Diane Spodarek

During the 70s she was active in promoting not only her own work but that of other local artists. She organized a number of important exhibitions showcasing works by the cutting edge artists in the community and even convinced the curatorial staff of the somewhat traditional Detroit Institute of Arts of the importance of new works being produced in its own back yard and the need to exhibit them. The resulting exhibition, "New Video and Performance Art in Detroit" caused a considerable stir and is still remembered as a turning point in the community's view of contemporary art. With her husband, Randy Delbeke, she created the magazine "Detroit Artists Monthly" which was a vital organ for giving exposure to local artists as well as airing the views of well established New York artists and art critics through her regular hard hitting interviews. In the late 70s rock and roll became a primary form in her work and she used the club venue and her band "The Dangerous Diane Band" with biting satirical lyrics to broaden the impact of her by now well focused critique of political, social, and gender issues in affluent late 20th century America. In the early 80s Diane moved to New York City where she still lives. Writing, publishing, performing she remains very active in the NY art scene. Always restless for new means of projecting her vision, she has been studying acting and performing in "legitimate theater" productions for the past couple of years. Her recent performance, "The Drunk Monologues", first presented at The St. Marks Theater, combines aspects of traditional theater, artist's performance, and rock and roll to produce an edgy, semi autobiographical narrative. It wasn't until 1984 at the suggestion of friend Tom Adair that Diane and Jay Yager first collaborated in the production of a videotape. The first one: "No Pain No Gain" was awarded first prize in a statewide exhibition four days after it was completed. She recently performed in the award winning Indie Feature Red Cockroaches (2004).