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ing. Those who create smaller art
items like jewelry and paintings will
use smaller cubicle spaces with less
extensive obligations than larger ten-
ants.
“People will be able to take work-
shops, observe or be able to shop. The
artists will have opportunities to create
and sell,” Shawsaid.
The Michigan Visual Artists Hall of
Fame is registered with the State of
Michigan as the only one now of its
kind in the state, said Engel. She's
excited, too, she said, about the Motor
Cities National Heritage Area passport
stamp program of historic automotive
landmarks, including the Village Arts
Factory.
She and others areworkingwith the
Pure Michigan effort, “so we'll be a
tourist destination for automotive her-
itage,” she said.
The location near the Washtenaw
County line gives a good “in between”
spot between Detroit as well as Ann
Arbor andYpsilanti, she said.
“There are so many opportunities
for artists in the warehouse,” she said,
noting eventually walking and bicycle
trails with flower and sculpture gar-
dens will be added. “We're looking for
people who would be interested in
moving into the site. We plan on people
being able tomove in this fall.”
Emailing Jill Engel at jengel@part-
nershipforarts.org gives prospective
tenantsmore information.
“We're looking for people now,”
Shaw added. “We'd like to have a
whole bunchof people sign.”
“This is a regional project,” Engel
said. She added that she is excited
about the nearby Cherry Hill Village
Theater and the completed housing
development, as well as office workers
nearbywho'll be able to visit onbreaks.
“This is kind of an untapped area,”
Engel said.
“I think the atmosphere for the
artists to be together is invaluable.
They trade off on each other, with
ideas. We really think this is going to be
an exciting venue for people to spend a
day,” Shawsaid.
The site has been vacant more than
a decade, making organizers enthused
about the future of the project. The
Cherry Hill Ford Factory Complex
consisted of two buildings originally,
the Veteran's Dormitory and Ford
Factory. Food service including a
restaurant on site is in theworks, along
withart learning for all ages.
Engel proudly wears jewelry creat-
edbyArmy veteranDodson.
“He's given me bracelets, earrings. I
try towear themall the time,” she said,
holding aloft her wrist. “Working with
art has connected him back to his pas-
sions.”
The Partnership website also notes
volunteer opportunities that are
hands-on, including construction help.
The Partnership for the Arts &
Humanities is a 501(c)3 nonprofit
organization.
A beautiful fountain is within walking distance of the Village Arts Factory, which
will support arts and arts education, help returning veterans heal, and offer local
history learning while promoting tourism.
