Art, Creativity, Food, Storytelling! Free @ Palmer Park Log Cabin

Free art-making, storytelling, food, and a myriad of family-friendly creative programs fill the Palmer Park Log Cabin and its grounds this summer and fall! Join us (limited availability for some workshops, so please pre-register quickly!).

The event is sold out, but you may observe, and taste if there is enough!
Noon-1 pm: Abe Gurewitz Brunch, Cook & Taste with foraged foods. Learn about chicory coffee, root beer, acorn cookies and other items that can be made from locally growing foraged plants. Depending on the mushrooms that pop up, they may be included in some of the dishes. Abe will also talk about what plants can be found at other times of the year.

The event is filled, but you may observe, and participate if there are no-shows and extra materials.
1-3 pm: Painting & drawing with inks created with foraged plants & berries with artist Kim Fracassa. (participants limited to 15, pre-register here to reserve your spot; others are invited to observe)

1. Learn the basics of natural ink making
2. Experiment making the ink from seasonal plants foraged in Palmer Park. Kim will bring branches/fruit found in the park rather than encourage foraging during the class as it’s a hike to do so.
3. Pen your own calligraphy/poetry or paint a work of art on paper.

THERE IS ROOM FOR EVERYONE for STORYTIME!
1-3 pm: Brilliant Detroit's Storytime—A Magical Reading Journey & Free Book Giveaway in the Cabin for children with their parents or guardians (drop-in; no registration required)

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1-4 pm Natural-dyeing & printing with foraged plants on fabrics with artist Mandisa Smith. Learn the ancient art of eco-printing! In this 3-hour workshop, you will create a one-of-kind eco-printed 11x11 inch silk scarf using plant material like eucalyptus leaves, onion skins, flower petals and more. All materials are supplied. (participants limited to 15, pre-register here to reserve your spot; others are invited to observe)

2:30 pm: “UpRootED” Art-Making & Nature Play Workshop with Stephanie Onwenu of Ijeoma Landscapes; use native plants & materials from park. Read more and sign up for the workshop here.

A day of creativity using materials, plants and nature in the park! Awakening the senses, participants will engage in a guided group meditation exercise with Art Therapist Veronique Eason followed by a nature walk along the wooded areas and trails in the park to collect materials with Stephanie. The workshop will end with an art making activity where participants respond to the question: What does having a park in your neighborhood means to you?

This art making workshop is a part of “UpRooted” a creative art making project by visual artist and landscape designer Stephanie Onwenu that explores creativity, art and history in public spaces while capturing the stories of place.

2-4 pm: Brilliant Detroit's Storytime—A Magical Reading Journey & Free Book Giveaway in the Cabin

4-7 pm: Ian Finkelstein with opening act: Ataraxia
Ian Finkelstein (AKA Ian Fink) is a pianist, producer, composer, and educator. A student of Detroit jazz luminaries such as Marcus Belgrave, Geri Allen, and Rodney Whitaker, he has been performing professionally since the age of 14 when he was a member of Detroit’s Civic Jazz Orchestra. He has since performed with artists such as Benny Golson, Marcus Belgrave, Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, Kassa Overall, Common, Earl Sweatshirt, and Karriem Riggins. He is equally active in the city’s house and techno community, and releases his own solo work on Freak Press, a label he founded in 2017. His projects range in genre from solo jazz piano to house, techno, and beyond. He is a 2020 Gilda Award recipient, and 2024 Kresge Artist Fellow. In 2024, he was honored by the City of Detroit with a Spirit of Detroit Award.

1 pm: Weaving & Sewing with Michael Daitch—A fun, hands-on, drop-in workshop for all ages inside the Log Cabin. Weaving demonstrations with Michael on his loom and opportunity to learn or practice sewing skills as you create a handmade woven bag.

2:30 pm: Spinning Yarn w/Lynette Halalay—Learn the ancient art of yarn spinning and craft a spinning tool. Lynette will also demonstrate on her spinning wheel.
2-4 pm: Brilliant Detroit's Storytime—A Magical Reading Journey & Free Book Giveaway in the Cabin for children with their parents or guardians (drop-in; no registration required)

4-7 pm: Wendell Harrison & Tribe with opening act: Say Less featuring Louis Jones & Jordan Anderson
Wendell Harrison is known for his high-energy and expressive playing across a range of idioms, as well as his commitment to Detroit’s music community, and his influence on the development and documentation of jazz. The legendary, celebrated saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, educator was the 2018 Kresge Eminent Artist.

Born in Detroit in 1942, Harrison spent substantial time in NY in the 60s, before returning to his hometown in 1970. Over the course of a career of prolific accomplishments, he has worked with a wide range of notable musicians, among them Grant Green, Lou Rawls, Sun Ra, Eddie Harris, James Carter, and Carl Craig.

In 1972, Harrison and trombonist Phil Randelin co-founded Tribe, a collective that produced jazz recordings and concerts. Tribe also published a magazine that explored topics including economic injustice, school busing, abortion, and police brutality.

Harrison has made more than 20 recordings as a bandleader and appears on dozens more. In 1993, he was named a Jazz Master by Arts Midwest, and in the mid-90s he toured internationally with the Michigan Jazz Masters. Harrison continues as a leader on his own label, Wenha Records, and has taught in Detroit high schools for more than a decade and has mentored and inspired countless musicians.

Harrison was the 10th artist to receive the Kresge Eminent Artist Award, joining a group of individuals who each exhibit a lifetime of exceptional creative work and professional achievement, unmistakable impact on their art form, generously sharing their talent and expertise, and critical contributions to the vibrancy of Detroit’s cultural environment.

1 pm: Dance Party with Fast Freddie—Put on your dancing shoes and meet at the large shelter next to Lake Frances, across from the Log Cabin.

1 pm: Indigo Dyeing with Najma Wilson—Print with indigenous Indigo plants of Africa and India on cloth (RESCHEDULED from Aug 18) (if you signed up previously, please register again)

12-4 pm: Brilliant Detroit's Storytime: A Magical Reading Journey & Free Book Giveaway in the Cabin for children with their parents or guardians (drop-in; no registration required)

4-7 pm: Ahya Simone with opening act William Sun Wang Trio

Ahya Simone is a Detroit-based harpist, singer, artist, filmmaker, 2018 Kresge Arts Fellow, and organizer known for her versatile approach to harp and vocal artistry, which includes classical, jazz, and soul. She has collaborated with big-name musicians such as Kelela, Dev Hynes, and Queen Latifah, and has scored Virgil Abloh's Louis Vuitton runway show. She has performed extensively in Detroit, and internationally in Scotland and Canada.

Simone's music stems from the Black church, where she learned to sing. In high school, she began the harp and became the principal harpist for the Wayne State University Wind Symphony in 2011. As a filmmaker, and was awarded a Knight Sundance Fellowhip in 2018. She is in the midst of developing “Femme Queen Chronicles,” a web-series sponsored by the Trans Sistas of Color Project and the Detroit Narrative Agency 2.0.

Simone is a featured artist in the film "Show Up, Showing Out," a film dedicated to Motown's legacy. Working across myriad disciplines, her practice explores Black identity, aesthietic and community building.

More details: peopleforpalmerpark.org

Above: Free concerts on the lawn of the Log Cabin from 4-7 pm. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics. We will have a limited number of chairs. Don't forget your water bottle! We will have a limited number of chairs. The Pink Flamingo to Go will have delicious food and cold beverages for sale. The afternoon starts with a Dance Party with Fast Freddie at 1 pm at the Lake Frances Shelter across from the Log Cabin and continues with the Art workshop with Najma and EarthTones concert at 4 pm. All free and family friendly.

Above photo: Painting & drawing with inks created with foraged plants & berries with artist Kim Fracassa on Sunday, October 13, 1-3 pm

Photo above: Natural dyeing & printing with foraged plants on fabrics with artist Mandisa Smith on Sunday, July 21, 1-4 pm.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Palmer Park Log Cabin, Merrill Plaisance Street, Detroit, United States