CRC Blog

Meet Chazz the man who had the vision to create PUBLIC ART WORKZ. He's a kindred spirit who also believes in the power of the Creative Process to heal the individual and the community. He resides in Old Redman, a tough neighborhood in Detroit, but with the help of his man Stump, PUBLIC ART WORKZ gives all generations in the hood the ability to sculpt, compose music, make films, write poetry, do photography or any other art form. Chazz is always on the search for unwanted items like pottery furnaces, welding equipment as well as unexpected stuff like hot tubs, industrial barbecues or a circus tent (the Creative Process should also be fun). He believes even things should get a second chance to give back.

Hats off to Chazz for getting 'er done.

Angela Reyes is a feisty, powerful woman who spends all her energy helping the kids in Detroit’s Hispanic community. She is the founder of DHDC, an arts/education/confidence building center. “Mexican Town” is a little known area riddled with gang warfare, drugs, HIV and broken families. DHDC is not only a safe haven for the kids but a second chance for ex-gang members to find work, rehabilitate and give back to their community.

photo by Chuck Derry

I had the honor of visiting Angela’s DHDC. I spoke to the kids, shared my beliefs regarding the Creative Process and how it heals and builds confidence. Every one has worth and we are all part of the Human Spirit. No matter how tough things are we can rise above it and help others to do the same. Life is Sacred. We should all support people like Angela and their life affirming centers.

Below is a video called "Slow Down" the DHDC staff made with the kids. I was thoroughly impressed and loved it's message about allowing kids to keep their innocence as long as they can. The modern world forces them to grow up way too fast and that will one day come back to haunt us.

Next up Spotlight on Chazz and Stump.

It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.
–Harry S. Truman

I’ve been told I am seem like a very serious, aloof, melancholic sad sack. I thought I would periodically post moments in my world that truly fill me with happiness. This will serve as a lesson for me to remember what is good in life and, in turn, get you to do the same with your own world moments.

BIC's beautiful tone.

Anybody with a little guts and the desire to apply himself can make it, he can make anything he wants to make of himself.

–Willie Shoemaker

Think Blue.

some of the office folk went to Napa for a very special 4th of July

Melancholy is sadness that has taken on lightness.
–Italo Calvino

I was trying to find a little something to describe how I feel right now.