Detroit Synergy, a volunteer based organization in Detroit, hosted Motor City Muralism 2 on Saturday, May 13th.  The event is a bicycle tour that has two primary purposes "to introduce people to artwork around the city and, in doing so, to also introduce them to neighborhoods and businesses around the city" said Joanna Porvin, the coordinator of this year's ride with 100+ riders.  The tour began at the Detroit Institute of Arts and included views of Yamasaki's mural of Grace Lee Boggs, street art at Recycle Here and the Lincoln Street Art Park, murals in Corktown, Juan Carlos Hearn's mural on Gigante Mercado on Michigan Avenue at Wesson, Dasic Fernandez' murals on Hacienda Foods on Vernor at Cavalry, and The Alley Project (TAP) near Avis and Woodmere.

At TAP they were greeted by youth leaders, Gabriela Santiago-Romero and Nyasia Valdez.  The two gave them a brief introduction and tour of The Alley Project and its walking gallery along the 750 foot alley between Woodmere and Elsmere before the riders headed back down Vernor toward Cafe con Leche where they were able to enjoy the sites and sounds of Southwest Detroit before ending for the day.

Cafe con Leche on Vernor and Scotten hosted the opening for Lisa Luevanos' photography exhibit 'Reflexiones' on Friday, May 4, 2012.  Lisa has sought to celebrate and preserve Latino heritage in her work over the past three decades. Born and raised in Southwest Detroit, her photographs document various aspects of the history of the neighborhood. For a night the coffee shop was transformed into a venue in overt celebration of and community.  Several generations of artists from the community came together to enjoy coffee, view the exhibit, and even work on costumes and other props for the Cinco de Mayo parade.  Lisa's exhibit will remain on display at Cafe con Leche, now open 7 days a week, through the end of June.