The exhibition, “I don’t believe in art. I believe in artists” is curated by 2009 Kresge Artist Fellow Cedric Tai (Detroit). Tai was awarded the opportunity to curate a show after competing in a curatorial program at the Contemporary Art Institute of Detroit (CAID). The program required applicants to organize a prototype exhibition... and install it in two days. The artists in Tai’s prototype show, Adrian Hatfield (Ferndale), Megan Heeres (Detroit), Justin Marshall (Hamtramck), Isaac Richard (East Detroit), Janine Surma (Hamtramck) and Ian Swanson (St. Claire Shores) were invited to make work in collaborating with the young curator during the creation and installation process. “Cedric wanted us to create hybrid works in a holistic play of action and reaction between him and the artists. The process is unique and innovative,” says participating artist Megan Heeres. According to the curator, the show, with its title taken from a quote by Marcel Duchamp, is meant to reflect the influx nature of how artists conceive new bodies of work. “These six artists were handpicked for their diversity of aesthetics, willingness to collaborate and ability to address a unique space with their work,” says Tai.

The exhibition is the first for the newly formed Whitdel Arts (located in the gallery formerly known as Ladybug Gallery). There is an opening reception to meet the artists and curator on Saturday, April 24th from 6 – 11 p.m. The exhibit runs through May 22nd, 2010. Gallery hours are 12pm to 4pm on Saturdays or by appointment.Contact info@thecaid.org or (313) 899-2243 (313) 899-2243 ext 151 for more information. To learn more about the artists and their work go to:
http://www.thecaid.org/believe.html.

On May 8th at 6pm there will be an artist walkthrough of the exhibition where visitors will learn about the artists, their work and the processes used to create the exhibition. An exhibition catalog with contributing writers Sarah Turner and Mary Fortuna will be released during the artist walkthrough on May 8th. The exhibition and artist walkthrough are free and open to the public.

During the opening reception, visitors will have an opportunity to cast their vote for the winner of the Whitdel Arts logo design competition. Anyone can enter the competition. Submissions are due by April 17th and the guidelines are at: http://www.thecaid.org/logo_competition.pdf.