The Mixture of Four is a new, hour-long talk show for children, hosted by children with a focus on Detroit's arts and cultural community. Mixture of Four is a program of the Chalfonte Foundation and all episodes will stream on the Detroit Broadcasting Company's YouTube Channel this Spring.

Each episode features four hosts, Cleveland Gregory III, David Winkler, Oscar Callahan, and Sy'Aire Liddell interviewing and collaborating with local creative professionals such as chefs, gardeners, performing artists, and some of detroit contemporary's previous exhibiting artists such as Adnan Charara, Nivek Monet, Sabrina Nelson, SATORI CIRCUS, Susan Aaron-Taylor, and more.

The Mixture of Four and its hosts have been featured in the Metro Times and a WXYZ interview; what a joy it is to watch young minds unfold! If you wish to see more content like this and want to support more youth in realizing their dreams, consider donating today to assist with future productions.

Play Is Process is a private, two-year K-12 art ed program supported by the Chalfonte Foundation and Contemoprary Art Institute of Detroit (CAID). The program

identifies & encourages multidisciplinary art exploration as part of the creative process and offers its students one-on-one mentorship opportunities through monthly workshops ​led by CAID board members, Bri Hayes and Cheyenne Cheyenne Lee.

Throughout the duration of the program students will explore mediums such as: ceramics, collage, drawing, fibers/textiles, film/video, installation, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, & sculpture as they engage with creative professionals such as Phillip Simpson, Sudani Shaah, and Nivek Monet, and more as guest teachers.

If you are interested in supporting Play Is Process, you can email us at info@detroitcontemporary.com to coordinate a time to drop off art supplies or you can contribute with a monetary donation using the link below.

Picture this…

“As children and their families make their way to the PuppetART Park, they start at the main street and are instantly immersed in a world of wonder. From the sidewalk, they are greeted by a magical walkway leading to detroit contemporary, encircled by a blend of vegetable and sculpture gardens. A large porch that moonlights as a stage for musical, theatrical, and puppet performances amplifies the outdoor charm. Instead of the traditional entrance to the historic home housing detroit contemporary, they follow the pathway along the house's side. Walking under a stunning grape vine-covered pergola, they approach the oasis nestled in the backyard.

The journey to the oasis is an adventure in itself. Initially, visitors are greeted by the enchanting children's library and creative space. Covered with mural art inspired by classic children's fairy tales and sponsored by the city of Detroit's mural project, the library exterior is a vibrant spectacle. As visitors step inside, the space is filled floor-to-ceiling with an array of books. A large screen TV fosters educational video games and didactic movie viewing while a cozy loft, adorned with plush pillows, provides a serene area for quiet reading and relaxation. A series of windows on one wall, both on the lower level and the loft, will not only provide a warm southern light from the oasis, creating a beautiful view, but also serve as platforms for puppet performances to an audience seated outside facing the library.

Continuing their expedition, another 20 feet lead them to the original footprint of the Detroit Veterinarian Sanitarium. Here, they discover a variety of innovative seating arrangements. Swings of all types – from hanging baskets and porch swings to traditional theater seating – offer unique comfort and a playful ambiance. The stage is dramatically lit and awaits an engaging puppet show, with rain and sun sails intertwined between trees, providing shelter from weather elements. Vivid murals and whimsical swings invite exploration, play, and relaxation, offering an enchanted sanctuary within the new PuppetART Park.

Throughout this journey, the backdrop of the PuppetART Park is alive with nature, art, and creativity. The artistic lighting features cast a magical glow over the entire scene, creating a unique and immersive ambiance that enhances the experience.

As they take their seats or explore the enchanting surroundings, children and families are transported to a world where imagination and art intertwine, promising an unforgettable puppet show and an experience they will cherish for years to come.”

-Aaron Timlin, PuppetART board member

If you wish to see this backyard oasis come to life, consider donating today to support our collaboration with PuppetART

In additional means to make our space more accessible & inclusive and to our community, our space is in need of repairs and reconstruction.

We have ambitions to install a wheelchair ramp and deck, a new roof, handicap accessible bathrooms, and more. However, we are in need of monetary support to cover the costs of labor and supplies.

If you wish to contribute to our sustainability efforts, please consider donating today so members of our community can enjoy our detroit contemporary for years to come!