Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlynne Kay Willingham.
Hi Marlynne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Art in Motion started out with two employees who became business partners from Pewabic Pottery. We filled out an application from an art grant initiative from DEGC/Revolve to revive the Avenue of Fashion. We won a third of the entire votes of 100+ applications because folks ‘wanted something to do in their neighborhood’. Six months into running the business, my business partner walked away from the business. After working with a landlord that did little to any upkeep on his building, poor communication and collaboration among businesses along the Livernois corridor, major construction along the Livernois corridor, the COVID pandemic, and relocating to another site during the pandemic.
This September 2022, I will be celebrating nine years of still being able to give the community something to do! It’s been the best change that has happened to my business!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Initially, the biggest struggle was building business momentum and not having the resources to make it happen. The construction on the corridor started during one of the busiest times of the year for my business, then the following year the pandemic.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Art in Motion?
Art in Motion is a ceramic studio and gallery. My gallery hosts 20+ local artisans. I offer classes, parties, and workshops to all ages, as well as hosting two artisans that promote their own mediums. Part of the voting process of the 2013 DEGC/Revolve art initiative, the neighborhood had to give a reason why they were voting for a business to open on the Ave. I make it my mission to make sure that everyone who comes through the door feels welcomed. No experience necessary, there is something for every age to do; couples to enjoy a private moment; family time; team building, fundraisers, and community gatherings. My passion is my work, teaching, motivating, encouraging, and providing resources to fellow artists makes my day, every day! Art is always in Motion, and giving someone a space to work with the clay, the one medium you touch you change!
What do you think about happiness?
Happiness is having an artist/client come into the studio and create a masterpiece with talents that they didn’t know existed
Pricing:
- Independent Study Classes START at $160
- Paint your own Potter START at $5
- Kids projects $10
- Kids Pottery Camp $125 per week (July 11th-August 12th
- Wheel throwing session $35 pp
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artinmotiondet.
com - Instagram: #ArtInMotionDet
- Facebook: @ArtInMotionDet
