2739 Edwin to host a timely conversation about education.

There are few issues in Detroit more politically or emotionally fraught than the state of the Detriot Public School system. In this regard, Detroit is perhaps an extreme example, but by no means the sole instance of breakdown of the concept and execution of public education. As of this Saturday, March 16, 2739 Edwin Gallery in Hamtramck will host an examination of  education titled, “How is Your School?”

In the words of gallery curator Steve Panton:

“How is Your School?” is a gallery-based discussion on the philosophies and implementations of, and the obstacles to, education as an emancipatory project. It will consider the fundamental viewpoints of active educators and projects in the city alongside historical precedents such as the Detroit Modern School (1914-18), free schools such as the Detroit Children’s School (1971-79) and the origins of Afro-centric schooling in Detroit. For the duration of the show, 2739 Edwin has been modified by LaVern Homan, Kathleen Rashid and Elizabeth Sutton to re-invent the gallery as a space that encourages encounters, communication and learning. Over the period of the show, material will be collected to document the discussions that take place and their pedagogical underpinnings.

The show will include contributions by David Clements, LaVern Homan, Little Lake Learning Community, Iain Maitland, Ken Morris, Jonathan Rajewski, Kathleen Rashid, Elizabeth Sutton, Andrew Thompson, Peter Werbe/The Fifth Estate and others. Featured events include a 5 p.m. showing of the film “Free to Learn,” followed by a discussion on the film with Melissa Palma of the Little Lake Learning Community in Ann Arbor, at the show’s opening reception this Saturday. At 7 p.m, on Friday, March 29, there will be a showing of the film “Padeia, Escuela Libre,” followed by a discussion on the film and a release event for the latest (education themed) edition of the Fifth Estate. The exhibition will run into April, with a closing reception to take place from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, April 13.

All are welcome to attend, contribute and, above all, learn.

2739 Edwin Gallery: 2739 Edwin St., Hamtramck; 2739edwin.com