85-year-old Detroit artist gets solo exhibition

[Detroit's 'Little Village' project transforms a neighborhood and gives local artists a home](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6Bie9CXLeQ&utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Here’s a polished article draft for your internet site, inspired by the PBS feature on Detroit’s Little Village project:

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## Little Village: Detroit’s New Cultural Heartbeat

Detroit is crafting a new narrative—one of creativity, inclusion, and community revival. At the heart of this transformation is **Little Village**, a burgeoning cultural district redefining what it means to revitalize through the arts.

### A Creative Catalyst: From Abandoned Church to Cultural Hub

In Detroit’s East Village, the 113-year-old Good Shepherd Church, once a silent relic, now thrives as **The Shepherd**—a vibrant arts center with galleries, performance space, and a library dedicated to Black artists. This reinvention, led by real estate developer couple Anthony and JJ Curis, preserves architectural heritage while reimagining its purpose. The altar, stunning stained glass, and confessionals now anchor immersive, open creative spaces ([PBS][1], [Architectural Digest][2]).

### The Visionary Duo: Art That Revives Community

Anthony and JJ Curis are more than developers—their vision is rooted in social impact. After founding Library Street Collective in 2012, they turned their attention to East Village, seeking to lift the entire neighborhood through artistic expression and thoughtful investment ([PBS][1], [Architectural Digest][2]). Their approach is intentional, aiming for spaces where locals feel connected and welcomed, not alienated ([PBS][1]).

### Spaces That Belong to Everyone

Inside The Shepherd, visitors encounter more than galleries—there’s a small library built out of the old confessionals, curated by arts educator Asmaa Walton, featuring books like *Artists of Early Michigan* and *Detroit Graffiti* ([PBS][1], [Architectural Digest][2]).

Outside, public art—giant sculptures by Charles McGee and an interactive skate park by McArthur Binion and Tony Hawk—blurs the boundary between gallery and playground, inviting exploration and participation ([PBS][1]).

### Momentum Spreads: Lantern, Homes for Artists, and Beyond

The draw of Little Village has spurred expansion. Next door, **Lantern**—a former bakery remodelled into a mixed-use art and education hub—hosts nonprofits supporting leather press printing and artists with developmental disabilities, along with affordable studios ([PBS][1]).

In addition, the Curises have renewed over 20 houses, offering them at below-market rents to artists such as Paul Verdell. Verdell, who relocated from Toledo, finds the affordability and creative support system pivotal to his evolving abstract practice ([PBS][1]).

### What’s Coming: Dreams on the River

Little Village’s next chapter unfolds at **Stanton Yards**, a sprawling development set for 2027 along the Detroit River. Spanning 16 acres, it promises green space, public art, restaurants, and offices—further cementing the district as a cultural destination ([PBS][1]).

Art and culture professionals in Detroit are taking notice. Rochelle Riley, the city's Director of Arts and Culture, describes Little Village as a "massive project" that exemplifies how the arts can serve as a regenerative force for urban communities ([PBS][1]).

### The Community Speaks: Voices of Belonging and Hesitation

Longtime resident Delores Orr, who has lived in East Village for over 70 years, recalls community landmarks like the Blue Bird Bakery and expresses cautious optimism. She appreciates the transformation but worries art spaces may feel inaccessible to neighbors unfamiliar with gallery culture ([PBS][1]).

Still, children like 9-year-old Ay’den show how the art has found its way into the community’s imagination:

> “It’s beautiful, beautiful,” he says, stepping among sculptures, “like a butterfly… it brings me joy.” ([PBS][1])

### A Blueprint for Detroit’s Creative Future

Little Village isn’t just redeveloping buildings—it’s reviving Detroit’s legacy as a city of makers, storytellers, and dreamers. From sacred spaces renewed as creative hubs to public art that invites play, the district proves how thoughtful cultural investment can reignite urban justice and possibility.

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### Why This Article Works

* **Strong narrative arc**: Transforms video content into a vivid story from decline to cultural renaissance.

* **Human element**: Quotes from residents and artists provide emotional depth.

* **Broader context**: Connects the project to Detroit's larger creative regeneration and future plans.

* **Web-friendly structure**: Engaging headings, clear storytelling—ideal for online readers.

Would you like to adjust tone, add quotes from the video’s transcript, or tailor it to a specific audience or publication? Just say the word!

[1]: https://www.pbs.org/video/little-village-big-plans-1729630869/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Detroit's 'Little Village' gives local artists a home | Season 2024 - PBS"

[2]: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/from-a-reimagined-detroit-church-to-an-emerging-furniture-makers-explorations-in-resin-here-are-ads-discoveries-of-the-month?utm_source=chatgpt.com "From a Reimagined Detroit Church to an Emerging Furniture Maker's Explorations in Resin, Here Are AD's Discoveries of the Month"