After focusing her images on travel to faraway places, graphic artist Analicia Honkanen recently brought it closer to home.
Honkanen of Berkley, who works in photography, illustration and screenprinting, recently created a series “For the Love of Detroit” to help people see the beauty of the city. She prints images on upcycled clothing and everyday objects that she hopes people will use to show their pride for the Motor City.
“Growing up in Metro Detroit, I realized that people outside of the area think there’s nothing good about it, but there’s a lot of growth happening,” Honkanen says. “That side of my artistic endeavors is trying to tell people to love Detroit and show your pride for Detroit.”
Doing art fairs, she wanting to create a variety of items for people to choose from at her booth. So now she screenprints Detroit designs on items people can wear, stickers and mugs. She is passionate about upcycling, gathering thrifted apparel to screenprint. She also plans to print designs on shirts made from recycled water bottles.
In terms of photography, Honkanen makes portraits, but the photos she exhibits have a more earthy, soothing vibe. She wants her photos to give people a sense of calm hanging in their homes.
“I really like for people to purchase art that is going to make them relaxed, or serene,” Honkanen says. “A lot of my stuff is more ethereal or mysterious, with a lot of fog and gradients. I capture peaceful and elegant things. That’s what my fine art is. I gravitate more toward that. I like urban landscapes, but for my fine art I would like someone to have more of a relaxing piece for their home.”
Honkanen will bring her works to Art & About in Berkley next weekend. Taking place the second Friday of each month throughout the summer, the event is in its second year. Artists set up around downtown so people can stroll and stop while visiting businesses or going to a restaurant.
Honkanen, who is on the five-member organizing committee for Art & About, says the monthly event is a little different this year.
This year’s show will feature five artist pop-ups, with three on 12 Mile Road and two on Coolidge. A total of 19 artists will participate through the summer, and stores will host artists at the same time. The artists will start their setup earlier in the day this year, starting at 3 p.m., to get people excited for the evening events.
In addition to the artist pop-ups each second Friday, Detroit Violin company students will perform, merchants will have specials on snacks and beverages and food trucks will be handy.
Berkley DDA Director Vivian Carmody says downtown was the perfect place for Art & About. “I think it’s a really cool concept that has the prospect to expand and grow,” she says.
With art festivals and murals, Carmody says downtown Berkley is growing as an “art center” and destination with an “eclectic, boho feel.”
“This is a chance to visit Berkley, which has one of the best selections of specialty retail in metro Detroit,” Carmody says. “... Independently owned specialty retail, tied in with great art, music, food and fun. You can’t beat it.”
• If You Go: Art & About is on the second Friday of each month though September in downtown Berkley. Visit downtownberkley.com/berkley-art-about.