C-Pop (gallery)

C-Pop was originally opened in March 1996 by Rick Manore with partners Michael Lask and Marty Geramita in the basement of a former church at 515 S. Lafayette in Royal Oak with a significant initial emphasis on rock posters, but was also associated with and moved towards a focus on less mass-produced art, including the Lowbrow art movement.

[1][2] The first exhibit in the space was for Robert Williams in May 1996.

[3] The gallery later moved to the David Whitney Building (Suite 313) in Detroit before finally opening in its final location at 4160 Woodward (the former Detroit Bowling & Trophy, in the same block as the Majestic Theater) in September 1999, with a notable sign created by Alex Porbe and significant renovations to the space funded by artist and eventual gallery owner Tom Thewes (son of Compuware co-founder Thomas Thewes).

[4] The physical gallery closed in the summer of 2009.

[5][6][7] Amongst the many artists who exhibited at C-Pop were Niagara, Glenn Barr, Mark Dancey, Robert Williams, Shag, and Shepard Fairey[8] The following is an incomplete listing of C-Pop exhibits:[9] C-Pop hosted various musical acts in its space as well in a limited fashion, including Jack White, the Demolition Doll Rods, and the Time Stereo Noise Camp.