While photographing the Detroit Art School a few years ago I stopped for a few minutes to talk with the principal of the school, Dr. Denise Cotton.  Dr. Cotton told me how excited she was about the move to the new facility. “The kids are going to love their new school! “ she said. Dr. Cotton told me the history of the Detroit Art School and about the terrible condition of the old building. Then she asked a favor, would I photograph the old school and some of the classrooms before the old building was torn down. “ I’d love to have photographs as a reminder of just how far we’ve come with the Detroit Art School” she said.

So we followed Dr. Cotton a few miles to the old school, formerly the Wilbur Wright School. After a brief tour of the old three-story building my assistant and I photographed the band room, dance studio, black box theater, auditorium, art room and a few classrooms. Having just spent several days photographing the new school, the condition of the old DAS came as a shock. It was easy to see why Dr. Cotton was so excited for her students and staff to see their beautiful new facility.

I did a large number of exterior views at different times of the day. I photographed this particular view on three different occasions. This twilight view is my favorite.      

New Detroit School for the Fine and Performing Arts

Old art school