Art-Up Weekend

Watch 5 of Michigan's most promising artists create masterpieces in a live 48-hour art-a-thon, community auction, and block party.

October 9–11, 2026 | The Deep End Cafe & Gallery, Detroit

Detroit's Story, Told Live.

This year's theme is storytelling. We're bringing together diverse creators from across the area to share their history, learn from one another, and create beautiful in real time. This is your invitation to step behind-the-scenes and watch the raw creative process unfold.

During the event, you can join live meet-the-artist sessions, create alongside them virtually to be featured in our digital gallery, or add your voice to our interactive archives. All of the stories will be compiled into a collective digital story book that will be shared with all attendees.

On Sunday, you can bid on a final masterpieces and enjoy a community block party with food, music, and entertainment. This weekend is about capturing the heritage and heartbeat of our city together.

RSVP for Free

Call for Artists

The Process: Step behind the curtain. Watch artists collaborate over a 48-hour sprint, join live meet-and-greets, or participate remotely to feature your art.
The Stories: Your voice matters. Experience our interactive story stations to document your heritage and connect with the narratives in your community.
The Community: Support local creators. Enjoy a massive block party featuring food trucks, live music, and a Sunday auction to take the magic home.

The Weekend Schedule

The Deep End Cafe & Gallery, Detroit | 6307 Michigan Ave

The Kickoff

Friday, Oct 9 @ 6:00 pm

The prompts are revealed.
The clock starts.
VIP Dinner & Meet-and-Greet.

The Grind

Saturday, Oct 10 (All Day)

Artists create live.
Drop by to watch the magic happen in person.
Tune into Livestream interviews.

The Masterpiece

Sunday, Oct 11 @ 12-4pm

The community block party begins.
Enjoy local food and live music.
Add to our interactive Story Stations.
Bid on the art before the final gavel drops.

Are You Our Next Featured Artist?

We're looking for 5 fearless artists to take on the 48-hour challenge. We provide the space, a baseline stipend, and the audience. You provide the vision. All mediums welcome.

Guaranteed baseline stipend ($1,000 minimum payout).
100% of auction proceeds and artist donations go to you.
Massive digital and physical exposure.
Opportunity to collaborate with other talented artists.

Call for Artists

Get Involved

Volunteers

Join the Crew

We're looking for passionate leaders to own key areas of the project.
Help build a high-visibility, community-driven movement from the ground up.

See Volunteer Roles

Fund Community Art

Put your brand at the center of Detroit's creative economy.
Explore our exclusive local business and corporate sponsorship tiers.

View Partner Packages

Digital Storybook

Share Your Story

Help us archive the legacy of Southwest Detroit.
RSVP to receive our free, digital archive of the weekend’s art and community stories.