Meet Gretchen Gonzales Davidson, 52, a musician-sculptor who feels like she’s in her 20s
Gretchen Gonzales Davidson has a lot of titles: Mom, wife, recording artist, arts advocate, connector, list maker, and doer. A literal rock star. She has recorded dozens of records with Universal Indians, Slumber Party, Infinite River, Seedsmen to the World, Battle Elf, and her husband, Ethan Daniel Davidson, to name a few of her collaborations.
Based in the Detroit area, she’s currently Chair of the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. Gretchen serves on organizations such as the National Council on the Arts, Cranbrook Art Academy, BasBlue, Reboot, Smithsonian Folkways, and the MELA Foundation.
As if that wasn’t enough, she started a production company, El Studio 444, along with her friend Leigha Bianchi. The most exciting event they’ve put together so far was a Hillary Clinton Campaign fundraiser where Aretha Franklin performed.
She’s exactly the kind of GAL (Grown-Ass Lady) we look up to here at The Midst, and we are delighted to share more of Gretchen’s story.
The Midst: You recently said that you are a musician “pushing boundaries through sound sculptures and musical collaborations.” That sounds incredibly cool — tell us more.
My approach to sculpture is conceptual rather than physical. Having played in bands for years, I’m drawn to experimental musicians creating unconventional sounds. My kids joke that my music sounds like “being locked in a bathroom with Slenderman” or “being attacked by a shark in an abandoned subway,” which I take as compliments! My project Infinite River’s first two records focus on improvised, serene soundscapes — inspiring one of my friends to start her day by drifting off to Space Mirror. Our last record comprises songs that tend to be a little prog rock.
I’ve also worked on scoring projects. Last year, I composed music for my dear friend Romeo Okwara, who recently retired from the Detroit Lions. While recovering from an injury, he took a 16 mm camera and made his black and white silent film SHOUT. He reached out to me to score his film after hearing some of my music on Instagram. I love these chance encounters. One thing leads to another, and you never know how your work might inspire someone else and create a chain reaction.
You are obviously a huge advocate for the arts. What things have you recently seen in the art world that have impacted you? Are there any people in particular inspiring you at this point in your life?
I sit at the intersection of arts and policy, which allows me to build connections between both worlds. After introducing Detroit Mayor Duggan to the NEA’s Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD), Detroit hosted one of their sessions. Mayors and design experts work together to tackle urban planning challenges—showing how awareness of resources can encourage change. To me, it all boils down to knowing what programs and opportunities are out there.
“I sit at the intersection of arts and policy, which allows me to build connections between both worlds.”
As chair of the Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC), I prioritize equalizing access to arts and culture, especially funding opportunities. We’re working to streamline the application process to ensure there’s more equitable distribution of funds. We’re also focused on bringing more arts education and critical thinking into classrooms, as there is a concerning connection between arts funding and educational outcomes. The U.S. lags behind other economies in education. You can see this in states like Michigan, whose rank is 32nd per capita in arts funding and 42nd in education.
As for inspiration, Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson stands out not only as a rockstar but also as a transformative figure in arts advocacy. I resonate with her work at the NEA and her vision of making arts and culture a “kitchen table topic.” Her measured, thoughtful approach and genuine passion have made her a leading voice in advocating for an artful life for all.
How has your perspective on success evolved over the years?
I now appreciate the small successes more than ever – from the triumph of everyone brushing their teeth before leaving the house to getting everyone in bed before midnight. In music, my idea of success centers on creating an interesting sound and good-flowing record. I find success in crafting memorable evenings through music, lighting, and atmosphere. My favorite is making meaningful connections, whether linking artists to audiences, friends to friends, or people to valuable information. Never underestimate these small victories!!
What are the best things about your age and life right now?
I turned 52 on December 28, 2024! (#HBD GAL!). I’m writing from my family vacation in Big Sky, Montana, where the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. I have the greatest husband, and my kids are kind and sweet (mostly). When everyone is settled, I am most at ease. As I’ve been told, parents are only as content as their least content child, and currently, my boys are doing pretty well. If I answer this in 10 minutes, I may have a different answer.
I treasure these moments: sitting in the mountains, listening to my boys’ endless sports chatter, their playful banter during disagreements. Even amid the chaos, these are the instances that fill me with awe.
“I have a deep appreciation for people who celebrate one another, as we all need each other to succeed.”
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself so far?
I surround myself with people who are doing a range of great things, and I’m inspired by their actions. I feel like I’m still in my 20s, so often I can’t believe it, but I am also so proud that my friends are among the leaders in whatever they’re doing. I’m inspired daily by my remarkable circle of friends who are leading galleries, design firms, boutiques, and art studios. They’re shaping politics, running impactful organizations, creating music, and publishing thought-provoking work.
I have a deep appreciation for people who celebrate one another, as we all need each other to succeed. I’m skeptical of those who don’t recognize others along the way.
A vital lesson I’ve learned is the power of saying no, especially to additional board and committee commitments. It’s easy to spread yourself thin. While I don’t always maintain this boundary, setting limits has helped me focus my energy.
Is there a myth about aging you’ve happily debunked?
The aches and pains are real! But I’ve noticed that people who stay active in their passions tend to maintain a more lively spirit. My artist and musician friends seem to be ageless. Even my Aunt Dorothy, who lived to 99, was always up for an adventure and eager to try new things. It’s that young-at-heart mentality that keeps us vibrant. I think it’s also important to stay around positivity. Having a positive mental attitude is crucial to a healthy life.
What are your current must-haves in life?
- Lip gloss
- Water
- Comfy shoes
- Sunglasses
- Good coffee
- Good friends
- Good conversation
- Good rest!!
Who are the GALs (Grown-Ass Ladies) you look up to and why?
I know I’m lucky to have many remarkable girlfriends and role models. I’ll tell you about a few standouts to me:
- There’s Jen Gilbert, mother of five, who lost one child to neurofibromatosis (NF). Yet she still shows up for her friends and community. Jen is an arts and business leader and started an interior design firm in Detroit. She’s also a champion for research on NF. She is truly a bright, shiny star!
- My dear friend Angela Wisnewski, the mother of a three-year-old daughter and founder of the boutique Coup d’État. More of a lifestyle shop, Angela curated a space that connects us to emerging or lesser-known women designers you might not find anywhere else. She literally has style to burn.
- There’s Holly Jonsson, who, in her 20s, had twin boys and then lost her husband within a four-year span. After ending a bad second marriage, she somehow stayed level-headed and started a successful interior design studio in her 40s. Holly is the Gwenyth Paltrow of Detroit.
- Liz Cohen, one of the most innovative artists and brilliant minds of our time. She continues to create thought-provoking art while running the photography program at Arizona State University. You can find her custom building a car or babe modeling next to it… depending on which day you find her. During her projects, if there is not already a muse — she becomes it!
- Another inspiring friend, JJ Curis, stands at the forefront of arts and culture in Detroit. She co-founded Library Street Collective and a new public arts campus in the East Village, on Detroit’s east side. At the core of the campus is the Shepherd, a hundred-year-old church, which has been transformed into a cultural arts center with programming focused on exhibitions, public projects, and performances. JJ is the epitome of cool, calm, and collected.
- Ashley Crain is one of those friends that makes life an adventure. Most would collapse with raising five kids, but with an appetite for learning, Ashley decided to get a real estate license and start her own company. A powerhouse entrepreneur, she’s helped raise millions for good causes.
- We’re all big fans of Kim Gordon, who remains fearless as she continues to make provocative sounds. I love how she resonates across all generations with her music and style. Endlessly inspirational.
- There’s my mom, Brenda Gonzales, who, at my age now, joined the Peace Corps, moved to South Africa for two years, and lived without electricity or running water. After her service, she continued to help bring clean water to a village called Vukuzenzele. Talk about a role model!
- Colleen Ocha Peters volunteers on numerous meaningful projects, including Vision to Learn, which brings eyeglasses to children in need. She also helps at the Detroit area food bank, Forgotten Harvest. An exciting project she’s currently working on is helping the Smithsonian establish the first women’s history museum in DC, which should be built within the next decade.
- I could go on and on with so many others… but we may be running out of space…
The common thread among these inspiring ladies is their ability to celebrate and lift up those around them. They don’t shy away from obstacles, and while many could have given up, an inner fire drives them to persevere. These women exemplify resilience, community service, and the transformative power of helping others. Each one reminds us that true inspiration comes not just from success but from the courage to keep showing up no matter what.
What do you want most for/from the community of women you surround yourself with? And what progress do you hope to see in society for future generations of women?
What I want most from my community of women is to keep doing good things! It’s contagious and inspiring. I think it’s vital that we celebrate our friends. My dear friend Emily Pitt, another inspiration and collector/designer/chef, hosted an early birthday party for me, and I left so energized from all the love that was thrown at me.
I’d love to see more gender diversity in experimental music. There’s always room for more… and who doesn’t love a productive hang-out!
What’s next for you?
We have lots of music ready for 2025! Battle Elf has three records ready for release, and Infinite River is working on our 4th record. I’ve been collaborating on a project called Inploration, and if all works out, you may see us at the Venice Biennale.
Thanks so much for sharing with us! If you’d like to follow Gretchen, you can find her on:
Gretchen
Infinite River
