Lorenzo Cultural Center Celebrates Michigan’s Food, Farming and Communities


CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI— Through exhibits, interactive presentations and some of the state’s best agricultural offerings, families will have plenty to discover during the Michigan’s Harvest: Food, Farming and Community program series at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College Sept 24 – Nov. 19.

The series celebrates Michigan’s rich agricultural heritage, while exploring the state’s diverse ethnic cuisine and special traditions, and chronicling how these elements impacted the state’s regional development and social traditions.  “As we experience Michigan’s rich harvest season, it’s a great time to explore what has shaped our rich agricultural heritage and history” said Christine Guarino, director of cultural affairs, Macomb Community College.  “Through the Michigan’s Harvest program series, the Lorenzo Cultural Center is offering a unique opportunity to discover food as culture.” 

Michigan’s Harvest: Food, Farming and Community features more than 30 free presentations, a series of five free exhibits and three moderately priced special events:

• Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), Oct. 22. Following a free presentation by a DIA speaker about Food in Art at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, board a motorcoach for a trip to the DIA, featuring a guided tour of the art discussed in the presentation, lunch and free time to explore on your own.  $35
• Michigan Wine Tasting, Oct. 27.  Join Heather Dean, sommelier for Andiamo restaurants, in an exploration of Michigan wines.  $25
• Mark Bittman, New York Times magazine food columnist, Nov. 17.  Bittman will share his perspectives on what is wrong with the way we eat.  $15 for presentation; $5 for senior/ military/students.  $20 for presentation and Meet & Greet reception.

For more information about these three events or to purchase tickets, call 586.286.2222 or visit www.MacombCenter.com

The wide scope of free presentations includes:

• Series of programs specially designed for families and children, including Plant a Seed and Watch It Grow, Oct. 2; Making Art with Food, Oct. 23; Mission Nutrition, featuring a “journey” through space with magic and juggling, Nov. 2; Making Healthy Choices, Nov. 6; The Traveling Farm, Nov. 16; and hands-on Detroit Science Center presentation, Health and Nutrition, Nov. 18.
• Looks at agriculture from multiple perspectives, including What is Community Supported Agriculture?, Oct. 7; Agriculture:  An Important Part of a High-Quality Community, Oct. 9; Urban Roots:  Screening and Chat with Director, Oct. 22, Growing Your Own:  From Pioneer Farms to Victory Gardens, Oct. 28;  and Building Sustainable Food Systems in Detroit, Nov. 3.
• Examining food safety, including To Your Health! Food Safety at Home, Oct. 6; Choose It, Clean It, Cook It: Eating Great Lakes Fish, Oct. 20; and The Pragmatics of Food: Eating and Feeling Safe, Oct. 21.

All presentations require advance registration by calling 586.445.7348.

Exhibits are free and don’t require advance registration to view.  They include:  America’s Agricultural Fairs:  Educating Community; Tableware from the Detroit Institute of Arts; Michigan Eats:  Regional Culture through Food; and Michigan’s Heritage Barns:  An Artist’s Perspective.
The series concluding event on Nov. 19 is the Michigan Harvest Festival, featuring demonstrations, local vendors selling food and other agricultural products and a keynote presentation by Lisa Diggs, founder of Buy Michigan Now. 

The Lorenzo Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information on the cultural center and on the Michigan’s Harvest program series is available at www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com.  Registration and additional information is also available by calling 586.445.7348.

About the Lorenzo Cultural Center

The Lorenzo Cultural Center (www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.

About Macomb Community College

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 48,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.

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