Two directors, three interns, a couple of heavy lifters and Michael headed out on a hot summer morning in a 26 foot U-haul to the basement of the former site of the Shaw Guido Gallery building. Two major tasks awaited us: exploration and excavation. Discoveries were non stop. Large, beautiful Japanese inspired sculptures Rhodes calls “Guardians” were the first to make their presence known. They greeted us like awesome and powerful carriers of ancestral spirit. We moved around the basement in semi darkness, flashlights in hand, calling out to one another as we lifted tarps and opened crates and boxes. We discovered over one hundred wood-fired treasures gathered together in group after group, as if awaiting our arrival. Though there was much to do, it was impossible to rush. Each vessel and pot, every sculpture, large and small, required close examination. As dusty boxes were opened, photographs, catalogues and sketchbooks were revealed. Exquisite, dynamic drawings and paintings by Rhodes from the 1960’s (a totally unexpected discovery!) caught our eyes, holding us captive momentarily. By sunset we had wrapped, carried and stacked every item onto the truck and headed back to River Gallery wondering what Michael would have in store for us and for these amazing treasures of American art history.

River Gallery recognized that we had become stewards of an important body of artwork and materials that contained not only a significant portion of the story of American ceramic arts and education, but also the inspiring story of a determined pioneer who dedicated his artistic life to exploration and learning. It was clear that something unique had to be conceived that would bring his life’s work back into the light of recognition and his innovative art into the homes and spaces of those who remember him and those just learning about him for the first time. The Daniel Rhodes collection was gifted to the River Gallery and a plan was hatched by the benefactor, Michael Feeney and the gallery to produce an exhibit that would create an opportunity for visitors to experience the joy of discovery, the warmth of recognitition and the excitement of art collecting. The more we learned about Rhodes from his sculptures, drawings, writings and photographs, the more we were inspired by his intrepid, generous spirit. Doing something joyful and generous with his legacy became important. Therefore, two non-profits, recognized and cherished in our community, The Purple Rose Theatre Company and The Harold and Kay Peplau Therapeutic Riding Center – Home of Therapeutic Riding Inc. have been selected to receive 100% of the proceeds earned during the “Saving Daniel Rhodes” exhibition.

The exhibit will be designed as a contemporary museum experience with one exciting and notable difference: The pots and sculptures, paintings and drawings will be available for purchase with 100% of the proceeds going to The Purple Rose Theatre Company and The Harold and Kay Peplau Therapeutic Riding Center – Home of Therapeutic Riding Inc. Rhodes’ archival materials discovered during the “rescue” effort have been organized and will be available for review.

The exhibit will display Rhodes’ original writings, copies of his books, articles, and photo albums containing images of the artist, his family, students and friends. Included in this collection of important documents are beautiful black and white photos, taken by Rhodes himself, that give us visual insight and emotional connection to the experiences he had of the villages, kilns, artists and landscapes in Tamba and surrounds during his 1963 Fulbright Year in Japan.

The Purple Rose Theatre Company

The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) is the home of world-class, original American theatre. The PRTC is a professional theatre company with roots in the Midwest that takes a handcrafted, artisanal approach to producing new and classic American plays that are nothing less than one-of-a-kind experiences. The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association.

Mission
To create fresh, original productions that get our audiences talking among themselves and feeling something new.

Promise to Artists
Achieve your professional and creative potential doing work that you love.

The Harold and Kay Peplau Therapeutic Riding Center

The Harold and Kay Peplau Therapeutic Riding Center – Home of Therapeutic Riding, Inc. is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization which provides the opportunity for personal growth through the horseback riding experience to Washtenaw County, Michigan, area youth and adults with disabilities. Our mission is to provide recreational and therapeutic riding which develops physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities and enhances self-esteem.

Who are we?

TRI is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1984 to provide children and
adults with disabilities with the opportunity to experience the joy of horseback riding and equine assisted activities. Since moving into our beautiful new facility in 2010, we can now offer many different programs – group and private riding lessons, ground lessons (grooming, tacking, and showmanship), day tours and day programming for groups, and many more.