Rock drummer displays art talent in local gallery

By Dan DuChene
Jan. 17, 2009    ·    3:17 a.m.

The What is That Art Gallery downtown is gearing up to host a showing of visual art from a notable metro-Detroit rock musician.

The gallery is kicking of the showing for Johnny “Bee” Badanjek, the drummer from the 1960’s rock band the Detroit Wheels, at 7 p.m. tonight. After the opening, Badanjek’s showing will continue at the gallery until Feb. 17.

Though Badanjek may not be the most notable artist What is That has hosted, co-owner David Austen said Badanjek’s music followers have created a cross-over success for his paintings and drawings.

He said Badanjek is likely the artist with the most name recognition and mainstream appeal his gallery has hosted.

After the Detroit Wheels and its front man, Mitch Ryder, parted ways in the late 1960’s, the band eventually parted ways. Badanjek has since played for other rock acts, such as Alice Cooper, Bob Segar and Edgar Winter.

Though some of Badanjek’s recordings may be played at the event, it will be his paintings and drawings in the spotlight tonight.

“He seems to be applying a bit more of his time to that now,” Austen said.

More than forty pieces are being displayed for the showing, including some work from Jeremy Hensen. A friend of Badanjek, Hensen is the director for River’s Edge Gallery in Wyandotte. Austen said some of his personal work has been displayed at River’s Edge, and that connection brought Badanjek and his paintings to Ypsilanti.

“They’ve been really gracious about this,” Austen said.

Describing Badanjek’s work as “outside art,” Austen said there are two distinct styles displayed at What is That. He said the works range from very literal narrative pieces to non-representational abstract works. He said there’s something for everyone, with prices ranging from $150 to $8,000.

After the opening ends at 9 p.m., rumors have been circulated that Badanjek may be picking up some drum sticks and playing unannounced at a venue in Ypsilanti.

“If he plays,” Austen’s wife and business partner, Leslie, said, “it will be at the Screaming Eagle.”

This winter marks the beginning of What is That’s second year in operation. Though the Austens aren’t quite sure which specific day marks the business’s anniversary, they do know they’ll be putting on an event to mark the occasion soon.

The couple says showings, like the one starting tonight, bring in a lot of business. However, they said they do get business form general traffic, especially from area residents. Though, the Austens said they have been working hard to attract people from outside the area to their gallery.