Detroit's Under Appreciated Jewel

(This is a section of the Detroit Industry mural by Diego Rivera at the Detroit Institute of Arts. It was completed in 1933 and commissioned by Edsel Ford and museum director William Valentiner. ) Flickr.com



DETROIT—The massive and imitating white marble exterior stretches along the Woodward Avenue, filling visitors of all ages and sizes with an eagerness to expand their creativity and to be exposed by the creativity of others. These visitors enter the historic building immediately enveloped in the memories and the cultural artifacts of the past and present.

Supporters of the Detroit Institute of Arts say it is not only one of the city's crowning jewels but one of the country’s top art museums. But although the museum has done a lot with it's image by renovating back in 2001-07, many still feel that the DIA is under appreciated.

Founded in 1885, the Detroit Institute or Arts, or “DIA,” includes more than 100 art galleries that include a diverse variety of art such as American, European, Native American, Islamic, modern and contemporary, and graphic. As explained in its site, the museum comprises a “multicultural and multinational survey of human creativity from prehistory through the 21st century.”

The beautifully sculptured building, referred to by its site as the “temple of art,” is a vast maze filled with culture. It invites visitors to get lost in the pieces of art as they try to interpret the artistes message and inspiration; The displays are designed for one to appreciate the artistes dedication, effort, skill, and passion that was applied to the arts creation. Although this establishment seems to be a storage house of creativity, museums such as this are not visited or appreciated by the members of their communities like they should be, say supporters.

Motivated to make a change in the community

(Erin Crouch pictured on the left and Dana Lake pictured on the right. The picture was taken by media director of the Leer Career Center, Ken Nelson)

EAST LANSING, Mich.---Michigan State University student Erin Crouch herself to devotes a good portion of her time to servicing her community and making a difference. The 20-year-old family and community services major is the director of Project Green, a community outreach group at Michigan State that caters to the needs of the Lansing and East Lansing community.

“We host many events throughout the year such as health fairs, blood drives,and fundraisers to lower heating cost,” Crouch said.

Through meetings with schools, community organizations, churches, and neighborhood associations, Project Green is able to center its focus each year based on the current needs of the community.

Crouch has been involved with Project Green for three years now and this is her second year as director. As a director she says that she loves what she does but at times it can be difficult.