The Inside of Flint Arts

By Amanda Emery
Dec. 18, 2009

The days of the Flint art scene are changing. Galleries are closing or on the verge of closing, there aren't any independent shows to speak of, the music scene isn't what it used to be since the Local has been closed. So what is the role of the arts in Flint? In what direction are they heading? And how much of a role does the bad economy in Flint play?


Photos taken and submitted by Chris Ringler. Photos depict various indie art shows in the downtown area at 625 and Churchills. Photo from the last Guerilla Art Show at 625 in Downtown Flint.

Matt Ratza: Stranger

Photo taken by Amanda Emery. Matt Ratza and the Strangers.


Matt Ratza has always been a staple in the Flint music scene. From the beginnings as a young man with a deep appreciation for classical music to bands such as Burnt Toast, The Middletown Project, Heartland, and now his solo projects, it is evident that music is 100% of Matt's heart. The record Stranger is the outpouring of Matt's soul, in the lyrics and the beautiful sound of his guitar, each and every song reaches out to you, each and every song is a piece of Matt. He explains that his songs represent "Everything I have ever wanted to say, to anyone who has ever been in my life." With songs like "Sweet Voice", the song is both haunting and beautiful, with lyrics like "I want you to call but don't know what I would say, I just want to hear your sweet voice again." This is the inside view of this musicians heart.

Seeing Matt play live is always a good time show, his outpouring of emotion and conviction in his shows is the evidence of what his music means to him. Watching the people at the show singing along and feeling the music, to Matt there is nothing better. Playing shows to Matt is a way of life, music is his way of life, but yet every time he plays it is still like his first show. The feelings Matt has and knowing how the people feel that come out to his shows makes what he is doing worthwhile, he makes the music for himself, but it is an amazing feeling to know that something he has written touches people and they can relate to it.

Matt gives it his all, everything he thinks and feels comes through in his song lyrics, listening to Stranger is getting to know him in the most intimate of ways. Stranger is different than anything I have heard, it has a bluegrass feel with a touch of straight rock and roll. Matt has said that he is strongly influenced by Johnny Cash, and hauntingly you can hear that influence through Matt's words. The one thing that Matt emphasized to anyone wanting to get into music was "work at it, do it for yourself, not anyone else," coming from a man that has seen the worst of heart breaks and the best of life, he is what he does, and loves what he does.

You can check out Matt Ratza's music at www.myspace.com/mattratza or check out the record label that he strongly attributes to the future success of Matt Ratza and the Strangers, the record label that is giving him the "chance of a lifetime." Check out Hell City Records for more info and show dates.

A chat with Steph Bills, maker of Monstas

This photo was provided by Frankenstitch Productions, created by Steph Bills.

AE- What inspired you to create Monstas'?
Steph- Boredom, imagination and the right materials inspired me to create Monstas.

AE- What goes into making a Monsta?
Steph- What goes into making Monstas? Um I'd have to say, bringing fantasy and or my imagination to life, and a lot of blood sweat and tears. Nah, just kiddin', but some days truer than others, some days I want so bad to create, but I just don't feel it, so I guess the right mood as well. I need to be on a sewing kick. My kind is all or nothing, either with it or not at all.

AE- How long have you been doing it?
Steph- I believe it's been 6 years yet I always seem to mix up dates so I dunno, it's been sometime though.

AE- How long did it take you to learn your craft?
Steph- Well I picked it up and learned right away, but as they say, "practice makes perfect." I've learned through my mistakes.

AE- What other types of things do you make?
Steph- Along with the Monstas I make purses, (pouches -- where it all began) it's just a small to medium wallet like thing. I make pins, mobiles, sculptee beavers, prints of Monstas, whatever the hands create at the moment I guess, I usually stick to fiber/textile arts though.

AE- How does it feel to know that your Beaver has become a celebrity? How did it happen?
Steph- Awe, I thought it was one of the cutest things ever. A few years ago I went to a Rock and Rummage down in Detroit at the Garden Bowl with a few friends. This is where I sold the Beaver that made it all happen, the Sweet Beaver was his name. He sold there and from that night on he's been getting famous. I got an email from the Beaver's owner, he just emailed to run the stats on the Sweet Beaver and let me in on his whereabouts. The Beaver gets play, the Sweet Beaver now has his own MySpace page, and sets up dates to get pictures taken.

AE- What gives you the most joy from your creations?
Steph- Seeing them in my head, executing the idea, sewing them, and giving them new homes, so I guess everything, I like it all.