Get Naked In Detroit To Save Russell Artists’ Enclave

DETROIT, MI — Strip and go naked and save the Russell Industrial Center? Yes, it’s a real thing. Detroit photographer Thomas Ulch is inviting Detroit residents to be part of a group nude photo shoot he hopes will raise the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to bring the facility up to code. The Russell Center, which is authorized to operate as a factory but has morphed into an artists’ enclave, was cited last month for numerous city code violations.

Ulch says the group shot is part of his Detroit Nude-Thomas Ulch Photography book project, in which people are photographed in the buff in public and private spaces around the Motor City to convey, among other things, both the sense of liberation and vulnerability that come with being unclothed.

The event is a fundraiser for the Russell Industrial Center, which Ulch said “fills a vital role in the community allowing short term leases at affordable rates.” Each person who participates in the shoot is asked to donate a few bucks to help the building owner bring the Russell up to code, allowing the tenants to continue working until the issues are resolved.

The Russell Center was ordered closed last month amid dozens of code violations that city officials said showed “blatant disregard for city ordinance.” The facility was allowed to remain open after the building owner pledged to correct the violations, but about 70 percent of the tenants have moved out, according to media reports.

• See Also: Artists’ Enclave Russell Center Closes After Inspection

Bringing the building up to code could cost anywhere from $250,000 to $500,000, The Detroit News reported.

The photo shoot will take place from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the Russell Center on Clay Street, according to a Facebook event notice.

The photo shoot is open to men and women and is LGBTQ friendly, Ulch wrote, adding that because “we are shooting nudes, we do ask that you leave the kids at home.”

“I know there is nothing ‘bad’ about nudity,” the post continued. “but we don’t want drama with law enforcement.”

Ulch said the photos that will be shot Saturday won’t be retouched.

“I don't use any Photoshop; the goal is to stop unrealistic, idealized body images and be real with who we are,” Ulch told the Detroit Free Press. “Being nude is an empowering experience.”

Photo of Russell Industrial Center by Russ via Flickr Commons