our world is not going to be the same again because this war has no historical parallel. It is a raw, 18th-century style landgrab by a superpower – but in a 21st-century globalized world.” – Thomas L. Friedman in the New York Times
The Sunday, February 27, 2022, print edition of the New York Times featured several articles on the invasion, including a piece from Thomas L. Friedman, “We Have Never Been Here Before.” The Friedman piece is long but approachable and important.
“… the West can put itself on the side of decency and dignity in this conflict. Wars that are won are never won forever. All too often countries defeat themselves over time by launching and then winning the wrong wars.” – Iana Fix and Michael Kimmage in Foreign Affairs
Writing for Foreign Affairs immediately before the invasion, Iana Fix and Michael Kimmage considered how Europe and the Atlantic alliance would change if Russia again controlled Ukraine for a time. Fix is a Resident Fellow at the German Marshall Fund in Washington DC and Kimmage a Professor of History at the Catholic University of America and a Visiting Fellow at the German Marshall Fund. The Foreign Affairs piece is long and very complex but truly magisterial consideration of the question, “What if Russia wins?”
“By casually meddling in Ukrainian politics in recent years, the United States has effectively incited Russia to undertake its reckless invasion. Putin richly deserves the opprobrium currently being heaped on him. But US policy has been both careless and irresponsible.” – Andrew Bacevich in the Boston Globe
Skip Bacevich is one of those rare scholar-warriors. A retired Army Colonel, he is an informed and respected commentator on US foreign policy who has long argued that American foreign policy has become overly militarized. He currently heads the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft near Boston and previously taught at Boston University, Johns Hopkins, and West Point. Writing in the Boston Globe, he sees post-Cold War US foreign policy as having played a significant role in provoking Putin. Although his may not be a popular view, Bacevich’s argument is well-made and, perhaps, the US can’t absolve itself of responsibility for Putin’s invasion.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 62
In our 62nd edition of Inspired Thoughts, Grosse Pointe Artists Association hosts QUENCH by portrait artist Robert Maniscalco; learn how to prepare your own Michigan-made maple syrup; and we share a new source, Axios.
Arts and Culture
Grosse Pointe Artists Association hosts QUENCH by portrait artist Robert Maniscalco.
Community and Family
Learn how to prepare your own Michigan-made maple syrup!
American Democracy
“A perfect storm brewing for extreme politicians” - Axios
QUENCH: A solo show by Robert Maniscalco
Born in Detroit in 1959, Robert Maniscalco is a nationally renowned portrait artist. Since 1980, Maniscalco’s exquisite, commissioned portraits and fine art have become part of over 850 distinguished private and public collections throughout North America. Maniscalco built his own reputation on his commissioned work, exhibitions, and classes he offered at the Maniscalco Gallery on Mack Avenue between 1997 and 2005, and as the lively host of Art Beat on PBS.
Maniscalco won his solo show QUENCH as a prize for taking first place in the Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s Our Rivers, Our Lakes exhibit in 2021. Much of the work from his solo show is from his Quench Project, an exploration of the many ways people express desire and the ways they find to quench them.
Upcoming activities with Maniscalco will include:
Demonstrated talk: Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.
Painting workshop: March 25 and 26, 10 a.m. -4 p.m.
The Grosse Pointe Artists Association’s next exhibition theme is Black and White. This exhibition challenges artists to look at a world without color. From subtle shades of grays to black, the exhibit will feature work ranging from realism to surrealism and abstraction. The Juror for this exhibition is Marat Paransky, a sculptor, painter, photographer, and mixed-media artist. Born in Kiev, Ukraine in 1986, his family settled in Metro Detroit in 1997.
For more details, visit grossepointeartcenter.org/calendar/#!event/2022/1/20/call-for-entries-black-and-white-deadline-monday-feb-21.
Have you heard of Maple Sugaring?
A recent article by Metro Parent shares how in the early spring months, the maple trees in Michigan celebrate the end of winter by contributing enough sap to produce tubs full of sugary syrup. Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties are all offering opportunities for the whole family to learn more about the maple sugaring process — from tapping a tree to turning sap into syrup! Some events and maple syrup festivals also feature hikes through nature and the opportunity to enjoy maple treats.
Click the button below to explore a variety of locations hosting events to make your very own Michigan-made maple syrup!
“A perfect storm brewing for extreme politicians”
Axios, January 23, 2022
We are drawing on a new source this week. Axios is an online news site and collection of newsletters about which we knew very little until Nathan Bomey, one of the speakers in our series of live American Democracy events, moved there from USA Today.* With Nathan’s encouragement, we started paying more attention to Axios and found our American Democracy print item for this week.
Using data on various “open seats” in the US House (districts that will have no incumbent running for re-election later this year), Axios writers Stef Knight and Neal Rothschild concluded that, “Redistricting and a flood of departing incumbents are paving the way for more extreme candidates in this year's midterm elections.”
Ironically, rising partisanship in Congress is likely to be a bipartisan phenomenon as most of the re-drawn districts with no incumbent will be “safe” for one party or the other. “Safe”, as opposed to “Competitive,” districts effectively turn the party primary into the real election for those seats. And, in both parties, the primary election is where that party’s “base” wields its greatest influence. As a result, 2022 elections appear likely to tip the House Democratic Caucus a little more to the left, and the House Republican Caucus a little more to the right.
The Axios piece is a quick read once you get a handle on “PVI” (Partisan Voter Index) which, in an unfortunate bit of copyediting, is not explained until after the term first appears in a table accompanying the article. For access to the Axios piece, click below
*Nathan Bomey was most recently with us on January 12 talking about his new book, Bridge Builders: Bringing People Together in Today’s Polarized Age. A recording of our conversation with him is available at www.warmemorial.org/virtualevents-calendar/bridgebuilders.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 61
In our 61st edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share details about the DIA’s 85th Annual DPSCD Student Exhibition; explore Detroit Dirt’s composting site near downtown Detroit; and we discuss long COVID crisis.
Arts and Culture
The DIA's 85th Annual Detroit Public Schools Community District Student Exhibition is online and in-person.
Community and Family
Detroit Dirt’s composting site near downtown Detroit is producing rich, healthy soil for local farms, backyard gardeners, and community gardens.
American Democracy
“In many residential suburbs, things look almost normal. But in the deserted downtowns, it feels as though you’d stumbled upon the cemetery where nondescript office towers go to die.”
85th Annual Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Student Exhibition
The Detroit Institute of Arts’ 85th Annual Detroit Public Schools Community District Student Exhibition is online and in-person.
This annual exhibition is the longest standing continuous relationship the DIA has with an educational organization and features imaginative works created by Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students in grades K-12, ranging from paintings, prints, drawings, photography, ceramics, videos, jewelry, and more.
The exhibition is on view on the first floor in the Wayne and Joan Webber Education Wing and is free with museum admission.
The 85th Detroit Public Schools Community District Student Exhibition is organized by the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Public Schools Community District. This exhibition is made possible by the generous support of the Ruth T.T. Cattell Education Endowment Fund.
Detroit Dirt: Creating a Zero-Waste Mindset
Pashon Murray could be called a next-generation Rachel Carson—fearless, outspoken, and willing to take on the big boys. Murray saw that food waste had become an epidemic—a 2020 estimate in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics valued food waste by U.S. consumers at $240 billion a year—and that was a driving factor in developing Detroit Dirt, her full-circle composting company.
Detroit Dirt’s mission is to push forward a low-carbon economy by way of organic waste diversion. Murray designed a closed-loop system that treats waste as a resource, saving 50 to 70 tons of renewable waste annually from entering landfills and instead turning it into fertile compost.
Detroit Dirt’s composting site near downtown Detroit is producing rich, healthy soil for local farms, backyard gardeners, and community gardens, and before the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for Murray’s delicious dirt grew daily.
“Cities aren’t facing up to their ‘long covid’ crisis: Downtown is in deep trouble”
Washington Post, February 13, 2022
Each day there seems to be more discussion of what life will be like “post-COVID.” Earlier this week, the Washington Post’s Megan McArdle joined that discussion with an article about the pandemic’s current and possible future impact on America’s downtowns.
The McArdle piece is of special relevance here in Detroit. Pre-pandemic, we had a resurgent downtown after many difficult years. What will happen now? Will Detroit simply go back onto the positive trajectory of the past dozen or so years? Or, has the pandemic altered the nature or pace of how Detroit downtown development will unfold over the next several years? The McArdle article gives readers some good tools for thinking about such questions and is available at the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 60
In our 60th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we devote all three sections to books and authors.
Arts and Culture
“An 8-Year-Old Wrote a Book and Hid It on a Library Shelf. It’s a Hit.” New York Times
Community and Family
S. Kirk Walsh will visit The War Memorial this spring for an author talk about her new book The Elephant of Belfast.
American Democracy
Upcoming author talks at The War Memorial featuring Rochelle Riley and AJ Baime.
“An 8-Year-Old Wrote a Book and Hid It on a Library Shelf. It’s a Hit.”
New York Times, February 1, 2022
“My next book,” he said, “is going to be called ‘The Jacket-Eating Closet,’ based on actual events.” - Dillon Helbig
Multiple media outlets have had the heartwarming story of a young man who, at the age of 8, wrote and illustrated his own book. Unlike many adult authors who struggle to find a publisher, Dillon Helbig decided to skip that step entirely and surreptitiously placed his book on the shelf at his local library.
For the rest of the story, we turn to the New York Times at the button below.
The Elephant of Belfast: A Novel
S. Kirk Walsh is a respected writer with family ties to our community. She will be visiting with us later this spring to talk about her new book The Elephant of Belfast. This will be an in-person author talk on Thursday, April 7 at 7:00 p.m.
The Elephant of Belfast explores tender and harrowing story of a young female zookeeper and the elephant, and what they endure together during the German blitz of Belfast. The novel speaks the tragedy of the times, but also to the ongoing sectarian tensions that still exist in Northern Ireland today.
For more about the book, visit www.skirkwalsh.com/novel.
Stay tuned for more information about Walsh’s book talk as details become available at www.warmemorial.org/arts.
S. Kirk Walsh
Author Talks at The War Memorial
Wednesday night conversations with authors have been a mainstay of our American Democracy Initiative. In fact, our first American Democracy live event was a November 2020 online chat with author AJ Baime about his book, Dewey Beats Truman: The Election of 1948 and the Battle for America’s Soul.*
We are continuing author conversations in 2022 because we have found that visiting for an hour or so with authors of thought-provoking books on America’s past, present, and future helps us to take a step back from the day-to-day and reflect on America’s history, our democracy, and our rights and responsibilities as citizens. Look below for information about upcoming author events. Also below, a list of earlier talks and links to recordings of our visits with those authors.
*AJ will be back with us on April 20 – look below for details.
Upcoming author events:
Wednesday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. (ONLINE)
Rochelle Riley, That They Lived: African Americans Who Made A Difference. In her new book, Rochelle Riley seeks to fill-in some of the gaps in history taught to American children for generations.
Wednesday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. (ONLINE) or 6:00 p.m. (VIP reception & talk – ticket required)
AJ Baime, White Lies: The Double Life of Walter F. White and America’s Darkest Secret. On April 20th, our friend AJ Baime will be back to talk about his new book and the fascinating life of Walter F. White. A VIP reception for AJ will start at 6:00 p.m. (ticket required - includes a copy of the book) with his talk to follow at 7:00 p.m. (ONLINE access to this event will be free but does require registration)
For more information, to buy tickets for our in-person event, or to register for the free online option, go to www.warmemorial.org/americandemocracyliveevents.
Recordings of some previous American Democracy events with authors are available at the links below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 59
In our 59th edition of Inspired Thoughts, we share the 25th Annual Sphinx Competition; Detroit Institute of Arts’ Black History Month free online programs for foodies, seniors, and kids of all ages; and Mitch Albom’s tribute to Mrs. Rita Smilovitz, the recently deceased mother of local sportscaster Bernie Smilovitz.
Arts and Culture
The 25th Annual Sphinx Competition award winners announced.
Community and Family
Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates Black History Month with free online programs for foodies, seniors, and kids of all ages!
American Democracy
Mitch Albom’s tribute to Mrs. Rita Smilovitz, the recently deceased mother of local sportscaster Bernie Smilovitz.
The Annual Sphinx Competition
The Sphinx Competition, held annually in Detroit, is a national competition offering young Black and Latinx classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to perform with and receive mentorship from established professional musicians.
Hosted by Lara Downs, finalists in both divisions had the opportunity to perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, the unique all Black and Latinx orchestra comprised of top professionals from around the country and compete for a total of nearly $100,000 in prizes, including the top Robert Frederick Smith Prize.
All semi-finalists and finalists have access to scholarships and fine instruments through the Sphinx Music Assistance Fund.
2022 Sphinx Competition Winners:
Senior Division
First Place Laureate & winner of the Robert Frederick Smith Prize ($50,000): Kebra-Seyoun Charles, double bass
Second Place ($20,000) : Gabriela Lara, violin
Third Place ($10,000): Harper Randolph, viola
Audience Choice ($5,000): Gabriela Lara, violin
Junior Division
First Place Laureate ($10,000): Jonathan Okseniuk, violin
Second Place ($5,000) : Brandon Leonard, cello
Third Place ($3,000): Ana Isabella España, violin
Audience Choice ($1,000): Brandon Leonard, cello
The Detroit Institute of Arts celebrates Black History Month with author and art historian Ferren Gipson
The Detroit Institute of Arts invites you to celebrate Black History Month at home with free online programs including music, films, art talks, and artmaking, events for foodies, seniors, and kids of all ages!
The Ultimate Art Museum art talk is among the many events and activities the DIA will feature throughout out the month. The DIA invites guests to join this virtual adventure through Ferren Gipson’s magnificent museum-in-a-book. This imaginary art museum is an inspiring experience without the constraints of space and time.
Discover beautiful reproductions from pre-history to the present, arranged in color-coded wings, galleries, and rooms, each with an informative guide. With over 300 wonderfully diverse artworks, this book is the ultimate resource for all art-hungry children and their parents.
Gipson is an art historian, writer, speaker, educator, and advocate for making art and art history accessible and representative. She has worked with institutions such as Tate, BBC, Pinterest, Lomography and Esquire Magazine, as an art and design content specialist.
This virtual event will take place Sunday, February 6 at 2 p.m. For more details on this event and to explore other activities, select the button below.
Mitch Albom: 'Bernie's Mom' survived the worst, proving the resilience of the Jewish Soul
Detroit Free Press, January 30, 2021
“…each time someone like Rita leaves this Earth, there is one less witness to the horror that took place in the 1940s, and one more nudge for those who would deny it.”
This week we want to call your attention to an important and touching article by Mitch Albom about Mrs. Rita Smilovitz, the recently deceased mother of local sportscaster Bernie Smilovitz. Rather than an obituary, the article is more a tribute to Mrs. Smilovitz and her indomitable spirit.
A Holocaust survivor, the then-Rita Mermelstein was liberated from Auschwitz in 1945 and made her way to the United States where she built a new life. In many ways, the final two lines of the famous poem might have easily been written specifically for her:
“Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”*
She met and married Izidor Smilovitz, himself a survivor of the camps. Together, they raised two children – Bernie and his brother – in a small Washington D.C. apartment where life was not easy but where they achieved their own victory over fascism:
“So, Hitler failed, and Eichmann and Mueller and the others who crafted a ‘final solution’ failed. They failed when it came to forces of nature like Rita Mermelstein and Izidor Smilovitz and other Jews who were strong enough to survive those concentration camps and the inhumane treatment and prosper, and have children, and have grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
*Emma Lazarus, The New Colossus which is, of course, the poem about the Statue of Liberty.
Mitch Albom’s article about the remarkable Mrs. Smilovitz, who lived in her own home until the very end and died at the age of 96, appears at the button below.
The following YouTube link will take you directly to a video Bernie’s son made with his grandparents (there is also link embedded in the Free Press story): youtu.be/QJ5EzmFwoAA.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 58
In our 58th edition of Inspired Thoughts, The War Memorial kicks off Live at the Alger performance series; King Tut exhibit returns to the Charles H. Wright Museum; Representative Brenda Lawrence retiring from Congress after completing current term.
Arts and Culture
The War Memorial kicks off Live at the Alger performance series featuring prominent jazz, classical, and roots musicians.
Community and Family
King Tut exhibit returns to the Charles H. Wright Museum!
American Democracy
Representative Brenda Lawrence retiring from Congress after completing current term.
The War Memorial kicks off Live at the Alger performance series featuring prominent jazz, classical, and roots musicians
The War Memorial (TWM) is excited to announce a new performance series welcoming a diverse cast of innovative jazz, classical, and roots musicians to the Grosse Pointe communities. Live at the Alger is a series of house-concert style performances, providing listeners with an up-close and personal musical experience.
Elden Kelly, a solo classical and jazz guitarist, kicks off the series on Friday, January 28 at TWM’s historic Alger House. One of a handful of young jazz guitarists specializing in nylon string guitar and one of the few in the U.S. to incorporate the fretless guitar, Kelly is an engaging improviser, composer, and singer, writing instrumental music for the guitar and ensembles.
“I come from a musical family and grew up with jazz, so improvisation is inherent to my practice,” said Kelly. “All of the artists I admire most created their own path through incorporating the things they loved and integrating it into a collective vision. It is my hope that my music invites people on a journey of exploration, discovery and maybe surprise.”
During this event, Kelly will play instrumental renditions of jazz, twists on familiar pop and classical themes with global music influences, and original music all with an expressive and virtuosic flair. His original music is an engaging synergy of classical, jazz, folk, and world styles, while influenced but not defined by diverse genres such as Jazz, Neoclassicism, American roots, Hindustani, and Turkish music.
“I'm a huge fan of music and am always trying to uncover more of what makes it work as a composer, performer, and scholar. My motivation to create is integral to my search to become the best version of myself that I can be, and to discover and bring into focus more truth, meaning, and significance to those around me,” said Kelly.
A full cash bar will be available throughout the evening. For more details and to purchase tickets, click the button below.
King Tut returns to the Charles H. Wright Museum
Back by popular demand, The King Tutankhamun exhibit will be on display at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History until August 22. With support from Rocket Community Fund and accompanied by an informative catalog, KING TUTANKHAMUN: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb, vividly brings to life Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.
Divided into five sections - An introduction to Ancient Egypt, The Archeological Discovery, The Private Pharaoh, The Public Pharaoh, and The Royal Burial - this installation features more than 120 replicas of Pharaoh Tut’s sacred and personal possessions.
The year 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of the boy Pharaoh (King), Tutankhamun. Described as an innocent puppet-ruler, Pharaoh Tut was caught in the middle of a political, spiritual, and artistic revolution, initiated by his father, Pharaoh Akhenaten.
“Rep. Brenda Lawrence, Michigan's only Black member of Congress, not running again”
Detroit Free Press, January 4, 2022
We would remiss if we did not note that Representative Brenda Lawrence who has represented the US House district in which The War Memorial is located since 2014 has chosen to not seek re-election and will retire from Congress after completing her current term in early 2023.
While she has said that redistricting did not play a role in her decision, Michigan’s loss of a Congressional seat led to new Detroit area districts that would have presented her with a tougher race than in the past and could well have led to a primary faceoff with another incumbent. Instead, Representative Lawrence will retire to spend more time with her family, and Representative Rashida Talib will run in a new Michigan 12th district linking the westside of Detroit with Southfield and Dearborn.
Here at The War Memorial, we’ll get to watch at close range the most interesting kind of Congressional race – one for an “open” (no incumbent seat). The Free Press article at the link below reports on Representative Lawrence’s decision, briefly recaps her career, and considers how Michigan’s current Congressional delegation are responding to our new Congressional district maps: https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/01/04/brenda-lawrence-will-not-run-for-reelection/9097717002/
NOTE: The Free Press uses a paywall which you may encounter if you have viewed multiple articles in the past 30 days and do not have a subscription.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.
Edition No. 57
In our 58th edition of Inspired Thoughts, The War Memorial kicks off Live at the Alger performance series; King Tut exhibit returns to the Charles H. Wright Museum; Representative Brenda Lawrence retiring from Congress after completing current term
Arts and Culture
The Smithsonian celebrates an American civil rights icon with a look through the collections.
Community and Family
Recall a notable moment in local history when Dr. King visited Grosse Pointe South High School in March 1968.
American Democracy
Barak Obama challenged the US Senate to modify its rules so that voting rights legislation will not just reach the Senate floor for debate but be brought up for a vote.
The War Memorial kicks off Live at the Alger performance series featuring prominent jazz, classical, and roots musicians
Central Press/Getty Images
The War Memorial (TWM) is excited to announce a new performance series welcoming a diverse cast of innovative jazz, classical, and roots musicians to the Grosse Pointe communities. Live at the Alger is a series of house-concert style performances, providing listeners with an up-close and personal musical experience.
Elden Kelly, a solo classical and jazz guitarist, kicks off the series on Friday, January 28 at TWM’s historic Alger House. One of a handful of young jazz guitarists specializing in nylon string guitar and one of the few in the U.S. to incorporate the fretless guitar, Kelly is an engaging improviser, composer, and singer, writing instrumental music for the guitar and ensembles.
“I come from a musical family and grew up with jazz, so improvisation is inherent to my practice,” said Kelly. “All of the artists I admire most created their own path through incorporating the things they loved and integrating it into a collective vision. It is my hope that my music invites people on a journey of exploration, discovery and maybe surprise.”
During this event, Kelly will play instrumental renditions of jazz, twists on familiar pop and classical themes with global music influences, and original music all with an expressive and virtuosic flair. His original music is an engaging synergy of classical, jazz, folk, and world styles, while influenced but not defined by diverse genres such as Jazz, Neoclassicism, American roots, Hindustani, and Turkish music.
“I'm a huge fan of music and am always trying to uncover more of what makes it work as a composer, performer, and scholar. My motivation to create is integral to my search to become the best version of myself that I can be, and to discover and bring into focus more truth, meaning, and significance to those around me,” said Kelly.
A full cash bar will be available throughout the evening. More details and to purchase tickets, click the button below.
KING TUTANKHAMUN: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb
Back by popular demand, King Tutankhamun will be on display at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History until August 22. With support from Rocket Community Fund and accompanied by an informative catalog, KING TUTANKHAMUN: Wonderful Things from the Pharaoh’s Tomb, vividly brings to life Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.
Divided into five sections - An introduction to Ancient Egypt, The Archeological Discovery, The Private Pharaoh, The Public Pharaoh, and The Royal Burial - this installation features more than 120 replicas of Pharaoh Tut’s sacred and personal possessions.
The year 2022 marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of the boy Pharaoh (King), Tutankhamun. Described as an innocent puppet-ruler, Pharaoh Tut was caught in the middle of a political, spiritual, and artistic revolution, initiated by his father, Pharaoh Akhenaten.
“Modify Senate rules to save democracy”
Barak Obama, in the Detroit Free Press and USA Today Group newspapers, January 13, 2021
In his first opinion piece since leaving office, Barak Obama, 44rd President of the United States, challenged the US Senate to modify its rules so that voting rights legislation will not just reach the Senate floor for debate but be brought up for a vote.
As you probably know, the impediment to bringing that legislation to the floor for a vote is the filibuster through which as few as 41 Senators can effectively block action on most matters coming before the Senate. In his piece, President Obama summarized the history of the filibuster thusly,
“The filibuster has no basis in the Constitution. Historically, the parliamentary tactic has been used sparingly – most notably by Southern senators to block civil rights legislation and prop up Jim Crowe. In recent years, the filibuster became a routine way for the Senate minority to block important progress on issues supported by a majority of voters.”
The voting rights legislation that President Obama hopes to see acted upon has already passed the House and a Senate Committee. It probably also has the votes needed to pass the full Senate. That legislation, however, would outlaw many of the restrictions on voting currently being considered or enacted by GOP-majority state legislatures across the US. As a result, Republicans in the Senate are opposed to bringing it up for a vote and can block action on the legislation unless the filibuster is eliminated or a new “carve out” from the filibuster for voting rights is created.
President Obama’s article is long but very approachable, it is available at the link below.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.