Artist Bio

Dwight Stackhouse, affectionately known as “Skip” to friends and family, is a writer who completed his first novel in 2013. His artistic vision involves people and embraces diversity in all aspects of life. “Writing is the evolution of my thoughts,” says Stackhouse, “but only the penultimate destination. If it does not get to the people, and ’disturb’ them, then it can be said that I have not succeeded. My pen will have missed its mark.” All of Skip’s writings come from a fundamental philosophy; “we can be better than we are.” He has performed on stage, as an actor, in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Boston, New York and France. The reviews of his stage work were described with encouraging superlatives like, “genius”, “gifted” and “hidden treasure.”

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In nineteen seventy-nine, while performing in James Baldwin’s play The Amen Corner, he was introduced to the famous author who saw much promise in this, then young, artist. Finding common ground in their shared philosophies on human rights, family history, religious backgrounds and creative inspirations, they became friends. He is the subject of one of Mr. Baldwin’s poems, “Song for Skip” published in his literary collection called “Jimmy’s Blues”. “There is no way to deny the guiding influence of the great James Baldwin,” Mr. Stackhouse says, “or his model for the telling of insightful truths. Jimmy would often say to ‘tell it like it is’.” Although Mr. Stackhouse no longer has a passion for the stage, he has shown a similar aplomb with the pen.

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A writer of poetry, short stories, and songs for many years, and having shared his work with many readers, Stackhouse was repeatedly told the work was of such quality that he should pursue publication. His novel, titled Mother’s Milk, is his first effort at doing so. At sixty-five years of age, he then considered himself arriving “late in the game”, but is now committed to getting more literary products to the public. He has also submitted much of his work for consideration of awards, fellowships, and literary recognition. His second publication is a registration of romantic poetry called “Forever My Heart Desires,” released in 2014; a collection described as “profoundly beautiful”, “deeply moving” and “brilliant” in the ways of love. His third publication is a series of poems dealing with subjects of everyday life which is due for release in 2020 titled, “Notions in Blue”.

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He is a proud recipient of the “2018 Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship Award” and looks forward to dedicating himself to his artistry full time after announcing his retirement this year. Having served the real estate community for over 30 years, he is also the recipient of the 2018 “Best of Detroit” Public Service Award for Home Inspections. He looks forward to the many projects his craft offers and being able to express his passion for art in the coming years. Honesty in art is key to real development.” It is in this way writing launches his future work.