Nick and Yen Azzaro: Connecting Ypsilanti, EMU and Local Schools

Stamps alums Nick and Yen Azzaro (BFA 2003), co-owners of the Chin-Azzaro studio, are featured in an MLive article detailing their work with the Ypsilanti community.

Recent projects include: the Ypsilanti Community Schools’ Bright Futures photography program; ​“We Are Ypsi,” a monthly showcase of artwork from YCS and EMU students ranging from elementary to college age; Y Trikes, a project created to call attention to local non-motorized transportation issues while bridging the city and university communities; and a new EMU partnership that utilizes the Chin-Azzaro studio to teach students about art administration, running a retail gallery and commercial photography.

…the projects in which the Azzaros are involved are smoothly connecting the university, city, township and Ypsilanti Community Schools communities — something that rarely happens easily or on a meaningful level. EMU and the city sharing road salt is nice, but the Azzaros’ projects are playing a big role in further developing the Ypsilanti community’s cultural identity.

Russ Olwell, an Eastern Michigan University housing and K‑12 researcher who partnered with the couple on several efforts, called them ​“genuinely community-minded” and said their work changed how he approaches economic and cultural development.

“Nick and Yen have completely transformed community collaboration in Ypsilanti. I don’t know how we ever lived without them,” Olwell said.

Ypsilanti couple’s expertise in the arts connects the city, EMU and local schools | MLive