Matt Blake, Detroit creative staple, remembered for reach, impact on local arts scene

The Detroit arts community is coming together to mourn one of their favorites,  artist and musician Matt Blake, who died May 10 while practicing drums at a studio in Pontiac.

Blake has been held up as an example of someone whose talents made Detroit's arts community richer, who liberally shared his gifts with Detroit, and whose spirit inspired others to do the same. He will be missed.

Excerpt:

Over the years Blake performed in the rock bands Bogue and Misty, and with established artists in the jazz community, such as Skeeter Shelton. He is known for his work as a sculptor and collaborator on several important projects, including Detroit's Millennium Bell in Grand Circus Park, commissioned by the city and created with fellow artist Chris Turner in celebration of the new era. Blake worked as manager of Wayne State University's woodshop and exhibited extensively across metro Detroit, including shows at Oakland University Art Gallery and Susanne Hilberry Gallery. His wife Hazel Blake is an artist, equally beloved, who works at Susanne Hilberry Gallery.

Read the entire article here.

Read thedetroiter.com piece on Blake here.

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