Tag Archives: GM Renaissance Center

Detroit Artist: Jason Clemens

For Detroit photographer Jason Clemens, he just loves to be outside. If he’s got a camera in his hand, that’s a bonus.

 

Jason has a certain passion for the outdoors, especially for Michigan’s beautiful seasons. He even calls his photography “hunting with a camera” since he’s always searching for the perfect outdoor shot.

 

Seasons of Change

 

 

Jason began seriously taking photos after he was gifted a Canon in 2012. He’s since elevated his hobby to a passion project, capturing everything in nature that he could.

 

He loves shooting images of birds and animals and exploring the same place in different seasons. The seasons give the same locations a different perspective, he says. Find him out at sunrise or sunset, seeking out what others don’t see in nature.

 

In Detroit, he especially loves photographing the marina and Detroit River when he’s downtown. The skyline and cityscape has changed so much in recent years, evolving the Detroit Riverfront as it changes, and that’s what he enjoys conveying through his images.

 

Sharing Detroit

 

 

Jason started becoming a Detroit influencer when he created an Instagram account for his photography portfolio. Immediately it was a way to connect with other passionate artists and share what they and experience through their camera.

 

The hashtag #ShareDetroit is full of Jason’s images, and he regularly interacts with the users of that hashtag. His Instagram handle is also @Share_Detroit.

 

A Familial Connection

 

Jason plays catch with his son at Comerica Park.

 

Jason not only loves pursuing photography because it’s a way to take his mind off his full-time job, but because his father was also an active photographer, and loving telling stories through photos.

 

“My dad passed away before I turned three years old, but he still managed to instill so much of his personality and passions in me in that short time,” said Jason.

 

Photography is a beautiful connection between Jason and his dad, and one that is only growing as Jason gets older.

 

Follow along as Jason shares his favorite Detroit outdoors photos on the GMRENCEN’s Instagram over the next two weeks.

 

Jason Clemens lives in Farmington Hills. See more of his work on Instagram @Share_Detroit.

Artist Spotlight: MaRia Popi

Where in the world is MaRia Popi?

 

The answer lies on top of some of Detroit’s most famous skyscrapers.

 

“I love shooting Detroit from the rooftop of buildings. I have been on the rooftop of every skyscraper in the city. That’s what drives my photography. I’m a sky chaser,” MaRia said.

 

Starting at the Top

 

 

MaRia began shooting the 313 five years ago. Since then she has been to most downtown skyscrapers’ rooftops and inside most of the iconic buildings, however the Penobscot building reigns supreme in her opinion.

 

“I believe the Penobscot building has one of the best views in the heart of the city. It is surrounded by the beautiful architecture of Detroit and the view is different at night and day. That is what makes it so exciting for me!” said MaRia Popi.

 

She often returns to her favorite places to highlight the differences in the foreground and background, exploring different seasons and times of day. She knows no sunrise, sunset or cloud pattern is the same. Using long exposure techniques, especially at night, is her favorite style of photography.

 

In the Motor City

 

 

MaRia was born in Bulgaria and moved to Michigan in 2003. She always loved traveling and had a camera in hand while growing up. Her passion for photography and love of architecture and design led her to the Motor City, and now she’s proud to call it home.

 

“I consider myself an explorer who keeps learning. Art is a big part of my daily life. I grow as an artist while exploring other artists’ work – while using new photography techniques and working with creative people from different backgrounds,” she said.

 

Some of MaRia’s portrait photography work can be seen inside the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in the “Oh You Fancy!” exhibit currently on display.

 

 

Follow along as MaRia shares her love of rooftop photography on the GMRENCEN’s Instagram over the next two weeks. She is also a previous winter of the GMRENCEN’s Your Photo Here Contest, and you can see her art inside the GMRENCEN.

 

MaRia Popi lives in Livonia. See more of her work on her Instagram @_mariapopi_ or her online portfolio at mariapopi.com.

Artist Spotlight: James Gates

We’ve all been there – when your phone battery dies because you’ve been using it to take photos. That happened to Detroit photographer James Gates so often, that he decided to finally put down his iPhone and pick up a DSLR camera.

 

Washington, D.C.

 

 

James traveled to Washington D.C. in 2014 and brought his new camera along with him. He loved taking photos of the statues, historical buildings and moments that the area had to offer. He showed the trip images to a coworker, who is a professional photographer, after he returned from the trip and the coworker was quite impressed. This coworker recommended James start taking photos professionally, and James took that to heart – he’s loved it ever since.

 

His Perfect Shot

 

 

For the past four years James has spent his free time walking the Detroit Riverfront and downtown metropolis searching for the perfect shot.

 

He especially loves shooting around sunset, and the time just after sunset, affectionately called “the blue hour.” He loves everything about it – the light, how the city glows, capturing how the clouds streak the sky.

 

James has also been playing around with long exposures recently, capturing hundreds of photos and merging them into one photo in time. He likes these photos best, and works only a bit on his computer to enhance each photograph afterward.

 

An Escape

 

 

Although James would love to make photography his day to day work, he uses it as an escape more than anything.

 

“There’s something about exploring the city and always finding something new. It’s so relaxing to me, it’s a great way to decompress and have fun. There’s really nothing like capturing a great shot and seeing things in a way you’ve never seen them before,” James said.

 

 

James is also a previous winner of our Your Photo Here Contest, and you can find his artwork on Level 2, Tower 200, inside the GMRENCEN.

 

Follow the GMRENCEN on Instagram to see James highlight his favorite downtown locations.

 

James Gates lives in Detroit and is a legally blind photographer. See his work on his Instagram at @james.m.gates or check out his online portfolio at jgatesphotography.com.  

Artist Spotlight: Alanna St. Laurent

It’s a bird, it’s a plane…it’s a drone! If you happen to see a drone camera around downtown Detroit, there’s a good chance it belongs to local photographer Alanna St. Laurent.

 

The Detroit artist is always trying out innovative and new ways to take photographs, and drone photography has recently captured her passion.

 

Up in the Air

 

 

Alanna’s GMRENCEN Instagram takeover will focus on her drone photography, highlighting different parts of the Detroit skyline – a medium she’s started exploring since it was invented. She’s looking for different vantage points to find new detail in her images as her camera hovers hundreds of feet above street level.

 

She learned the trade from friends, but that’s not to say it’s an easy skill to pick up. Like with anything, there’s a learning curve when it comes to drone photography.

 

“It’s a whole different playing field up there. You can take pictures straight down from where the drone is, an entire 90 percent angle, or you can focus the camera up 30 degrees for the shot you want. It’s taken a bit of time but I’m enjoying exploring the skyline with the drone. There are so many possibilities with it,” Alanna said.

 

She particularly loves flying the drones near the tops of tall skyscrapers – especially Detroit towers that were built in the 1920s. With her drone, she can zoom in on technical, architectural and artistic features at the crown of each building – a scene that would be nigh impossible without a drone.

 

Professional Career

 

 

Alanna started taking photography classes when she was an advisor at the College for Creative Studies in 2007 and fell in love with the medium. That passion has never left her, and she regularly explores Detroit, and the country, searching for new ways to “see” a scene, skyline or setting.

 

She now sells print copies of her photographs on her website and features her images at rotating art fairs in and around Metro Detroit.

 

Alanna thinks of abandoned buildings as “the Wild West” because no building is ever the same, and she never knows what she’s going to find. She now leads photography workshops in and around Detroit. The forward-thinking photographer’s sessions are designed for newly burgeoning photographers as they learn the trade and focus with architectural and cityscape photography. The workshops also bring local photographers together to capture some of Detroit’s most photographic events.

 

She’s grown her industry reputation over the years and now is a full-time photographer, and leads her own business, which was always a goal of hers.

 

Follow Alanna over the next two weeks on our Instagram as she shows us Detroit from the sky.

 

Alanna St. Laurent lives in Ferndale. Follow her on Instagram at @alannastlaurentphoto or visit her online portfolio at alannastlaurent.com to see Detroit through her lens.

Artist Spotlight: Lou Peeples

When you think of Detroit, what comes to mind? Undoubtedly, it’s different for everyone – every person experiences the city differently.

 

Do you have happy memories celebrating the Detroit Tigers win at Comerica Park? Biting into a Lafayette Coney Island Coney dog? Or perhaps you think of watching the Thanksgiving Parade roll down Woodward Ave on Thanksgiving Day.

 

When Lou Peeples imagines Detroit, all he sees is “my city.” The city that he loves to photograph and tell stories about through his images. He explores his city through his camera lens, often in the early morning hours of the day, because no one else is awake at that time. There are no cars or people walking the city at 5 or 6 a.m., and he captures a city paused in time.

 

Half Artist, Half Tech Fan

 

 

A self-described “technology geek,” Lou loves photography because it satisfies his technology interests just as much as his artistic side.

 

“I really enjoy using different equipment and trying different lenses for certain shots. I’ve been playing with long exposures where the camera can capture a photo for up to 20 or 30 seconds. Taking those kinds of shots at night are some of my favorite to play around with.”

 

Along with enjoying advancing technical elements of his camera, he’s along learned to love editing in post. Finding ways to enhance certain elements of his photographs are better ways of telling their story.

 

Evolution as a Photographer

 

 

While he loves capturing the city devoid of people, cars and signs of everyday life, Lou also is expanding his portfolio by capturing “street photography” images. These photos are shot while he walks the city throughout the day, capturing people in a moment in time, a snippet of their life.

 

Lou also describes himself as an eclectic photographer, going to a certain area in the city and shooting whatever strikes him in the moment – inspiration can hit any time.

 

Lou Peeples lives in Grosse Pointe. Follow him on Instagram at @loupeeples_photography or see his online portfolio at Pointe Photography.

Artist Spotlight: Christopher Hollis

When Christopher Hollis was gifted his first professional camera in 2009, he didn’t know how much it would impact his life for years to come.

 

Eight years later, he now owns and operates his own photography business, VIII/VIII Photography, and is making a name for himself in the Detroit photography scene.

 

Up and Coming

 

Pictured: Christopher Hollis.

Although he was always more-than-adept with a handheld camera, Chris was gifted his first professional-grade camera when he moved to California in 2009. He took advantage of Northern California’s outdoor-centric lifestyle and spent time capturing the Bay Area’s vast array of mountains, waterways and greenery.

 

With a move back to Detroit, Chris still focuses on the landscapes and cityscapes that he’s prized since the beginning of his career. But his photography has matured as he has; Chris’ photos now focus on composition and framing, and he has a particular interest in symmetry within architecture.

 

“I love when people see a photo of something they know well or maybe see every day but then see something new in the photograph. The details, and uncovering those secrets, are what is so intriguing to me,” said Chris.

 

Capturing a Moment

 

Image by Christpher Hollis.

Chris especially loves capturing snapshots in time without the focus of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spot him in the early morning hours around Eastern Market, taking photos of the well-known murals, with only his headphones and camera. He typically goes out with a vague outline of what he wants to capture, like the sunrise, or sunset, but doesn’t limit himself in the subject matter – inspiration often strikes him in the moment.

 

Instagram Takeover

 

Image by Christopher Hollis.

Chris has graciously been the first photographer taking over the GMRENCEN’s Instagram. Luckily, he’s extremely familiar with the building – as a native Detroiter he’s partial to the Detroit skyline, but he’s also worked inside the GMRENCEN for the last five years.

 

He’s decided to focus on the interior architecture and symmetry of the building throughout his takeover. Follow the GMRENCEN on Instagram for Chris’ take on the building’s intricate network of walkways and windows.

 

Chris Hollis lives in Detroit. Follow him on Instagram at @vii_vii_photography or Facebook at @VII/VII Photography to see Detroit through his lens.

Detroit Artist Spotlight: Suzann Braun

“Taking an image, freezing a moment, reveals how rich reality truly is.” – Anonymous

 

Detroit fan and photographer Suzann Braun strives to capture the balance between beautiful skyscraper views and the nitty-gritty underbelly of Detroit in her work. The GMRENCEN regularly features Braun’s work on social media, and she recently was one of ten winners in the GMRENCEN’s Your Photo Here Contest, so we decided to get to know her, and her craft, a bit better.

 

Her Start

 

 

Braun began taking photos on fun outings with family and friends, and that theme still guides her passion today.

 

“Growing up I was always the family photographer, the one with a camera,” Braun said. “Now I love to explore different cities through the lens of my camera, or even different neighborhoods of Detroit.”

 

She loves capturing photos outdoors, where a city meets natural outdoor elements. The balance and connection between urban life and Mother Nature can be seen throughout her photos. Michigan’s colorful changing seasons always provoke Braun to grab her camera and head outside.

 

“Before and After” Photos

 

 

The Detroit artist especially loves taking “before and after” photos of Detroit. A moment that stands out in her memory is photographing the Detroit Riverfront in the early 2010s, which at the time was cluttered with industrial plants and warehouses – nothing like the urban greenspace glittering with walkways and parks today.

 

“I love going through photos from years ago and being able to recreate them in today’s landscape. It’s amazing to have a photo from a certain moment in time, and then seeing the city’s progress now,” Braun said.

 

Detroit

 

 

Braun works downtown, so she often spends her lunch break roaming the streets and Riverfront for anything that excites her. Detroit especially inspires her because of Detroit’s grit and artsy-aesthetic.

 

“Detroit is naturally beautiful, yet complex. It’s a photographer’s dream,” she said.

 

Suzann Braun lives in Warren. Follow her on Instagram or visit her online SmugMug gallery for more photos of Detroit and her travels.

Migrating Birds Seek Safe Passage Through Metro Detroit Area

By: Detroit Audubon, fostering the appreciation and conservation of birds and the environment we share since 1939.

 

When you think of robins returning for spring it probably doesn’t cross your mind to cut unnecessary outdoor lighting and dim or redirect essential lighting, does it?

 

While many songbirds only stop briefly in Michigan on their journey from South America to the boreal forests of Canada, the stop can be a fatal one. In fact, bird-window collisions kill up to 4 billion birds annually in the continental U.S. To help our feather friends, Detroit Audubon and Washtenaw Safe Passage have partnered with other groups in Southeast Michigan to make our corner of the planet safer for birds. It’s easier than you think, and even one building can make a big impact.

 

What is Safe Passage?

 

Safe Passage is a collective approach to minimizing human risks to birds. While most programs focus on window collisions, the Safe Passage philosophy includes a little bit of everything:

  • Lights Out programs: this dark sky policy for commercial buildings throughout spring and fall migration can save dozens to hundreds of birds per year, per building!
  • Window collision monitoring and mitigation: this includes screens, decorative window film, window art and other efforts that help prevent birds from hitting glass.
  • Practice safe bird feeding: move feeders as close to windows as possible (three feet or closer), and bleach bird feeders once a month.
  • Green gardening: try owl boxes instead of rodenticide, bluebird and wren boxes instead of insecticide, and using native plants instead of ornamentals.

 

If onewindow at an average single-family residence has been hit by a bird, and that window is subsequently screened, marked with ABC Bird Tape, Acopian Bird Savers, CollidEscape, or Feather Friendly dots, 80 birds can be saved in the span of a decade!

 

Safe Passage Saves

 

 

One high-rise building in Washington D.C. turned off its lights between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the months of March, April and May and saved 27 percent on its electric bill, as well as saving hundreds of birds. Doing the same for August, September, October and November will save even more as the population will be boosted by all of the newly-fledged birds from the summer starting their first migration.

 

You can find out more ways to help by visiting DetroitAudubon.org and encouraging your neighbors and local businesses to do the same. There’s even an Honor Roll to recognize the steps taken by local businesses towards being mindful of our feathered friends during their journeys.

 

Follow us on Facebook for more information: Detroit Audubon, Washtenaw Safe Passage, Just Save Birds, Bird Center of Washtenaw County.

 

Editor’s Note: The GMRENCEN promotes Safe Passage principles to all tenants and those working in the building.

The Detroit River – Flowing through Michigan History since the 1700’s

As one of the busiest waterways in the world, the Detroit River serves as a symbol for positive international relations and hope to Detroit. Beyond its historical impact between the United States and Canada, the resurgence of this historic river is timed perfectly with the city’s comeback. The integration of the riverfront’s revival with residents and visitors of Detroit embodies the new spirit of Detroit – and we love it!

 

Detroit River History

 

The river was monumental to Detroit’s automotive success, for business traveling through the strait between lakes. In addition to its transportation impact, the river was used for communication across Michigan – especially during this booming era of industrial expansion.

 

Today, the river serves as a beautiful natural waterway for the city. The riverfront has transformed into an iconic element of Detroit, and the revival of its shores and maintenance of refuge for local wildlife is far from finished.

 

Whether you’re heading on a walk through the Riverfront Gardens, or enjoying the GM Plaza, the river offers activities for everyone!

 

Fun Facts

 

 

  • The river stretches from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie and operates as a strait in the Great Lakes system.

 

  • The river is only about 0.5 to 2.5 miles wide, making the division between Michigan and Canada very narrow.

 

  • Belle Isle lies in the northern section of the Detroit River, and remains a popular destination for residents and visitors of the city. Belle Isle is a Michigan State Park and is open to the public for all kinds of activities like kayaking, swimming and fishing.

 

  • The Detroit River was once used by the Iroquois who traveled these waters to trade fur with Dutch colonists.

 

  • In 1908, the Detroit News declared the Detroit River the “Greatest Commercial Artery on Earth.”

 

  • In 1997, the Detroit River was named as one of 14 American Heritage Rivers by President Bill Clinton due to the local community of Detroit that utilized the river to revitalize the economy, preserve the history and restore the environment.

 

  • The river is the only international wildlife refuge in North America. From having some of the best walleye fishing in the world, to housing an abundance of bald eagles, this river is full of wildlife!

 

  • The word “Detroit” is French for “strait” and the French invented this name for the river to describe the “Strait of Lake Erie” or “le détroit du Lac Érié.” This has been a major shipping channel since the 1700’s with traders navigating the waters for trade.

 

  • There are 28 islands located within the Detroit River. One of the islands is Belle Isle, which exists as the largest urban island park in the United States. The entire island is listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, and the also encompasses the oldest rowing club in North America.

 

The Emergence of West Riverfront Park

As the City of Detroit enters an era of thriving economic developments, booming real estate and a determination to create a future of success – a new project has emerged.

 

Changing Landscapes

 

 

In April 2018, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy announced, at a press conference in the GM Wintergarden, a new plan to transform West Riverfront Park into an energetic and iconic gathering place for all Detroiters – reshaping this 22-acre region of prime riverfront property.

 

With an amazing riverfront what could we possibly be missing? Turns out the DRFC found a new way to provide just about everything on the riverfront – and this time they’re providing one of the only places, besides Belle Isle, where visitors have access to the water.

 

Besides this addition of a dramatic inlet called “The Cove,” the DRFC explains that their team has many plans to reshape the park – including the addition of an island of the shore, basketball courts, waterslides and even concert areas.

 

The park’s estimated cost is $50 million, and will be run by DRFC’s West Riverfront Park Community Advisory Team. This group of 21 Detroit residents come from various cultures, careers and neighborhoods – to fully ensure that the project will adhere to the all types of interests in Detroit. This board was asked to judge a design competition to find the best team of consultants, architects and engineers for this monumental transformation of the riverfront.

 

The DRFC initially faced the fear of failing to blend the passionate insight of Detroit residents with the professional expertise of top designers – and made sure to take their time assembling the perfect team to ensure the West Riverfront was elevated to its full potential. In February 2018, the advisory team selected major designer Michael Van Valkenburgh and his team, alongside architect David Adjaye.

 

How can we ensure this will work for the city? Besides the fact that Detroit’s riverfront is quickly becoming a favorite attraction within the city, these designers have a reputation for success.

 

Valkenburgh is one of America’s most well-known landscape architects who has been recognized on major design projects including the Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City. Adjaye has also been acknowledged for his designs, including his work on the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C.

 

When will we finally be able to visit the park? The DRFC says the project will be complete within the next four to five years – but don’t get sad just yet, summer on the riverfront is just getting started on GM Plaza!

 

The Evolution of the Riverfront

 

 

The Detroit Riverfront extends 5.5 miles extending from the Ambassador Bridge, all the way to Belle Isle in the east. Among the many shops, marinas, restaurants and parks lies the GMRENCEN – right in the heart of the riverfront action.

 

How has the GMRENCEN impacted this future development on the riverfront?

 

For starters, General Motors’ renovation of the Renaissance Center to become their global headquarters in 2004 led to major projects such as the GM Plaza – an addition to the riverfront that quickly become a spectacular space for city gatherings and events.

 

General Motors also donated the first half-mile of the riverfront to the Conservancy, and continues to draw residents and visitors to the river through concert series, shopping and a beautiful view of the Detroit River.

 

What’s next?

 

 

As the city prepares for the launch of the West Riverfront Park, it’s time to soak up the sun and enjoy this transforming part of Detroit’s beautiful city and head to the riverfront!

 

Maybe you’ll head to GM Plaza for On the Plaza concerts, Chevrolet Rockin’ on the Riverfront Concert Series or the Eastern Market farm stand – or perhaps you’ll make your way to Belle Isle to enjoy the beach and rent a kayak on the beautiful island. Either way – there’s something for everyone on the riverfront, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

 

Want more information? Head down to the GMRENCEN to check out the West Riverfront Park display!