The Freshmen - Verve Pipe

(Eric and Phil of Freshman Clothing)  

Friends are home, sun is out, summer is here and what better way to spend the first rain-free, over 70-degree day than in Downtown Detroit on the strip on E. Grand River. On this strip you'll find Spectacles, DSE @ Grand, Espresso Jazzy Café, Iklektik, and where I spent my Sunday, Freshman Clothing. Freshman Clothing is the newest store on the strip, true freshmen, and owned by some very fresh men, Eric Lowry and Phil Simpson. Besides being the heads behind this up-and-coming brand, the fellows are really talented painters and decided to display their skills with an art show.
Honestly, it was a great time, very chill —drama free — and just a perfect way to spend one of the first days of summer. Some of everybody came down including Juan Neal (who is off his blogging hiatus), CiCi Ross, J. Fin, Buzz Burrus, Chuck Good, and a lot more.

As for the art? Very cool stuff. I haven't figured if I was disappointed that Eric didn't display any of the custom sneakers he's done or happy that he chose to display something unexpected of him. Though I don't understand why people thought he wasn't a skilled canvas painter, I mean have you seen the things he can do to a pair of shoes?
Anyway, one of the most interesting pieces is probably what I would call Phil's .. "rediscovery" paintings, I will never look at a snail or diving board the same ... ever.
The Freshman fellows are preparing to revamp and restock; unfortunately the store will be closed the rest of this week. It will re-open on Memorial Day, and there's no cooler place to find something to wear to the BBQ's and other happenings. 
If you ever happen to wander into the area, I seriously suggest you swing by and say hello to Eric and Phil, they're rather friendly, talented, and will welcome you with open arms, even if you blast "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" outside the store via a late 90s CD player/radio.

 

A few of Eric's pieces

Some of Phil's stuff

 

Now, do you see what I meant?