Hi everyone! We are less than two months from our annual conference, and the countdown to Detroit is on! I am so excited to come together and celebrate the best of the best in glass-making around the globe! There are many reasons to love and be excited about our ’23 conference city Detroit – read on to find out more!
This year, our shuttles will be one of the best parts of the conference! We’ve partnered with Detroit Bus Company, a local nonprofit that uses artist-decorated buses to provide transportation services to Detroit Public Schools and other organizations. Shuttles will run continuously between the Marriott Renaissance Center, College for Creative Studies, Detroit Institute of the Arts, and the Russell Industrial Center.
Check out this Google map highlighting all the conference locations, our GAS shuttle stops, and other “must-sees” we have put together to ensure you get the most out of your Detroit 2023 conference experience.
Outside of the jam-packed glass program we have in store for the conference, we wanted to share other reasons Detroit is a fantastic place to visit.
A day in Detroit can be a transformative experience, revealing the city’s rich history, culture, and artistic talent. From the vibrant RiverWalk to an endless array of restaurants and speakeasies, public art, and so many museums, we have so much to explore together!
Begin your day in Eastern Market, an eclectic neighborhood that embodies Detroit’s artistic spirit. Stroll through the bustling market, filled with local vendors and delicious food, and then explore the vibrant street art scene. Eastern Market is also home to two favorites: Wasserman Projects, an art gallery known for its groundbreaking exhibitions that blend contemporary art with social commentary, and the Detroit Hustles Harder shop. From Eastern Market, take a stroll, or ride along The Dequindre Cut to the RiverWalk and explore some of the famous murals for which the city is known. Fun fact: Detroit has more than 500,000 square feet of commissioned murals!
For lunch, head to The Belt, an alleyway in the heart of downtown that has been transformed into a vibrant outdoor gallery space. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants and explore the alley’s colorful murals and art curated by the Library Street Collective.
After lunch, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), an institution dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from Detroit and beyond. Remember to check out the Heidelberg Project, a community art installation that has been ongoing for over 30 years. The project features colorful and whimsical sculptures and murals made from found objects and recycled materials. Love music? You must check out the city’s rich musical history at the Motown Museum, where you can learn about the birth of Motown and the legendary artists who recorded there.
From world-class museums and outdoor installations to vibrant street art and music venues, Detroit truly is an art lover’s paradise!
So, are you joining us in Detroit? We can’t wait to see you there!