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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>

Your guide to Metro Detroit's July 4 weekend

Find fireworks, festivals, concerts and more across the region this weekend.

Independence Day lands on the weekend this year, so there&#x27;s no shortage of celebrations around Metro Detroit.State of play: Whether you&#x27;re looking for fireworks, baseball or a different perspective on the holiday, we&#x27;ve got you covered.

First Sip: Coffee on the lake in Commerce

Grab an espresso, breakfast and a lakeside seat at this Oakland County café.

I spent a recent morning soaking up the lake vibes at an Italian cafe in Commerce Township.Dig in: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July 4 holiday week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/30/michigan-road-work-pauses-july-4-metro-detroit-projects" data-vars-content-id="6c77c381-654c-468c-b2cf-c7d9251c99a2" data-vars-headline="First Sip: Coffee on the lake in Commerce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/06/30/michigan-road-work-pauses-july-4-metro-detroit-projects" target="_self">July 4 holiday week</a> seemed like the perfect time to venture out to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Café Aurora" data-vars-click-url="https://www.auroraitaliana.com/cafe-aurora" data-vars-content-id="6c77c381-654c-468c-b2cf-c7d9251c99a2" data-vars-headline="First Sip: Coffee on the lake in Commerce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.auroraitaliana.com/cafe-aurora" target="_blank">Café Aurora</a> on the docks of Union Lake.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: June 26-28

Fireworks, a techno festival and more summery ideas.

🍢 Try food vendors&#x27; offerings at a mini Little Asian Bites <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="night market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-asian-bites-presents-mini-night-market-eight-tickets-1991168992056?fbclid=IwY2xjawSowcJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsV3FFYWh2QXljNFgzUGhhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgIyxM13bJnBZYylUFSFNNC2N1rYmmTwp3vFd1l9Z-KQ6Urs86JSHzf_DvG0_aem_OBTcskiofEYeGRVYN6mljA" data-vars-content-id="8fc46ccd-4a75-4196-9ba4-e7b1e6b76504" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: June 26-28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/little-asian-bites-presents-mini-night-market-eight-tickets-1991168992056?fbclid=IwY2xjawSowcJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFsV3FFYWh2QXljNFgzUGhhc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgIyxM13bJnBZYylUFSFNNC2N1rYmmTwp3vFd1l9Z-KQ6Urs86JSHzf_DvG0_aem_OBTcskiofEYeGRVYN6mljA" target="_blank">night market</a> Saturday at the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard.<ul><li>5-9pm. Free to attend.</li></ul>

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.

Vote for Metro Detroit's best burger: Round 1

Choose among sliders, suburban favorites and city institutions to decide burger bragging rights.

Local burger bragging rights are up for grabs this month at Eastern Market&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10th anniversary burger battle" data-vars-click-url="https://burgerbattle.info/" data-vars-content-id="24257dd4-36c5-486b-b588-f713ec18a2ce" data-vars-headline="Vote for Metro Detroit&#x27;s best burger: Round 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://burgerbattle.info/" target="_blank">10th anniversary burger battle</a>.Why it matters: Before Detroit&#x27;s burger chefs duke it out, we want Axios readers to crown a winner in our own NCAA Tournament-style bracket.

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>.

First Sip: Two Dudes serves up protein-packed lattes

A new walk-up cafe is blending caffeine and protein.

👋 Hey bro, Annalise here, in need of about 105 more grams of protein before the day&#x27;s over in order to maximize my gains.State of play: In my quest to maximize said gains, I tried a new protein-focused coffee shop in Grosse Pointe Park, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Two Dudes Coffee Bar" data-vars-click-url="https://twodudescoffeebar.com/" data-vars-content-id="6fd392c0-a08b-4379-998a-27235b1f6e3c" data-vars-headline="First Sip: Two Dudes serves up protein-packed lattes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twodudescoffeebar.com/" target="_blank">Two Dudes Coffee Bar</a> at 15200 Charlevoix St.

Things to Do 🗓

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

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

Ceramicist grows career through Ann Arbor Art Fair

Your guide to Metro Detroit's July 4 weekend

First Sip: Coffee on the lake in Commerce