We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Wakeland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by my community surrounding me; I know so many talented artists with beautiful ways of seeing the world. I want Hancock House to be a space where we can indulge in these perspectives and give time and space to the projects and minds that I find so inspiring.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an artist working in multiple mediums. I am a production. designer by trade, but a painter, sewer, and carpenter as well. The Hancock House project really changed my world; I won the Big Idea Award post-grad and bought a house to fix up with the award (project, Hancock House). This has made me a much more skilled carpenter and handyperson, which has steered my professional career into production design (set building, decorating, art directing). As for the house, I am working towards my goal of creating an events space and artist residency.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Start your long weekend in Detroit with a breakfast sandwich and coffee at Red Hook, pop in to the DIA or see the latest Cranbrook Art Museum exhibit (the current show, Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit is unmatched!!), go for a sweat at the Schvitz, and hang out at the coziest spot Henrietta Haus for pizza. Start your next day with a walk through Detroit Arboretum in Poletown, and always include a Saturday morning Eastern Market run (La Ventana beforehand, White Lotus for pastries, and a ren de vous at Eastern Market Vintage). Always check for cool pop-up markets with Fleatroit, or some of my favorite makers/small shops Rosemarine Textiles, Porcelinen, Eugenie, R4tgrll, Shop Baby, and so many more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my two teammates at Hancock House, Julian Hansen and Payge Solidago. This project is whole with you in its realm.

Website: erinraywakeland.com

Instagram: @iweartheplantsinthishouse

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-wakeland-77ab09131/

Other: tiktok: @hancockhousedetroit ig for HH: @HancockHousedetroit

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