Guest Blogger: Danialle Karmanos

Danialle Karmanos is our guest blogger this week. Danialle is Chairman of the Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), a boardmember of the Detroit Opera House and the founder and Executive Director of Danialle Karmanos Work It Out, wellness program designed for inner city kids and video producer. Her husband, Peter, is the chairman and CEO of Compuware Corporation.
 
Check back here each weekday to read Danialle’s thoughts on the importance of arts and culture in shaping Detroit’s identity. 

Want to join the conversation? Please send your comments to: feedback@metromodemedia.com

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04.26.07
Post No. 1

Memories

There are few things in life that surprise me. In fact, if you ask my husband, he’ll tell you I hate surprises. This morning I gave him an invite list for a surprise birthday party he may or not be planning for me. Weird, I know.

So, I was surprised when I began outlining my metroMode blog and I became saturated with a flood of thoughts, memories and emotions toward Detroit, its arts and its culture.

I tried to categorize and compartmentalize what I was feeling. I began with memories I haven’t visited in years. Trips to the “big slide” and zoo on Belle Isle with my grandparents (Grandpa Ed in his Beastie Boys t-shirt and my grandma with her fabulous red hair); the Ethnic festivals with my dad; the DIA and Science Center with my mom (often ending at the Whitney for dessert); my first 5K in the Emily and Pooh Fun Run 2; graduating from Wayne State; scribbling my name on the wall at the Post Bar (is that art?); producing videos around the city; narrating the Chrysler cars at the autoshow; MOCAD and many more adventures.

My husband talks about a generation that was deprived of a downtown urban experience. I agree, but I also take exception. I pride myself on having been exposed to and embraced by the city and all of its splendor.

Detroit, its arts and culture, are a core of my identity. With that, I’ll do my best to make this blog a relevant and interesting use of your time.

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“I Am Detroit,” created by Executive Video Producer Danialle Karmanos, tells the whole story of Detroit from the viewpoint of the people who know it best. In this award-winning and nationally acclaimed video, Karmanos captures celebrities, athletes, artists and everyday Motor City enthusiasts celebrating their hometown—native or adopted—in their own words.

Click on the following links to enjoy excerpts from “I Am Detroit” related to arts and culture.

DETROIT CULTURE

 

DETROIT ARTISTS

 

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Photograph © Dave Krieger