Paulina Petkoski: Art and Fashion in Motor City

When she’s not curating her gallery’s programming, Paulina Petkoski is styling CEOs. As the co-founder of Playground Detroit, Petkoski created a unique cultural hub that champions emerging talent in Detroit while bringing awareness to sustainability in the fashion industry.After studying at FIT and working with major fashion brands in New York, she launched Playground Detroit in 2012 as a platform to showcase her hometown's artists to wider audiences. What began as pop-up events evolved into a permanent gallery space housed in a historic 1877 building, supported by community crowdfunding that demonstrated Detroit's hunger for creative spaces. "Detroit has space and time, but New York has audience and market," Petkoski explains, perfectly capturing what makes each creative ecosystem distinct. Now on what she calls "Playground 4.0," Petkoski has expanded her vision to include a creative talent agency, artist fellowships, and partnerships that connect creators with opportunities. Her background in sustainable fashion design informs her work as a personal stylist for professionals navigating life transitions, bringing artistic sensibility to everyday wardrobes. This intersection of disciplines feels natural to Petkoski, who notes how major fashion houses increasingly collaborate with artists, recognizing that "they don't exist separately."The gallery focuses on artists with authenticity, dedication, and uplifting perspectives; qualities that align with Playground's playful name and mission to provide respite from life's chaos through creative expression. While acknowledging the growing challenges of gallery ownership in today's economy, Petkoski remains committed to elevating Detroit's creative voices nationally and internationally through art fairs and digital platforms.Whether you're an artist, an aspiring gallery owner, or simply curious about how creativity thrives outside traditional art capitals, this conversation offers valuable insights into building cultural bridges one exhibition at a time. Follow Playground Detroit's journey on Instagram and Twitter @play_detroit and discover how Detroit's DIY ethos continues to shape contemporary art and fashion. Connect with the Artalogue: Madison Beale, HostBe a guest on The Artalogue Podcast

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