Detroit, MI – Life’s trials and tribulations led Denise Dotson to COTS doorstep with few possessions; one of the things she brought along was faith. Under the COTS roof, the artist was offered a chance to get back on her feet.
Typically silent about her problems, Dotson finds the optimistic view whenever possible. Her work, in acrylics with lots of color, is a metaphor for her faith in positive thinking. She paints women & children, “Confident women”, according to Dotson who’s trying to portray empowerment. Dotson also creates greeting cards, murals and wall hangings.
Some of Dotson’s work is on display at the Arts League of Michigan where she is a “resident artist”. There have been some successes recently; Chene Park purchased a large banner from Denise, portraying singers, Erykah Badu and India Arie.
Self taught, Dotson began painting about 10 years ago. She is also a jazz singer and actress, often jamming at Bert’s Market Place & Jazz Club on Russell St. in Eastern Market.
“Denise can teach all of us a thing or two,” remarks Lynn Wilhelm, COTS Chief Development Officer. “If you have an image of homelessness, it’s not Denise. The lesson here is that even a talented and intelligent woman like her can end up without a home. It can happen to any of us. COTS is fortunate to be able to help in her time of need.”
Founded in 1982, the Coalition On Temporary Shelter (COTS) is a private, nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing and comprehensive support services for Detroit’s homeless population. Its mission is to alleviate homelessness by offering an array of services, which enable people to achieve economic self-sufficiency and decent, affordable housing. COTS™ 140-bed shelter provides nearly 50,000 nights of emergency shelter each year. Visit www.cotsdetroit.org.
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