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Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair

A successful first fair helped the Detroit artist launch a full-time ceramics business.

News

For <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit artist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/26/beginner-guide-collecting-local-art" target="_self">Detroit artist</a> Genevieve VanZandt, the Ann Arbor Art Fair proved she could make a living as a full-time artist.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="VanZandt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.genevievevanzandt.com/" target="_blank">VanZandt</a> is among dozens of Detroit-area artists at this month&#x27;s fair — one of the country&#x27;s largest and among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="several upcoming fairs across the region" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" data-vars-content-id="11b295f9-e490-429e-9b0b-f55381b25304" data-vars-headline="Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/01/summer-art-fairs-guide-2026-michigan" target="_self">several upcoming fairs across the region</a>.

7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works

From Waka to Hamlin Pub, here's the latest on upcoming restaurant openings.

Food and Drink

It&#x27;s a universal truth that restaurants come and go — and we&#x27;ve seen some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big closures recently" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/dining/2026/06/30/these-michigan-restaurants-closed-doors-reorganized-in-june/90710548007/" target="_blank">big closures recently</a>.On the flip side, we&#x27;re also waiting (im)patiently on exciting openings.Why it matters: Delays in some restaurants&#x27; opening timelines reflect the various <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="57d33438-6df0-4d06-9976-a6ac80ca86a2" data-vars-headline="7 Detroit restaurant openings in the works" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bridgedetroit.com/licensing-will-be-easier-for-detroit-businesses-under-new-rules/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">challenges</a> many small businesses face, from financing to permitting, construction and staffing difficulties.

Michigan has eighth highest liquor taxes in nation

Michigan has the eighth highest tax on distilled spirits in the country.

Michiganders pay more in taxes for their liquor than in most other states, a tax research group finds.Why it matters: Alcohol taxes vary dramatically from state to state, meaning the same can of beer, glass of wine or fancy cocktail can cost significantly more depending on where you order it.

Where to find a trendy Hugo spritz in Metro Detroit

Where to find the Hugo spritz in Metro Detroit.

The spritz is looking a little less orange these days.The big picture: Although Aperol spritz remains a warm-weather staple, the pale green Hugo spritz — typically made with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur and soda water with mint and lime for garnish — is emerging as a major summer cocktail.

Frame Work: It's summer at Detroit's contemporary art museum

Three new exhibitions run through Sept. 20.

Culture

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://mocadetroit.org/" data-vars-content-id="4070424b-6d94-40ea-8c25-ca469357af1d" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: It&#x27;s summer at Detroit&#x27;s contemporary art museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mocadetroit.org/" target="_blank">Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit</a> is celebrating summer with three new exhibitions starting Saturday.Why it matters: The shows, meant to reflect how complex life is, come after the contemporary art museum reopened in late April following an extensive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renovation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/20/mocad-renovation-2025-2026-contemporary-art-museum" data-vars-content-id="4070424b-6d94-40ea-8c25-ca469357af1d" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: It&#x27;s summer at Detroit&#x27;s contemporary art museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/20/mocad-renovation-2025-2026-contemporary-art-museum" target="_self">renovation</a>.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: July 10-12

Pig races, music under the stars, the African World Festival and more.

Things to Do

🌃 Music under the stars for free at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Woodbridge Pub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DCKYA/posts/10163941615598964/" data-vars-content-id="14645456-f92c-4277-a301-05bd68fb414f" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: July 10-12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DCKYA/posts/10163941615598964/" target="_blank">Woodbridge Pub</a>.<ul><li>5-9pm Fridays and Saturdays through the end of August.</li></ul>🚶 Learn something you didn&#x27;t know about Detroit&#x27;s riverfront on a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free walking tour" data-vars-click-url="https://tockify.com/detroitparks/detail/528/1783778400000?startms=1783656000000" data-vars-content-id="14645456-f92c-4277-a301-05bd68fb414f" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: July 10-12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tockify.com/detroitparks/detail/528/1783778400000?startms=1783656000000" target="_blank">free walking tour</a> starting at Ralph Wilson Park.<ul><li>10-11am Saturday.</li></ul>

New hub aims to support local filmmakers

Free workspaces, screenings and artist residencies are coming to Detroit's Little Village.

Local filmmakers are getting a new early-career support center on the east side.Why it matters: Detroit&#x27;s arts community includes a long tradition of filmmaking, but some feel there&#x27;s limited opportunity to screen local films, learn and share ideas across the industry.

Detroit Craft Summer: Clubs help people connect offline

Locals are gathering to craft and connect, with anything from stitching to coloring.

Gather some like-minded souls in the fresh air, BYO crafts and snacks, and you&#x27;ve got one of this summer&#x27;s biggest social trends.Why it matters: In recent years, as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="third places disappear" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aei.org/society-and-culture/americas-third-places-are-disappearing-and-why-it-matters/" data-vars-content-id="7b049bdc-8a79-410c-95da-a8bc95dc4bb1" data-vars-headline="Detroit Craft Summer: Clubs help people connect offline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aei.org/society-and-culture/americas-third-places-are-disappearing-and-why-it-matters/" target="_blank">third places disappear</a>, more people are looking for ways to connect outside work and offline. That&#x27;s helping accelerate a rise in casual crafting and activity-based meetups.

Where to celebrate Juneteenth across Metro Detroit

Attend marches, festivals, art exhibitions and community events.

Metro Detroit is honoring Juneteenth this year with marches, music, art and more.The big picture: Juneteenth commemorates the day when enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2 1/2 years after the passing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/19/timeline-of-the-juneteenth" data-vars-content-id="a9114e78-d992-4f74-b078-5fe25db79c78" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate Juneteenth across Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/19/timeline-of-the-juneteenth" target="_self">2 1/2 years after the passing</a> of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Emancipation Proclamation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation?_ga=2.99815709.2051678155.1718302964-1692953947.1718131671" data-vars-content-id="a9114e78-d992-4f74-b078-5fe25db79c78" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate Juneteenth across Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation?_ga=2.99815709.2051678155.1718302964-1692953947.1718131671" target="_blank">Emancipation Proclamation</a>.

Vernors fans get a fizzy celebration

The free event brings back vintage ads, ice cream and the Vernors Gnome.

Detroit&#x27;s own ginger ale, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vernors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/08/11/trying-vernors-michigan" data-vars-content-id="fd2779e1-c237-4207-971c-c00873c48142" data-vars-headline="Vernors fans get a fizzy celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/08/11/trying-vernors-michigan" target="_self">Vernors</a>, is celebrating its 160th anniversary with a daylong party Sunday at Eastern Market.Why it matters: Like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Better Made" data-vars-click-url="https://bettermade.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqFKojepfv1ohEcn1GYAm5ToNhYzUd159bDbAQfwFIpx2RYfJlx" data-vars-content-id="fd2779e1-c237-4207-971c-c00873c48142" data-vars-headline="Vernors fans get a fizzy celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bettermade.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqFKojepfv1ohEcn1GYAm5ToNhYzUd159bDbAQfwFIpx2RYfJlx" target="_blank">Better Made</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Faygo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.faygo.com/" data-vars-content-id="fd2779e1-c237-4207-971c-c00873c48142" data-vars-headline="Vernors fans get a fizzy celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.faygo.com/" target="_blank">Faygo</a>, Vernors is a local brand woven into the city&#x27;s identity across generations.

Detroit ready to celebrate at World Cup watch parties

Fans will gather from Campus Martius to Mexicantown for matches.

Sports

Detroit isn&#x27;t hosting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="any World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/21/world-cup-detroit-host-city-bid" data-vars-content-id="5231805c-e832-4ee0-853b-d2e9cba409a2" data-vars-headline="Detroit ready to celebrate at World Cup watch parties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/21/world-cup-detroit-host-city-bid" target="_self">any World Cup matches</a>, but the city is ready to show out by the thousands at watch parties from Campus Martius to Mexicantown.Why it matters: The global spectacle begins Thursday afternoon, when Mexico opens the tournament against South Africa.

Drum sculptures bring stories to Detroit

The public art exhibition runs through July 22 at the library and a riverfront park.

Twenty-five large, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="painted sculptures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYzZz_QiOH2/?img_index=2" data-vars-content-id="c23f6886-369f-4798-bfa5-db58cc5cfcb4" data-vars-headline="Drum sculptures bring stories to Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DYzZz_QiOH2/?img_index=2" target="_blank">painted sculptures</a> shaped like drums have been installed in Detroit as part of a broader public art effort.The big picture: As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary since the Declaration of Independence, national nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Stories of Us" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thestoriesofus.org/" data-vars-content-id="c23f6886-369f-4798-bfa5-db58cc5cfcb4" data-vars-headline="Drum sculptures bring stories to Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thestoriesofus.org/" target="_blank">The Stories of Us</a> installed work by local and outside artists that reflects the experiences of a wide variety of Americans.

Glass Academy turns art into experience

A complex craft made accessible by glassblowing artists.

<figure><img alt="A gif of a glassblowing artist at work, clipping a piece of glass and then putting it in the heated chamber" height="450" id="71332ac4-7034-4451-9a06-d88bb12f3e6e" src="https://images.axios.com/-dpJIPFmAR8K_MpOKimMtYbW5jY=/2026/06/04/1780582295336.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Jacob Nordin at work in the glassblowing studio. GIF: Annalise Frank/Axios</figcaption></figure>Asked why the art of glassblowing captivates people so thoroughly, Michelle Plucinsky says: &quot;It&#x27;s like a campfire.&quot;Why it matters: That pull — like a moth to a flame — has shaped the evolution of Plucinsky&#x27;s decades-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Glass Academy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.glassacademy.com/pages/about-us?srsltid=AfmBOorTNj3RpSCk-sj4ff9gcGlwesW5UjDqJHjUbbsONrZH6XzSgmYj" data-vars-content-id="33573033-51c7-4e21-8b5b-b64b2e91b614" data-vars-headline="Glass Academy turns art into experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.glassacademy.com/pages/about-us?srsltid=AfmBOorTNj3RpSCk-sj4ff9gcGlwesW5UjDqJHjUbbsONrZH6XzSgmYj" target="_blank">Glass Academy</a> business.