Art of Loving Local
Remember when you were a kid and a simple pathway could become a secret entrance nobody knew about or a meeting spot with friends became a hide out to plan an adventure. Imagination took the ordinary and made it an experience that brought energy and excitement into the world.
Grosse Pointe is filled with an abundance of places that offer beautiful locations and spots where we can enjoy and imagine.
Ford House is such a spot with amazing grounds and iconic world class architecture. Wandering the grounds or attending events is something we can easily do right in our own community. It is uniquely Grosse Pointe.
Late last fall I met with Tommy Karr and Malea Tipton at Ford House, along with artist William Schippert. One of the topics was the natural wonder and beauty of the grounds. It inspired a painting and article we are featuring in this month’s issue. We highlight the approach artist William Schippert undertook in processing different scenes from the grounds and finding the inspiration of creating a work of art inspired by the Ford House grounds. Find out what spot was chosen and how it transformed into a painting called “Eat Your Cake”.
Loving local is also about the business owners who bring us unique products and services that are inspired by relationships with customers that large chains or online shopping can’t create.
The art of vision was a natural connection to enjoy the magical places in Grosse Pointe. We spoke with Dr. Lisa LaGassa, Optometrist and owner of Pointe Vision Care. Behind the science of vision, we also have an opportunity to bring out our personality with looks generated by the frames and colors we wear. Find out how Dr. LaGassa and her team take a personal approach to make sure you feel confident and special no matter your age or vision.
Finally, as we enjoy Valentine’s Day, find that special place in our community, support that local business, enjoy the people, and spread the love of the Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle.
Love Local and Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 2025
PUBLISHER
David Mattaliano | david.mattaliano@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Paige Peabody | paige.peabody@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Gindi | lisa.gindi@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Susan Baldani, Margaret Carroll
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Kimberly Rensburg
DAVID MATTALIANO, PUBLISHER @GROSSEPOINTECITYLIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
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QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
ARTICLE BY MARGARET CARROLL
POINTE VISION
ART OF THE EYE
Sally Jessy Raphael did for eyeglasses what Dorothy did for shoes in The Wizard of Oz , taking the most humble element of any wardrobe and elevating it to a statement about the wearer, who we are and what we stand for.
“It’s a different choice for everybody,” LaGassa says, pointing out that eyeglass frames are a great fashion accessory for wearers. Gone are the days of ‘guys don’t make passes at girls who wear glasses,’ which is great news
“THE MAIN CONSIDERATION IN CHOOSING A FRAME IS ONE THAT IS CONTRASTING OR COMPLEMENTARY TO THE SHAPE OF A PATIENT’S FACE”
Sally, whose tabloid TV talk show ran for 20 years beginning in 1983, is known for her oversized red-framed glasses. Her personal trademark began by accident. She had trouble reading the teleprompter during her first broadcast news job and, with five minutes to spare before air time, went to a store across the street from her studio to purchase a pair of readers. The only pair she could find was a red pair.
Just like that, fashion history was made.
The decision to wear eyeglasses or go without these days is a choice, thanks to advancements in the technology of contact lenses and corrective medical procedures, observes Dr. Lisa LaGassa, Optometrist and owner of Pointe Vision Care on Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods.
for anyone who needs corrective lenses to read or see the front of the classroom in school. “I’ve had eight-year-old girls cry when I told them they needed glasses, and other girls who were sad to learn after their exam that they didn’t need them,” she reports, adding the choice is deeply personal.
“Some people want a certain style, edge, size. Some of it has to do with your personality. Some people are very stoic and want to stick with the very traditional. Others are more flamboyant and want the frame to stand out on their face. Others want to blend in,” LaGassa points out.
The key, she adds, is choosing what’s best for you. “There are particular frame shapes that don’t look good on some faces. If you have a very high
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prescription, for example, you don’t want to do a large frame. You have to weigh those factors when choosing your frame. That is what makes ordering online tricky. You need to try the frame on your face.
“Eyeglass style is so variable. It’s different for everybody,” she points out. “Some people are perfectly happy wearing the same pair of glasses year-round, and others want to change them out to complement each season or their outfit. We have two sisters in their 60’s who order five or six pairs of glasses each whenever they come in, because they want that variety.”
So, unless you happen to get lucky like Sally Jessy Raphael, how can you choose something that says, “Hello, world!” without going so far over the top, all that’s missing is a striped clown suit and tiny tricycle from Barnum & Bailey?
Dr. LaGassa and her staff of 10 have the solution! Pointe Vision Care offers comprehensive eye care, which includes visual field testing, retinal photos, and specialized fitting of contact lenses and eyeglasses. After obtaining her degree from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, Dr. LaGassa purchased Pointe Vision Care in 2002 because she wanted to create an atmosphere where both patients and employees feel valued when making decisions about their eye health. “I really want to be able to help people by being that individual that people feel comfortable talking to.”
“IT’S A DIFFER -
ENT CHOICE FOR EVERYBODY”
The focus at Pointe Vision Care is on the patient. “It is so important when a patient walks in to learn about them, learn about their lifestyle and what they want,” LaGassa points out. “Everyone has a different need. I wanted to build relationships with people, and Grosse Pointe is a great place to do that.”
Manager/Optician Beth Harvener keeps up with current trends and then works with each patient to decide what is right for them. “Metal European frames are trending right now. Minimalistic, geometric shapes such as octagonal provide a fresh look,” Harvener reports, adding that popular styles in Europe generally work their way here. The heavy, boxy frames that were big for a time are transitioning out.
“The main consideration in choosing a frame is one that is contrasting or complementary to the shape of a patient’s face, with a fit and color that matches their personal style,” she adds.
POINTE VISION CARE
is located at 20525 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods. Hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; Saturday by appointment. Call 313-881-6622
CALARTISTS ' PERSPECTI
L
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM RENSBURG
WILL SCHIPPERT
"Each painting is the culmination of all I know…"
While some artists find a niche and stick to it, Will Schippert of Grosse Pointe is constantly evolving and trying new things. "Sometimes it isn't just the composition itself but the evolution of the trees or the rocks in the paintings," he says.
Will loves the freedom of being able to look at something and then change it according to what his brain wants to see. "Sometimes things aren't as beautiful as you want them to be or the way you want them to be, and to have that freedom to do whatever you want – that's the passion behind it."
His process has developed over time, and he says he tries to create an emotional experience for the viewer. He's particularly driven by new ideas and new perspectives containing trees. Being in nature not only inspires his creativity but also helps him reboot his brain. Given that he's a
computer programmer, too, it's a perfect analogy. "When you're out there, you're recharging, and your problems seem to go away," he says.
Will especially enjoys walking around the National Historic Landmark Ford House property in Grosse Pointe Shores. "It's where all the artists go around here," he says. "It's a massive property on the water filled with unbelievable perspectives. It's designed perfectly with mature trees and all the things that you'd like to see with water."
Recently, he finished Eat Your Cake, a painting inspired by walking these grounds. Filled with trees, flowers, and rocks, his rendering emits a true sense of serenity and beauty.
Using that artistic license, he so embraces, he changed and enhanced some of the details that may not have been
"I can feel the evolution of my talent and notice myself getting better."
evident in real life. "As a Pisces, I paint what I want to see and am constantly using my instincts and imagination when adding or removing items to create balance," says Will. "Light is my main subject matter and how it plays with the items in the composition."
In this particular painting, he thought it was important to portray the water as blue instead of green to create more balance since there was already enough green in the trees and groundcover. "I also removed some trees and replaced others with one that has a Japanese art feel. I then added a wildflower garden near the rock wall to break up the green and to make the composition transcendent, along with adding more light through the trees when possible, to make them feel lighter and to give the composition a minimalist feeling." He decided to keep the sky a simple white so it doesn't detract from the essentials in the painting.
To create depth in landscapes, he uses blues and grays to create contrast against the greens and yellows. "I use branches to break up these greens and yellows and avoid putting two identical colors (of brush strokes) next to each for the same reason," he says. "I'm of the opinion that nothing is one color, and I'm using a variety of techniques to create depth with this in mind."
Before considering any painting complete, he says he needs to see it in natural light with fresh eyes. "It's best to come back in the morning to see what still requires work because my brain is better prepared to troubleshoot then, making the flaws more easily identifiable."
In addition to nature, Will is also inspired by his in-depth research on other artists, including Van Gogh, Sisley, Cezanne, Monet, Matisse, and Pissarro. These masters have had a big influence on his style. "I combine all the historic art people's ideas in my mind and then try to accomplish something as I see it or build on it so it makes sense," he says. "As I do this, I can feel the evolution of my talent and notice myself getting better."
He says if he tries to paint another Eat Your Cake in the future, it will look much different. "Everything has to do with timing and experience and your ideas, which are changing every day. Each painting is the culmination of all I know, and therefore, each painting will always be new and never the same as the one I painted yesterday."
Will believes art is therapeutic for both the artist and the viewer as well and adds another layer of beauty to everyday life. "The most enjoyable part of painting has to do with coming up with something new, with the little
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touches only I would make, to make something completely unique. I attempt to make each new painting better than every prior painting, which constantly results in learning. Some experiments may fail, but this makes me grow."
While his other career ensures a steady paycheck, art, he says, is his passion. "I remember painting my first flower and feeling so empowered by that. It was like I was meant to do this. To me, it's the sure thing associated with having a good life.
"Even though I taught myself programming and my background includes an MBA and CPA, it's the art that consumes me. Nothing else in my life can compete with it." Will's paintings, including Eat Your Cake, can be seen in person at Posterity Art and Framing Gallery in Grosse Pointe and at Parker Gallery (his friend's house/gallery on Barrington). View more of his works on Instagram @restless_art1.
Will's Painting Tips for New Artists:
I remember how I felt when I first saw Van Gogh's forests and gardens. I'd never felt that way about art until then, and I became consumed with trying to create it myself with cheap materials. For anybody learning to paint, I wish I had known these three things starting out:
1. The sooner you learn what each small brush is capable of (normal and long), the sooner you'll find success in creating realistic detail.
2. The freedom to paint things the way you want to see them makes the process much more enjoyable and less constrained. 3. It's not possible to create good paintings without first creating many bad ones.
TO MY
Valentine
ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Create timeless keepsakes for those you love with this easy DIY Valentine Stationary. There is something special and reminiscent of our earlier years of creating homemade valentines for those special in our lives. While stores are filled with Valentine candy, cards and gifts, the thoughtfulness and time put into to a handmade card holds a different meaning. Words are the things we treasure most, so let those you care about most know how you treasure them this Valentine’s Day.
What you will need
• Kitchen Knife
• Red or Russet Potato (for heart)
• Romaine lettuce (for rose)
• Acrylic Paint
• Paint Brush
• Blank Envelopes
• Blank Cards
• Heart Template (SilvertoothHome.com/blog/DIY-stationery)
• Hand Lettering Template (SilvertoothHome.com/blog/DIY-stationery)
• Light Box
Instructions for Heart Prints
1. Cut the potato in half. Using a small knife, carefully carve a heart shape onto the flat side of the potato. Carve freestyle or use the free template under “DIY Stationery” on the blog at silvertoothhome.com/ blog/diy-stationery. Even when using the template, each carving will come out as unique art like the ones you see here.
2. With a paint brush, apply paint to the heart shape on the potato.
3. Stamp the potato heart onto blank stationery.
4. Set aside until completely dry.
Instructions for Rose Prints
1. Cut the end off of romaine lettuce. Set leaves aside and use the stem.
2. Using a paintbrush, apply paint to the lettuce stem.
3. Stamp the lettuce “rose” onto blank stationery.
4. Set aside until completely dry.
Once your stationery is completely dry it is time to add beautiful Valentine’s Day lettering. If you have beautiful handwriting then draw free hand. If you’re not as confident use a light box and my hand lettering template (found on the blog at SilvertoothHome.com/blog/DIYstationery) to transfer lettering onto the stationery. To do this, first lay the hand lettering template on a light box with the stationery on top. Then trace the hand lettering onto the stationery with a pen or marker of choice.
D R . B R I A N F I A N I
2025
FRESH FARMS MARKET
The Best Service & Highest-Quality Food in the Pointes
Local, Conventional & Organic Produce
Daily-Baked Breads, Croissants & Muffins · Authentic New York Style Pizza · Incredible Flower Selection
In-Store Pickup or Delivery No time to shop?
Call to have one of our trained staff select the best items from your grocery list.
355 Fisher Road, Grosse Pointe | 313.882.5100 HOURS: MON - SAT: 7am to 9pm, SUN: 8am to 8pm
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 7TH - 16TH
The Lion in Winter
Grosse Pointe Theatre
This modern day classic by James Goldman tells the story of the Plantagenet family, who are locked in a free-for-all of competing ambitions to inherit a kingdom. The queen, and wealthiest woman in the world, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been kept in prison since raising an army against her husband, King Henry II. gpt.org/tickets
FEBRUARY 8TH
Drop-In Studio: Valentine's Day
Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236 | 10:00 AM
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Join us for a heartwarming program where we come together to celebrate the love we share for family and friends. Create a special craft to take home - a beautiful heart to remind you of those you hold dear. No registration is required. Supplies are limited, so arrive early! Admission is free.
FEBRUARY 14TH
Cabaret Over the Cove: Valentine's Dinner & Live Performance
Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236 | 7:00 PM
Celebrate love in style this Valentine’s Day at Ford House with an unforgettable evening of elegance and romance. Begin the night with a sumptuous three-course dinner, each dish thoughtfully prepared, savor the flavors of the evening as the renowned White Pines string quartet from Ann Arbor fills the air with their enchanting live music. www.fordhouse.org/events
Dr. William Krieg, Dr. Brynn Jezdimir and Dr. Richard Frenchi
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FEBRUARY 22ND
Dave Bennett Winter Brunch Series
The War Memorial | 11:00 AM
Brunch. Fueled by Jazz. Join us... Saturday February 22, 2025 for the second performance Dave Bennett Winter Brunch…Sunday, January 19: Olivia Van Goor featuring Randy Napoleon; Saturday, February 22: Sean Dobbins jazz drums with special guest Dave Bennett: Sunday, March 30: Dave Bennett, jazz clarinet; For tickets, visit warmemorial.org/eventcalendar11/ winterbrunchsean
FEBRUARY 23RD
Psychology of TraumaPart of the Conflict and Healing Lecture Series
The War Memorial | 2:00 PM
As part of The War Memorial’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, this two-part series explores the impact of trauma and the journey toward resilience. Topics include: Types of Stressors leading to Traumatic Stress, Characteristics of a Traumatic event, Effects of Traumatic Stress on the body and relationships, Taking care of oneself. www.warmemorial.org/ eventcalendar11
FEBRUARY 25TH
3rd Annual Special Needs Resource Fair
The War Memorial | 3:30 PM
For parents and caregivers looking for supportive opportunities for their neuro-diverse children. Families & Strollers welcome. Quiet room with self-directed activities available. Featuring a wide variety of educational, recreational, and occupational resources along with mental health, legal, and governmental services for all ages. Free event, open to everyone, 50+ vendors.
