Guardians of Detroit

Guardians of Detroit

By Jeff Morrison

Wednesday, May 22 - 7:00 p.m.

Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo

Gargoyles, griffins, lions, and bears, cherubs, eagles, and praying monks - oh my! All these and uncountable more decorative figures adorn the buildings of Detroit, but until Oxford Michigan photographer and writer Jeff Morrison decided to photograph these incredible adornments they were undocumented and often overlooked.

Morrison, in his new book Guardians of Detroit: Architectural Sculpture in the Motor City, gives reads a close-up view of these incredibly, sometimes monstrous, figures with more than 770 photographs gracing the 350-page book published by Wayne State University Press.

Morrison attributes the large number of public adornments on Detroit buildings to "deep pockets, big egos, and men who wanted to build monuments to themselves" and sought out artists to complete the dream. Detroit certainly had its giants of industry, and the names on the buildings often tell the tale: Kresge, Fisher, Book, Buhl, and Whitney.

Ir you are interested in photography, architecture, Detroit, or the artists who created these decorative figures, you will want to join HSGL as Jeff Morrison shows photographs from and discusses his new book. 

HSGL Annual Meeting - Vote for Nominees

Wednesday, May 22 - 6:30 p.m.

Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo

The HSGL annual meeting will be held a half-hour before the start of the "Guardians of Detroit" program. Executive Board Members up for reelection are: Bill Castanier for President, Valerie Marvin for Vice President, Tim Kaltenbach for Treasurer, and Ron Emery for Secretary. Trustees up for re-election are: Joan Bauer, Jacob McCormick, Bob Rose, and Anne Wilson. Nominations can also be taken from the floor. Please come cast your vote.