What's Next for the
Maniscalco Gallery
by Robert Maniscalco
After eight amazing years working to bring Detroit
artists into the light, The Maniscalco Gallery will
be closing its doors for good on May 20, 2005. That's
the day we're going to have a great big party,
"The Last Hurrah," celebrating the many
memories we've shared with our friends and supporters.
Amanda and I are very proud of all the thought
provoking exhibitions we've mounted and the
evocative artists
we've represented.
Although the brick and mortar aspect of what we are
doing will come to an end, that doesn't mean Amanda
and I aren't going to continue to contribute to a
vibrant art scene in Detroit. But because we have
a family now (our second child plans to arrive in
July!) we have made the decision to focus our energies
on my commission portrait career, expanding my national
presence. My goal is to become one of the top 10-20
contemporary American portraitists
over the next five years. It's time for me to devote
myself fully to the noble work for which I was put
on earth.
To accomplish this we will be setting up a dual residency
between Detroit and Charleston, SC, where I will continue
to serve the loyal patrons I have been honored to
work with in Detroit as well as build on the growing
demand for my portraits in the south. Amanda and I
will also be able to focus on creating and marketing
our own fine art.
Our new address:
2005 Carriage Way
Summerville, SC 29485-6231
(313) 886-2993
Naturally, I have very mixed feelings about closing
the Maniscalco Gallery. I'd like to think we have
made an important contribution to the cultural life
of our community. We have been privileged to enjoy
the appreciation and support of a number of amazing
individuals over the years. Along the way I've learned
some important lessons about what goes into running
a serious, viable art gallery in today's changing
economy. I am proud to have done so with enthusiasm
and integrity.
I plan to continue sharing insights, information
and ideas in DANG and
in my monthly "Pointe
of Art" column and as host of "Inside
Art" on WMTV-5 in Grosse Pointe. The
Maniscalco Gallery of Fine Art - Online, which
has become an important resource for artists, students
and collectors, will continue to evolve. One of my
goals is to publish several writing and video projects
currently in development. And, of course, I plan to
continue as host of ART
BEAT, if we receive the necessary underwriting
for a third season.
I am very proud to have been a part of what the Detroit
arts community has been able to accomplish in these
past eight years. But there is still much work to
be done. The community will continue to depend on
the visionaries and workhorses who have begun to give
Detroit artists a presence as pioneers in the national
scene. Slowly we have made progress toward moving
the tremendous Detroit underground art scene into
view for all to enjoy. Despite the old guards' monastic
retreat from the marketplace Detroit continues to
be an excellent place to make art.
Having said that, Amanda and I are looking for an
entrepreneuring art spirit(s) to
take over the Maniscalco Gallery space to
build on what we've started. The exclusive DANG
email listis also available as part
of the package for limited use by an individual or
organization willing to use it for community service.
Finally, we are also seeking an individual who is
in a position to generate handsome financial rewards
for him/herself as my portrait Representative
in Detroit.
Though it is sad to go I am filled with optimism
that the climate is improving and that things are
happening as they should. I hope you will visit us
for our remaining time at our current location. We
are hosting a reception/exhibition of CCS Children's
Book Illustrators on Sunday, April 17, 2-4 pm, through
the 30th. And of course, we will host a final thank
you party (and fixture/art sale) on Friday, May 20th,
6-9 pm for our friends and loyal supporters. Your
last chance to place custom framing orders is Saturday,
May 7.
Please keep in mind we will continue to be reachable
through our website, email addresses and phone numbers;
these won't be changing any time soon. When we know
our exact addresses in Detroit and Charleston we will
let DANG members know.
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