Painting Detroit’s vacancy

Detroit’s empty buildings are the focus of an art exhibit at the Northville Art House.

Erik Olson is a painter and teaches at the College for Creative Studies. His portraits include an old, brick home in the middle of a field, caving in on itself. And an empty house warmed by the morning sun.

Olson says his message is that these empty buildings are here, and will probably remain for awhile.  He also thinks Americans could take a cue from Europeans.

“Why is it so ridiculous that in old Rome they basically make tourist attractions of some of these beautiful structures, but here we’re embarrassed by them?”

Olson’s paintings will be on display at the Northville Art House until January 29.