A passion for writing
Joe Schipani, is an author, researcher, public art curator, and plays an active part in the LGBTG+ community through his work in public art and food system change.
His books include “Haunted Flint” and “Ghost and Legends of Genesee and Lapeer counties”, both co-authored with Roxanne Rhodes.
Growing up in a police family and in a house that was haunted has helped shape Schipani’s fascination with the paranormal and true crimes. While helping with the paranormal investigation with the Spencer Mortuary and researching the grim history of the place, gave way to a five year investigation on other haunts in Flint and what might be causing them.
When he first moved to Flint, he worked as a case manager at My Brother’s Keeper working with homeless LGBTQ+ young adults navigate services that will provide them with the assistance they need. In 2015 he became the Director of Flint Public Art Project. As the director of FPAP, he worked with many LGBTQ+ artists to help make Flint a safe space to create and explore their craft. He has also conducted and participated in LGBTQ+ artist panel discussions to help generate more allies for the community. One of his most notable public art projects was the Pride Hearts Project, which gave the LGBTQ+ and alternative pride celebration by painting 10 pride hearts on the sidewalks with Artist Houzenga. Each pride heart was embedded with an NFC chip that showed different videos of the history of Pride. You can find links to this article and other information about Joe Schipani in the links below.
The Florida Man Vampire
In this satirical tale, meet Carleton, a 200-year-old vampire bound by the constraints of his former lover and maker to the sunny state of Florida. Known as the true “Florida Man” by pop culture standards, he can only feed on those he deems less intelligent, a punishment that drives him to navigate the strange and absurd landscape of modern Florida society.
As Carleton struggles to find food and love, he invents the “Florida Man Game,” a humorous hunt for food sources that reflects both his predatory instincts and his ironic detachment from human behavior. His misadventures lead him to unexpected connections within the MAGA movement, where he seeks to redefine his political identity amidst a sea of eccentric characters.
Caught between his craving for food and the absurdity of his surroundings, Carleton’s journey culminates in a dramatic showdown. In a bid to save the country from dictatorship, he compels the president to confront the pain and suffering he has inflicted on others, trapping him in an eternal loop of anguish. At the same time, Carleton helps the vice president embrace his true identity, blending themes of redemption, self-acceptance, and the power of love into a witty narrative.
Join Carleton as he navigates the challenges of being a gay vampire in Florida, struggles with technology, and alter the course of American politics—all while showcasing the absurdity of life, love, and the relentless quest for belonging.
Deep Dish
What happens when an average gay guy in his 30s gets fired from his high-profile marketing job,leaves his fabulous apartment in Chicago to attend his father’s funeral in Michigan, is subsequently abandoned by his boyfriend for a younger man, and is kicked out of his home in Chicago only to find his stuff boxed up and delivered to his dead father’s house? He becomes a
pizza delivery guy, of course. Cody feels like he’s lost everything – but sometimes we need to lose everything to open up to new possibilities. Back in Michigan, Cody finds bigger drama at Cheese Palace Pizza than in his corporate job in Chicago. Diving directly into the heart of our exchange economy, peeling back the layers the transactional relationships that make up our lives, Cody is confronted by desperation, apathy, resistance and above all, change. Each delivery he makes seems a throw-away, and yet each delivery uncovers something much deeper about him, and the world around him.He enters a seemingly throw-away, transactional relationship with his lawn guy, Blake. He connects, sometimes deeply, to people he feels superior too, and above all he strategizes his deliveries to maximize the desperation, hope, and pay-off of the moment. Where will it lead? Deep Dish is a fast-paced novel – running on the energy of a timed delivery. There is never,never, never… a free pizza at the end.
Magic
In the gritty underbelly of Detroit, Joe Schipani navigates a wild world where secrets and desires intertwine. “Magic” follows the life of Magic, a charismatic and cunning drug dealer, as he balances the intoxicating thrill of nightlife with the pressing reality of his chaotic existence. Amidst parties, raves, and the seductive allure of forbidden encounters, he finds himself caught between the frustration of a clingy roommate, Sam, and the promising connection with Kyle, a sweet and innocent young man who captivates his heart.
As relationships blur and the lines between love and lust become increasingly complicated, Magic starts to realize that the life he’s built on secrecy and pleasure ultimately leads to a tumultuous spiral. When an encounter with Sam turns dangerous, forcing Magic to make an irreversible decision, he discovers the need for a fresh start. A weekend getaway with friends turns into an unexpected journey of self-discovery, where he finds himself reevaluating everything he thought he wanted.
With a blend of humor, raw emotion, and electrifying encounters, “Magic” explores the complexities of love, freedom, and the simple desire to escape one’s past. In a life filled with fleeting connections, can Magic find a way to truly embrace himself and the future he yearns for?
Join Magic on this gripping ride as he delves into the depths of his own heart, confronting the shadowy corners of his life, and discovering what it truly means to be free. Are you ready to experience the magic?
Building Stronger Communities with Art: A Guide to Creating a Community Mural Festival
Building Stronger Communities with Art: Gathering on Purpose
In an age where digital connections often overshadow meaningful in-person interactions, “Gathering on Purpose” shines a light on the undeniable power of community gatherings. This insightful guide reveals how intentional public events can transform neighborhoods, foster deep connections, and spark creative movements that resonate far beyond a single moment.
Drawing from over a decade of experience as the Director of the Flint Public Art Project, Joe Schipani shares invaluable lessons, strategies, and real-world examples that demonstrate the profound impact of gathering with purpose. Whether you’re a community organizer, artist, educator, or simply a resident passionate about making a difference, this book is your roadmap to fostering belonging and engagement in your local spaces.
Building Stronger Communities with Art : Empowering Youth Through Creative Expression
In Building Stronger Communities with Art, Joe Schipani draws upon his extensive experience in public art initiatives and after-school programs to illuminate the profound transformative power of art in fostering resilience and connection among youth. The book details how artistic expression can not only enhance the lives of children and families but also revitalize communities, especially in the face of adversity.
Beginning with an introduction to the rich history and challenges of Flint, Michigan, Schipani articulates a vision of art as a tool for empowerment, healing, and connection. Throughout the book, he shares successful case studies from various community art projects that illustrate the deep impact of creativity on social cohesion and individual identity.
The narrative emphasizes how after-school art programs offer essential spaces for self-expression, enabling youth to navigate their emotions and develop critical social skills. By fostering collaboration and encouraging community engagement, these initiatives nurture a sense of belonging and pride.
Schipani advocates for integrating artistic endeavors into education, presenting practical project ideas—from murals and surfaces made from recycled materials, to unique community quilt projects—that inspire participation and dialogue. By harnessing the voices of children, this book demonstrates how art can serve as a vibrant medium for storytelling and social change.
With heartfelt insights and compelling narratives, Building Stronger Communities with Art engages educators, community leaders, and parents, urging them to recognize the profound capabilities that art holds in shaping a brighter, more connected future. Together, through creative expression, communities can become stronger, healthier, and more inclusive. Join Schipani on this illuminating journey of artistic empowerment, and discover how art can indeed bridge divides, ignite passion, and uplift whole communities.
Bloodlines: The Violent Legacy of Flint’s Vehicle City
Haunted Flint
Ghosts and Legends of Genesee & Lapeer Counties
