what is eye opener?

 

Eye Opener originated in 2021, when I invited six graphic design alumnae to share an Airbnb in Royal Oak for an exhibition called With Eyes Open at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. The show was inspiring, but sharing ideas and experiences around the breakfast table with like-minded women was my transformational moment. By summer 2022, I'd gathered sixteen alumnae--from generations spanning 50 years--for four amazing days of walks and workshops on campus, even staying in the dorms. And by summer 2025, twenty-one alumnae met for five magical nights on campus, growing and weaving a multi-generational community of women in design. The warmth, trust and humor among us felt like family--and the Cranbrook grounds felt like home. 

 

In that spirit, we want to share the experience to ALL women-in-design. Regardless of design field, stage in life or work, you are welcome to the Eye Opener community at Cranbrook.  

 

what is cranbrook?

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Cranbrook Academy of Art is part of the 319-acre Cranbrook Educational Community, founded in 1932 by George Gough Booth and his wife Ellen Scripps Booth. They hired Eliel Saarinen to design one of the world’s most enchanted places—a total work of art, where every detail has been designed. (Talk about Kingswood accommodations here?) Internationally acclaimed women in design such as Ray Eames, Lola Saarinen, Florence Knoll, Gere Kavanugh, Lorraine Wild and Katherine McCoy all started their seminal work and thinking at Cranbrook. Cranbrook has a rich history in mid-century modernism, and continues to shape the world of art, architecture, and design today. 

 

what now?

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Just take a break and hang out with us this summer. Eye Opener is about being in the present moment, meeting amazing women, and appreciating the beauty around you--without distraction, stress, competition or hierarchy. Just come and be yourself.

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Warmly,

 

Laurie Haycock Makela

Eye Opener, Founder

 

CAA MFA 2D design, 1991

CAA artist-in-residence, 1996-2001

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