Students at the Detroit School of Arts next week will showcase their artistic talents at the Midtown Car Show — an event intended to embrace Detroit’s automotive history and expose students to potential careers in automotive design and photography.
“We are Detroit, this is the Motor City,” says Beverly Morrison-Green, executive director of the Midtown Car Show. “Unfortunately, over the years, students have not had the opportunity learn how important the auto industry is here. Some of their parents, or grandparents work or worked for the Big Three, but they don’t understand the history.”
The student run, produced, and created event will be held on April 23-24, and will feature more than a dozen notable cars, such as a 1950 Packard, a 1964 Cobra, and three different Model T’s — all volunteered by their owners. Visitors will have an opportunity to not only learn about history of the cars, but also see them.
“We know (automotive) design comes from individuals who can draw and come up with conceptual pieces for a vehicle,” Morrison-Green says. “It’s a valuable career opportunity to consider, because instead of moving and going to another state, they can see the possibilities here and what jobs are available still in Detroit. One of those things is auto design.”
The visual arts department at the Detroit School of Arts, in conjunction with the social studies department, will give presentations on each of the vehicles — as if they just came off the factory line, showing their unique features. Students will also be dressed in period outfits to match the era of the cars, with fitting music from the school of arts band.
Additionally, there will be a photography workshop, a vintage car decorated by the students, and historical pieces.
The Midtown Car Show is free and open to the public at the Detroit School of Arts, 123 Selden St.
