Bridge Detroit: Taylor Childs Unveils 'Apex' Exhibit at Core City's LOVE Building
Childs' work on display during the LOVE Building's grand opening festivities. Photo: Courtesy of Habacuc S. Bessiake and Kwaku Osei-Bonsu.
The annual month-long event that gathers artists, designers, consumers and the community to celebrate Detroit’s role as a national and global design capital. Month of Design features several events throughout September, including exhibit openings, installations and workshops. One of the exhibits I checked out last week was “Apex” from fiber and textile artist Taylor Childs. The show, which is located at the new LOVE building in Core City, is dedicated to the historic Apex Bar, which her uncle owned in the 1970s and where several family members also worked. The bar is known as being the first gig for blues singer John Lee Hooker back in the 1940s.
Here's a glimpse into conversation with Taylor Childs and BridgeDetroit
BridgeDetroit: What stories would you hear growing up about Apex?
Childs: I spend a lot of time with my great aunt and my grandmother, so, it was always them joking about like their sisters. And they would point to the building, letting me know that regardless of what demographic seemed to be power, it’s not taboo for Black people to own businesses. I’m really trying to highlight the Black stories that haven’t been told. Within my art, I’m always drawing archives from my own family.
BridgeDetroit: How did you connect with Design Core Detroit?
Childs: I went to CCS (College for Creative Studies), so I would see (Design Core Detroit co-executive director) Kiana Wenzell at work. But also, we were doing programming with Design Core a long time ago, so I’ve been a part of it for years. I remember doing some of the earlier shows, so we always had a relationship.
BridgeDetroit: Why did you decide to dedicate this exhibit to the Apex Bar and your family?
Childs: Because the stories are being lost. Right now, it’s a sad period for my family because people have been dying off. But I think with the show, it’s really honoring what we do have and what can come in the future. That’s what my hope is for this show, everyone knowing there’s hope for a new future.
