The Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 19th – early 20th century was an aesthetic movement with a social conscience that gave us wonderful architecture and decorative arts and a saner philosophy of life. Today, the revival is in full swing. There are several books and shelter magazines on the market which are dedicated to the movement. There are significant bungalow neighborhoods from the east to the west coast from this period of America’s history. Last year, there were two acclaimed museum exhibits, one international and one domestic based. In addition, there are many Arts-and-Crafts-related websites in existence, but none dedicated to Michigan’s contribution to the movement – until now.

We love bungalows and all things Arts and Crafts. Some might say we’re obsessed. We love the aesthetic, the philosophy, the history and the present day revival. We live in Craftsman bungalows in the Detroit area. This website is the result of our own journey to understand and appreciate the movement. Along the way, we were naturally interested in what was going on in our own state at the turn of the last century. And we found that there’s not a lot of information readily available. But Michigan was certainly not a cultural backwater. The late 19th – early 20th century was a period of immense change for the state, with great wealth being created by the automobile industry. Great wealth often brings an appreciation of finer things, and this was true of Michigan. Our state has a rich Arts and Crafts history as a result.

From Stickley Brothers Furniture Company in Grand Rapids, to kit homes from Aladdin Homes in Bay City, to Pewabic Pottery in Detroit, which is still in existence, many manufacturers contributed to the movement. There are also many neighborhoods filled with wonderful Arts and Crafts architecture throughout the state. The movement is richly represented in our art institutions. Today, Michigan artists and artisans are not only reproducing historic designs, but are also bringing us wonderful new products in the Art and Crafts tradition. We’re going to search it all out and bring it to you.

So take a look. And let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you. And if you send us a picture of your Arts and Crafts home, you just might see it on our site. Please contact us.

Please visit us often!

Sue Shepherd and friends