Detroit, Michigan Cass Corridor Art And Memorabilia Going Up On The Auction Block

Aug. 24, 2009 - PRLog -- FOWLERVILLE, MICHIGAN – A rare collection of vintage and culturally important art and memorabilia from the Cass Corridor in Detroit, Michigan has surfaced in the most unlikely place, an estate in an old farm town community known as Fowlerville, Michigan. The unique find consists of several artifacts of nationally renowned visual arts artists, musicians and poets.  The collection will be sold at public auction at 7922 Lange Rd. in Fowlerville, Michigan on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at 12 Noon.

The proceeds from the auction will benefit the extensive renovation project of the historic Carriage House in the Cass Corridor.

In the 1960’s, the Cass Corridor which is defined by the area by I-75, Lodge Freeway, Woodward and Martin Luther King Blvd was considered the most concentrated poverty stricken area in the United States.  While urban decay was in full force, a new face began to emerge as the Cass Corridor was quickly becoming a culturally rich community that attracted ‘tribes’ of creative artists in visual arts, poetry and musicians.

History has demonstrated that some of the most esteemed musical and artistic talents ever to come out of Detroit originated from the Cass Corridor.  The artistic community has produced several popular musicians and contemporary artists including; Bradley Jones, Dave Chapple, Mitch Ryder, Rockabilly Cats, The White Stripes along with a host of popular blues bands.  ‘Creem’ which billed itself as “America’s Only Rock ‘n Roll Magazine’ was headquartered in the shadows of the Cass Corridor.  The area is also known for its widely popular and annual, ‘Dally in the Alley’ arts festival.

“No pun intended, but we consider this find to be a diamond in the rough”, said professional Michigan auctioneer, Kenny Lindsay, CAI owner of American Eagle Auction & Appraisal Company, the firm that was selected to conduct the sale of the collection.  “With exception to museum exhibitions where Cass Corridor art is prominently displayed, you just don’t see Cass Corridor related memorabilia on the open market, or anywhere for that matter.  Whatever is out there is spread out pretty thin, so when you see such a collection as this raises some eyebrows.  It’s a big deal for sure.” Lindsay said.

The live auction will feature a wide selection of memorabilia that resurrects the history of the Cass Corridor cultural legacy.  Original writings, paintings, sketches, sculptures, promo flyers, posters, magazines, personal letters, photography and postcards.  Highlights include a large 1967 painting and other works by renowned Cass Corridor artist, Bradley Jones and David Chapple.   Other highlights include Bradley Jones original sketch book which consists of dozens of full page drawings and writings.  Original John Piet metal sculptures. A vintage Alvin’s Guest Book which is signed by hundreds of patrons and musicians.  Table and Chairs from Alvin’s and a Alvin’s flyer prototype binder.  

More information on the Cass Corridor Public Auction is available by visiting the American Eagle Auction & Appraisal Company website at: www.MichiganAuctionCompany.com or by calling (248) 473-1547.

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Ken Lindsay's American Eagle Auction & Appraisal Company, LLC is a full-service, multi-state and national award winning professional auction and personal property appraisal firm in the state of Michigan. Please visit our website to learn more about us.