After nearly a year of planning via email exchanges, zoom meetings and phone calls, we touched down in Ann Arbor, Michigan last week to fulfill our first out of state Artist Residency. From April 6 through April 8, we were special guest artists at the University of Michigan, leading 3 days of workshops, including an artist talk.
The University of Michigan’s hospitality was absolutely delightful. The moment we landed at the Detroit Metro Airport, there was a driver waiting, who held meaningful conversation for the duration of the ride to the campus, familiarizing us with the area. The timing was smooth, as we were actually able to check into our hotel upon arrival, drop our bags, sit and breathe for a moment before promptly heading out for our first engagement with the community and the University. We headed into the lobby where we finally met with Shaunda in person, with long hugs as if we were reuniting, although it was our first time ever meeting in person, beyond the screen, phone and email. The Bell Tower Hotel, which is located on the campus grounds made for an easy to remember trek to the Humanities Department where the workshops and residency took place.
The first session was on a Monday, April 6th, 2026. We had a fireside chat so to speak, without a fireplace, or rather, we had our Monday Eat Off Art check-in, except this time with a live audience. We failed to post our actual video check-in last week altogether as the week was full and eventful. We met so many wonderful people, from architects, to poets, artists and creatives through our workshops and my oh my was the work fulfilling and rich. That same evening, Michigan won the NCAA Championship, which felt like an omen of goodness and a win for us just being on campus as guests artists and experts in our field.
We took a trip towards Downtown Detroit as well to check out a creative hub that’s in its early stages, called The Love Building. The Executive Director and his staff also gave us the feeling of a homecoming, like we found our tribe or family.
We are so grateful to Jason Young for planting this seed a few years ago and to Shaunda Buntin for watering the relationship and possibilities that blossomed into a powerfully rewarding residency.
We miss Detroit already.
