I started Evolution Art Studio to provide a safe and inclusive space for people to gather and create. We are a full-service art studio and provide space, workshops, and resources for people of all skill levels to participate in the art-making experience. I focus the studio on helping veterans, first responders such as nurses or police, and others who give back and are facing trauma. A major focus is on rehabiliting people
555 Arts is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit arts organization dedicated to providing space for the arts to thrive. Founded in 2002, 555 Arts rented, renovated, and moved from Ann Arbor, to Ypsilanti, and then to Detroit. We were also founded using generous Michigan grants for veteran owned businesses.
We are now establishing a permanent art space in Detroit for artists to live, work, and create art in the Poletown neighborhood on Detroit’s near east side.
Artists housing will be provided in a renovated 1912 home, studio space will be provided in the 30,000 sq.ft. 555 Banner Tobacco Building adjacent to the artists housing. This brick and timber warehouse will provide 5 floors of artists studios, gallery space, workshops, and community arts space. Situated between the house and studios is an outdoor Foundry for casting iron, an art park, and work space. Our artists in residence actively participate in the construction, renovation, and development of the facilities thru our We Build It Residency.
555 Arts is lead by a small team of artists and supported by volunteers and cmmunity members. Our vision is to infuse the surrounding community with public art and provide artists the support they need to create and engage the community. We are located in Detroit at the 555 Non-Profit Studio and Gallery located just outside the midtown area and only blocks from Wayne State University, the College for Creative Studies, and The Detroit Institute of the Arts.
Jay’s story – I am a former United States Marine who served during the Gulf War era. Suffering from undiagnosed and untreated PTSD, I wound up on the wrong side of the law and eventually served a lengthy prison sentence.
After many years of gradually declining mental health, I discovered art and the creative process. The healing effects both spiritually and emotionally were stark and the main focus of Evolution Art Studio is to share this holistic approach to mental health with others.