The Season Fair, a free non-profit contemporary art fair, returns second year at The Shepherd in Detroit from Sept. 11-13.

Season Talks at the College for Creative Studies will open the fair with Theo Parrish, Sterling Toles, KESSWA, and more on Sept. 10. It’s free.

Amani Olu is the founder and curatorial director of Season Fair. He reported that Season’s funding comes from ticket sales, sponsorships, and individual donations as they seek to find new ways to pay artists. “A lot of artists are pushing back against the 50-50 split because the galleries are not earning it,” Olu said.

Oshun Williams is a featured fine artist on the Detroit Presents Artist Platform. Though his chosen medium has been acrylic on canvas, Williams also uses newspaper, chenille patches, bows, buttons, and even Michigan mittens for mixed media designs.

His works depicts everyday life with themes that resonate with people across culture and class, especially those who come from families who moved north for better opportunities. “My grandfather just passed away last year, so it was a good way to bring it back to life and pretty much celebrate him,” Williams said.

Olu and Williams joined The Metro not only to discuss the weekend ahead and emphasize the importance of investing in art.

Hear the full conversation using the media player above.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and stream on-demand. Never miss an episode – subscribe to The Metro on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, NPR, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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This upcoming week is ripe with opportunities to unwind in the metro Detroit region, from swapping plants and gardening tips in the Arab American Museum’s heritage garden to letting loose with DanceAbility. There’s also yoga, a tour of the historic Elmwood Cemetery at dusk and more.

Upcoming events (July 30-Aug. 5)

What’s So Funny About Detroit

The Old Miami
July 30
$35 at the door

Join WDET for a night of laughter in the gorgeous backyard of The Old Miami. In The Groove’s Ryan Patrick Hooper hosts headliner Melanie Hearn, along with fellow comedians Zech, Heather Jowett, and Brett Mercer. The show starts at 7 p.m.

Al-Hadiqa Plant Swap

Arab American National Museum
July 31
Free

Swap plants and gardening tips with a group of green-thumbed community members at the Arab American National Museum’s Mymonie Elhage Jabara Heritage Garden. This plant swap, co-hosted with MetroSwaps, is open to all gardeners—no matter how green or experienced—and offers the chance to trade cuttings, seedlings, and stories. Join between 5-7 p.m.

Belle Isle Art Fair

Belle Isle
Aug. 1-2
Free with state parks pass

Returning for the eleventh year, it’s the Belle Isle Art Fair! This art fair set up by the famous Scott Fountain features dozens of artists and several craft stations for all to enjoy. Plus, a beer tent, an instrument garden, and an art dome made entirely of bottlecaps.

Elmwood Cemetery Twilight Tour

Elmwood Cemetery 
Aug. 1
Free

Detroit’s historic Elmwood Cemetery is open for a tour this Saturday, designed to show guests the sights at golden hour. The two hour walk will be mostly on pavement, but there are hills and uneven terrain. Guests may also want to take a closer peak at monuments by venturing into the grass as the fireflies emerge. The walk ends just after sunset, promising a breathtaking journey through the grounds. It’s free to attend, but register in advance to claim your spot.

DanceAbility

Robert C. Valade Park
Aug. 4
Free

DanceAbility creates supportive space to celebrate bodies and explore one’s relationship to disability. This workshop in the Shed at Valade Park starts at 11 a.m. with musician AnJelic, led by facilitator Cara Graninger. Dance freely in a creative space promoting connection and accessibility. DanceAbility offers online options over Zoom on Fridays, too.

Community Yoga with Citizen Yoga

Capitol Park
Aug. 5
Free

Take a deep breath and stretch with a certified instructor from Citizen Yoga in Downtown Detroit’s Capitol Park. All skill levels are welcome for this hour of community yoga starting at 6 p.m.