Art worlds collide

More goose bumps on the art scene, kids, as seismic shifts seem to be shaking all over this summer. After the opening of DAM’s new space on Woodward, Lemberg Gallery’s move to Ferndale and the DIA’s announced mammoth addition, here comes the substantiation of rumors that had CPop founder Rick Manore leaving his longtime involvement for other pastimes. Yes, it’s actually true. Current owner Tom Thewes has announced Manore’s replacement at the wheel to be Sharon L. Currey, former director of the Ann Arbor Art Center. "Going from the public to the private sector will be a real change," says Currey, whose curatorial chops and simpatico savvy are widely admired. And there’s bound to be a change from Manore’s chip-on-the-shoulder approach to the rest of the scene, since Currey has forged many more contacts in the art world than she’s severed. Also new on board will be consultant and guest curator Bill Brovold, whose rep as a painter and musician (he heads the avant-rock ensemble Larval) precedes him. Bets are on that Glenn Barr, Niagara and other gallery regulars will still be there when the dust clears, but look for new approaches to the "pop" idea from Currey and crew. Currently at C Pop are works by Detroit artist Camilo Pardo, formerly of the mythical PROPELLER collective, and New York painter Buck Henri, continuing through Aug. 2. Happy trails to all. George Tysh is the Metro Times arts editor. E-mail him at [email protected]