Inside AsiaTown's Art Scene

With 23 languages and dialects spoken in the neighborhood, the art scene is all about getting personal with culture. “The art that you experience in this particular community is very immersive,” says Michael Fleming, executive director of St. Clair Superior Development Corp. “You’re not just looking at creations from other people. You get to be involved in creating it yourself.”

Loftworks

Opened in 2016, the galleries at Loftworks hurl caution to the wind. A clean and simple space, the gallery collaborates with artists to display their work the way they want it to be seen. “There are some really amazing talents in our area, in the nooks and crannies,” says gallery owner Johanna Wilkes. “We’re open to just about anything.”

Negative Space

On the second floor of the Asian Town Center, Negative Space is the best kind of sensory overload. With monthly open mic, jam and sketch nights, the gallery offers a lively cacophony of community art. “People have a lot of things to share, but no one gives them the opportunity,” says owner Gadi Zamir. “We really enjoy giving that space to people.”

Zygote Press

Created to bring local artists together, Zygote Press attracts international artists through its residencies while offering locals the opportunity to do the same worldwide. “[It] brings exposure not only to the arts but to different ethnicities and nationalities,” says Stephanie Kluk, director of operations at Zygote.