Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center
Interview about the BBAC on The Craig Fahle Show
With 53 years of classes, exhibits, and community involvement behind them, the BBAC is a great example of how a well-run, well-supported non-profit can grow in Metro Detroit. Located in the woodsy confines of suburban Birmingham, the center has expanded greatly from its inception. Originally housed in a residence in downtown Birmingham, the group moved into it's present day location in 1963. At the time, the facility was a mere 1,250 square feet. After 2 major renovation the current building now stands at 25,000 sq. ft. of brightly lit studios, offices, and gallery spaces. Addie Langford, the BBAC's newly hired director, says she was drawn to the job because of the center's mission to teach arts education to people from all over the spectrum of age, ethnicity, and wealth. "The cultural implication of arts in a community is incredible. It's both evident to see and impossible to see. I think the important part is what you can't see....it gives a sense of place and relationships between people", she says. It's clear that Langford believes wholeheartedly in the necessity of self-expression, and that the BBAC provides a much-needed space for it.
Addie Langford, BBAC Director
On this particular day, a group of middle-schoolers are taking advantage of the center's jewelry and metals studio to create handsome animal-themed ornaments to wear. Summer arts camp is one of the most popular programs at the BBAC, where kids ages pre-school through late teens practice painting, ceramics, metals, drawing, and other crafts.
