2018-19 Student Ambassador Profile
Name: Allison (Allie) Runyan
Senior: Fine Arts/ Art Education
Why CCS?
I chose CCS because of the environment. First of all I like that the
campus is in the heart of Midtown, Detroit. It is a great place for the
uprise in Detroit and I find it easy for aspiring artists to get involved
with the art community. I also personally enjoy the tight-knit
community that CCS has to offer. The school is small and therefore it
makes it really easy to get to know everyone around and make a lot of
connections. Because the school is on the smaller size, the class sizes
are also rather small, making the one on one access from teacher to
student easily accessible. Lastly the facilities are intriguing. In fine Art
especially, we have access to printmaking facilities that are not
common for most schools. We also have our own senior and junior
studio spaces that are granted specifically to us, another aspect that is
not generally received at most colleges.
Why Tours?
When I first was deciding to come to CCS, I went on a personal tour
myself. The student tour guide was very inspiring and exciting and
overall was a large reason that made me seriously consider the
school. She had helped me feel comfortable and welcome here at the
school and that is my goal when giving tours to prospective students.
I am a very involved student in many aspects of the school and I love
to talk, so my goal is to spread my energy to others that I encounter
during my time here.
What drives you to create?
Creating to me is just part of my everyday life. It is in what I do on a
day to day basis. From writing, to making music to making physical 2d
and 3d works, it is all around me. Other than being a way of
expression, creating is a way to speak in various forms. It is a way to
invoke change and ideals in yourself and the viewer. Creating enforces
an intimate connection between yourself and the physical work and
then again the work to the viewer and that relationship alone is
enough to make me want to create something new and challenge the
ideals of what a relationship can do.
Favorite thing about Campus?
Fine Art Junior and Senior Studios. Large spaces for us to work 24 hours. Great studio spaces with plenty of access of materials and machinery. Real life studio space experience. Other that that my favorite thing about the campus other than the facilities for our
use is the golden hour in the oval. On the Ford Campus there is a grass
oval that is filled with sculptures. When it is nice outside there are
always tons of people playing games, laying in hammocks, relaxing,
picnicking and so on. It is like a large community in a garden. But the
best part is at the golden hour. When the sun start to set everything
in that area falls under the gold shine created from the sun hitting the
buildings around us and it is one of the most beautiful things I have
ever seen. You can be stressed out but as soon as you see that golden
shine, almost everything stops for a moment and it almost feels like a
surreal moment.
Favorite thing about going to school here?
Small classes, better connections with professors. Treat us like artists in a profession rather than a student. Networking opportunities. Detroit is a great scene for up and coming artists.
Must-sees in Detroit:
This is a hard one because Detroit is amazing and there are tons of
things to do here. But to name a few;
EVENTS: Noel Night, Dally in the Alley, Campus Martius Tree Lighting Ceremony,
Dlectricity, Eastern Market After Dark, Murals in the Market, Jazz Fest
PLACES TO GO: Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (Jazz Bar), DIA, Detroit Public
Library, Eastern Market (especially saturday mornings), Red Bull
House of Art, MOCAD, Detroit Artist Market, The Magic Stick (for
concert events and glow bowling), Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The
Little Caesars Arena (Hockey and basketball), Commerica Park
(baseball), Russell Industrial Center (CAVE openings), The Peacock
Room, Frida, Simone DeSusa Gallery, Belle Isle (beach and nature
reserve), Hamtramck Disney Land, The Jar House and the Power
House (in Hamtramck).
PLACES TO EAT: Ally Taco, Detroit Pizza Company, Common Pub, Hop
Cat, Stach International, Supino Pizzeria, Treat Dreams, Socratea,
Great Lakes Coffee, Seva, Cass Cafe, Jonny Noodle King, Kuzzos
Chicken & Waffles, Rose’s Fine Food, Detroit Vegan Soul, Avalon
International Breads, The Farmers Hand, Mudgie’s, Green Dot
Stables, Taqueria El Rey, The Bronx Bar.
ART GALLERIES: (openings every weekend) CAVE at the Russell, Simone Desusa Gallery, Public Pool, Holding House, Pops Packing, MOCAD, Detroit Artist Market, N’Namdi Gallery, Hidden Gate Gallery, DIA, Detroit Film Theatre