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.

Why am I here you ask?

Hello all out there in the blogosphere world! My name is Amanda Emery and I am going to be telling you all about the rad art scene in the downtown Flint area. Not just the major galleries, but the small indy shows as well. Flint has always been rich in the arts, whether they be musical or physical.

I remember when I first became involved in the arts in Flint, I was the ripe old age of 13 and I would come downtown to the Local 432 and listen to local bands. I believe that my love of music and art really started there. As I got older I began to become more involved in other arts in Flint as well.

I have helped put together small indy art shows in downtown, as well as help out and be a part of shows in the bigger galleries.

The point of what I want to tell you here, is that Flint might hit some hard times, but the arts have always stayed strong. The Local 432 is making a comeback, some major galleries maybe struggling, but they are managing. And every now and again, people take the initiative to find a space, and put on a rad as hell show of their own. What I am gonna do is bring you some pieces of all of it.

Hope you enjoy.