The Gift of Art and Color/ First Fridays 2017 Wrap Up

“Everyone carries their past with them, when people look at my art they all see very different things, I want my art to be about thinking in different ways. - Morgan Burgard ”

Art can be a vehicle to communicate the sometimes unspeakable, a window into a different world. For artist Morgan Burgard bringing forth various perspectives is a way of life, “...the way I paint and draw is sometimes the only way I can express the way I’m feeling.” Vibrant colors, textures, and abstract shapes make up Burgard’s work, along with the layered perspectives she wants her viewers to take away. “I believe it’s because everyone carries their past with them, - when people look at my art they all see very different things, I want my art to be about thinking in different ways.”  A head injury in high school greatly impacted her, turning to art as therapy helped heal her and influenced the themes of her art.  “I’ve been through a lot, and people need to see how others think and see that your perspective is not the only one, your perspective is yours, it’s almost like it humbles you, you have the right to your own thoughts, but you have no right to think yours is the only one” 

Morgan says she started painting at 4 or 5 years old, taking art classes but her most recent venture in showcasing her art, most recently at Pearl Street Studio, surprised many of her friends and family who didn't know the 21 year old student was also painting. "When it comes to art, for me art is more of an expression, rather than how people see it as a skill set. We learn the basics and then create more for ourselves". Morgan plans to continue making art as she studies social work in school, hoping to help others to find safe spaces to express and experience their emotions.

Morgan Burgard Art will be available all December long and through the artists' social media by the same name.  Photos credit to Morgan Burgrad and Ganiah Hinton                     

For the Love of Ypsi! - Our featured artist shares more about her connection to the city,  how it's close to her heart and inspires her art.

Where's your favorite spot to hangout in Ypsi?  

You will definitely find me either in the thrift shops, Go! Ice Cream, or wandering around outside and through Ypsi's parks. 

What's your favorite way to escape in Ypsi?

[This]Definitely ties in with my favorite places in Ypsi, however, there is a park off of Ellsworth where there is a tree planted in my Aunt's honor. She passed away around 8 years ago from cancer and was born and raised in Ypsi. It's a nice place to go to remember her, which also helps me put a lot of the world in perspective. Aside from the park, I do enjoy looking at the random things that thrift stores showcase. 

What inspires you about the people, city, and culture of Ypsilanti?

 I find that Ypsi's culture is genuine. I believe this feeling comes from the local businesses, social groups (shoutout to Depot Town Dogs), the history of the city, and the people I've met. The city is filled with creativity, and has really helped guide others to explore their creative side. I think the "Ypsi Real" brand, and FFY are examples of that.  I extremely encourage people to find some sort of creative outlet because without allowing your mind to think creatively, (that is, to explore concepts and ideas without rules or judgments) you won't be able to feel any sort of originality. My advice is to start. Pick up a pencil, marker, or paintbrush, and start. Turn on music, and start dancing. Allow your body to feel creative, and move to the beats you feel, hear, or come up with. The result will be beautiful, I promise.

Special Thanks to the First Fridays Ypsilanti Team for their hard work in putting together such a great community program! Hinton Real Estate Group looks forward to the 2018 Frist Friday season, stay tuned in the meantime for events and workshops sarting in January!

First Fridays Ypsilanti is a self-guided monthly art and culture walk hosted throughout the downtown areas of Ypsilanti at multiple venues. Each month on the first Friday participating venues offer free art activities involving local artists, musicians, and/or tastings. The goal of the First Fridays Ypsilanti is to invite community members into the downtown area to support local talent and businesses while having a fun time!