On Saturday, October 26, the East Canfield Art Park came alive with vibrant discussions and creative energy during the art talk for Electric Fruit, an inspiring installation by artist Onzie Norman. Hosted by Canfield Consortium in partnership with Studio M Detroit and Onzie Norman, the event brought together artists, thought leaders, and community members to explore The Renaissance and the Power of Black Art.
Moderated by Canfield Consortium’s own Rhonda Theus, the discussion began with the panelists reflecting on their earliest connections to art and the transformative role it plays in their lives. Setting the tone for the event, Rhonda remarked, “We’ve seen how art can significantly transform our community.” This sentiment resonated throughout the day, underscoring art’s role as both a personal and collective force for change.
Rhonda then invited the panelists to reflect on Detroit’s legacy as a mecca for Black art, asking if the city remains relevant in this sphere. The panelists—Onzie Norman, Anthonie Harrison Wyatt, Kim Theus, Ken Jones, and Kristen Jordan—offered diverse perspectives on Detroit’s evolving cultural identity.
Kim Theus highlighted Detroit’s longstanding reputation, stating, “Detroit is known for its greatness.” Her words reminded everyone of the city’s unparalleled contributions to Black art, music, and culture, as well as its ongoing influence on new generations of creatives.
Detroit’s significance in the Black community is profound. During the Great Migration, the city’s Black population grew from nearly 6,000 in 1910 to over 40,000 by 1920, and continued to rise in the following decades. This influx fostered vibrant neighborhoods like Black Bottom and Paradise Valley, which became cultural epicenters for Black art, music, and business.
The city’s artistic legacy includes notable figures such as Harold Neal, whose work in the mid-20th century captured the essence of the Civil Rights and Black Arts Movements. Today, Detroit continues to nurture Black artists, with spaces like the Norwest Gallery of Art and initiatives like the Black Artists Archive preserving and promoting Black visual culture.
At the heart of the event was Melinda Anderson of Studio M Detroit’s Electric Fruit, a bold and evocative installation that serves as a tribute to storytelling and the Black experience. The artwork anchors the East Canfield Art Park as a space for connection and inspiration, aligning seamlessly with Canfield Consortium’s mission to enrich the East Canfield Village neighborhood. Through initiatives like this, Canfield Consortium is not just supporting art but actively using it as a tool for neighborhood revitalization, environmental justice, and cultural empowerment.
East Canfield Art Park provided the perfect setting, with its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere bringing together neighbors, artists, and supporters. The event was more than a celebration of art—it was a call to action, a reminder of the role creativity plays in fostering resilience and hope in our communities.
Canfield Consortium extends its gratitude to everyone who attended and supported this event. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Detroit through art and collaboration. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with us and celebrate the power of community-driven creativity.
About the artist
Onzie Deandre Norman (b. 1980) is a self-taught mixed media painter and wood sculptor from Detroit, Michigan. With roots in carpentry, which he studied in high school and honed at the Detroit Carpenters Apprenticeship School, Onzie’s craft evolved into a unique art form. Since 2013, he has been creating one-of-a-kind pieces using paper, wood, spray paint, acrylic, and resin on custom wood canvases. His work has been showcased nationally, including at the Charles H. Wright Museum, Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, and Agora Gallery in New York. Recently named a Gucci Changemaker, Onzie’s mural, Botanical City, now adorns the Siren Hotel in Detroit, further solidifying his place in the art world.
