Twin Cities street artist Eric Rieger, better known as HOTTEA, spent years as a graffiti artist until a run in with the law convinced him to give up the spray can and turn to something less destructive: yarn. He now creates large-scale installations in underused, run-down public spaces. His “color fields” breathe life into unexpected places, such as a dilapidated tennis court where his most recent work, “Optimist,” takes up residence. The large arc of color took more than 12 hours to tie into place. Here’s to hoping we stumble upon one of his works in person sooner rather than later.

Welcome to the new handmade capital of the United States: Detroit. Shinola is leading the charge to bring high-quality manufacturing back to the city where it was born. While other companies have fled the Motor City, Shinola has firmly planted its flag, making watches, bicycles and leather goods the old fashioned way. They’re rebuilding Detroit using steel and leather, sweat and determination. Shinola is starting a revolution to revive the soul of a city, one meticulously handmade good at a time.

Detroit has long been known as one of the great American cities of music, from Motown to 8 Mile. But what you might not know is that Detroit is also a birthplace of electronic dance and techno music. Juan Atkins is considered by many to be the godfather of Detroit techno, but unlike others he has no plans to abandon his hometown. With buildings crumbling around him, Atkins finds inspiration for his music and for his life in the soul of the ruins.