The James R. DeSana Center for Arts & Culture is located at 81 Chestnut in the heart of Downtown Wyandotte. The 1911 Pic-Community-HistoricIndependentOrderOddFellowsTempleIndependent Order of the Odd Fellows building is an example of a historic structure as an anchor building exhibiting the growth and development of an industrial boom town, Wyandotte, which was the birthplace of the Bessemer Steel process in America. The structure, built by the internationally recognized fraternal service organization, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, exemplifies the efforts of a local chapter to recognize and promote a cultural awareness beyond the grind of the industrial revolution. In 1943 the building was bought by the Fraternal Order of Free and Accepted Masons. The Masons remained in the building for over 50 years, continuing the Odd Fellows' tradition of community service and good fellowship. The building was purchased by the City of Wyandotte in 2008 under the tenure of then Mayor James R. DeSana. The intention was to preserve its rich history and redevelop it as a cultural facility. To that end, it became the home of the DCA in 2010.

Downriver Council for the Arts (DCA)

The Arts Center is home to the Downriver Council for the Arts (DCA). Founded in 1978, the DCA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) regional arts and cultural organization that proudly serves nearly 400,000 residents in 21 Downriver communities. The DCA’s mission is to enrich the quality of life in the Downriver communities by advocating and promoting the arts and providing opportunities for involvement and participation in arts and cultural activities. We actively support local artists and performers through artistic outreach programs and special promotional opportunities. We do this by providing adult and youth classes, lectures, workshops, summer youth art camps, gallery exhibits, theater productions, literary events, music concerts and classes, an artist gift gallery, facility rentals and volunteer opportunities. The DCA also creates regional partnerships with other cultural organizations, schools and service clubs to promote artistic, cultural and special events throughout Southeast Michigan. We hold these activities in The Arts Center and by operating in the various cities we serve.
For more information about the Downriver Council for the Arts, you may call 734-720-0671 or visit www.downriverarts.org.

Downriver Council for the Arts
Erin Suess, Executive Director
email to: dc4arts@downriverarts.org
Wyandotte Arts Center
81 Chestnut, Wyandotte, Michigan 48192
734-720-0671
www.downriverarts.org

DCA1-Building  DCA2-PaintParty
 DCA3-Class  DCA4-Theater