Protect your shiz! (+ updates you need, including one postponement!)
I know, I know — a little late this week, and I'm just going to own that. But I come bearing good stuff: a date change for REBIRTH you need to know about, a last call for the Pop-Up Art Stop that I re
It's Saturday, Steven!
I know, I know — a little late this week, and I'm just going to own that. But I come bearing good stuff: a date change for REBIRTH you need to know about, a last call for the Pop-Up Art Stop that I really need you to act on, an open studio happening next Friday, and a member story that genuinely made me a little emotional. In the good way. Okay, let's get into it.
(Psssst...Want the Linkage Public Newsletter Too? Just shoot Frannie an email) frannie@linkagecommunity.org
[Image: Voices Unlocked, 2025]
REBIRTH EXHIBIT — POSTPONED (but still happening, still amazing!) Okay I need you to update your calendars: REBIRTH has been pushed back one week to Friday, June 5th, 10am–2pm at Newman Lofts (200 Albert Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823). If you're exhibiting, please reach out to me directly to confirm your participation. I'll need: - Title of each piece - The name you want displayed with it - Year created (if known) - Medium - If it's for sale: price + how people can contact you to purchase Food will absolutely be there because... it's a Linkage event and that's just how we roll. Travel reimbursement is available (with a new opt-out option if you don't need it). I WANT TO EXHIBIT →
POP-UP ART STOP — LAST CALL! June 27th | 11am–8pm. Open Book Theatre, Trenton This is IT — last call to grab a table at our first BIG Pop-Up Art Stop! Sell art, books, perform written work or music. You keep 100% of everything you sell (yes, really). Food provided, travel reimbursement available (opt-out option too). This one's going to be a GOOD time and I don't want you to miss it because you waited too long. Deadline is May 26th. SIGN UP NOW →
[Image: MOCAD Reopening, 2026]
UPCOMING VIRTUALS
PROTECT YOUR SHIZ! Copyright Workshop | THIS TUESDAY, May 26th — 6-7pm Frannie's friend Ed is hanging out with us for an hour to talk about something every creator needs to know — how to actually protect your work. We'll cover what's automatically protected, when you need to formally copyright or trademark something, use-rights for commissions and collaborations, and when it's time to bring in a real lawyer. Broad overview, real talk, Q&A included. Come with your questions. Join the Zoom
VIRTUAL OPEN STUDIO | Friday, May 29th — 9–10am Think of this as adult show and tell and yes, I mean that in the best possible way. Bring ANYTHING you're working on — any medium, any stage of done-ness. You decide if you want feedback or not. Haven't created in a while? Come anyway. Your presence and your eye still matter, and honestly you might leave inspired. That's the whole point. Join the Zoom
COFFEE CHAT — Memorial Day! | Monday, May 25th — 9am Coffee Chat is ON this Monday even though it's Memorial Day. Come hang, connect, and start your week right. Just know that after our morning together, Linkage staff will be on holiday and may be a little slower to respond — so if you need something, get it in before or catch us Tuesday. Join the Zoom
LiNK Hub — All Our Zoom Links in One Spot. For members' eyes only. Bookmark this: https://linktr.ee/4linkagemembers
[Image: Second Chance Story via MDOC Newsletter, 2026]
PAUSE AND CELEBRATE: Maurice Lucas I need a minute to brag about one of our own because Maurice Lucas is being recognized and it is SO deserved. After 22 years, Maurice isn't just rebuilding his life — he's turning it into a gift for his whole community. He's now teaching art at several local organizations and galleries, and he founded his own: St'art Studios. He graduated with a degree in social work from Mott Community College (while inside). He's now preparing to start his bachelor's degree at UM Flint in the Fall. Maurice's story is about faith, grit, and what happens when you find your calling. Now he's out there inspiring young people (and US!) and showing how artists lead change. Maurice, we see you. We are so proud of you! (Just ONE of our rockstar members' stories. Stay tuned for more!)
QUICK ADMIN — Please Don't Skip These! Media Release Form — Before we share anything publicly, we want your clear and enthusiastic consent. If you're comfortable being in Linkage images, fill out this quick form — it just helps us honor how your image is used. Fill Out Form Here Volunteer Waiver Form — Help us track all the incredible hours you're putting into this community in 2026. You do NOT need to sign up for anything to complete it. Sign This Form
OUT IN THE COMMUNITY
Flip the Script Job Fair | June 2, 10am–2pm | 2777 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit Goodwill of Greater Detroit's summer job fair connecting job seekers to real employers across multiple industries, skilled trades, and inclusive hiring opportunities. If you or someone you know is ready for a next step, this is worth showing up for.
H4H Oakland — Pathway to Homeownership Classes FREE group education classes open to the public — you don't have to live in Oakland County to attend, and attending a class or two doesn't require a background check. If homeownership is on your horizon, this is a solid resource. Register Here
The Vision Creative Space, Detroit - Bar Heavy Tuesdays | June 2, 7–9:30pm — Poets, come spit your heaviest bars. Entry by donation, food and drinks available. 17340 Lasher Rd. - Drawn Together | Every Thursday, 7:30–11pm — Weekly visual artist hangout. Bring a project or use their supplies. 17340 Lahser Rd. - Open Mic | June 18, 5:30–8:30pm — Poets, musicians, comedians. Free. Feels like home. 7900 Mack Ave.
[Image: Theatre Workshop - PCAP Reunion, 2026]
Want to see what's coming this year? View Full 2026 Calendar Here
Okay, that's a wrap from me! Late newsletter, full heart. Show up Tuesday if you can, update your calendar for REBIRTH, and for the love of all things creative — please sign up for the Pop-Up Art Stop before I start personally texting people. (I will.)
Have a safe, beautiful, well-deserved Memorial Day weekend.