The Observer Observed: Online Exhibit and Interview Collection

(Scroll right to view exhibit)

When the AADL Archives put together its exhibit of pages from the Ann Arbor Observer, we knew it was going to be a difficult task; we had to select 500 pages from over 60,000, and in doing so we had to attempt to show as much of a representative example of what the magazine is as we could--while still covering its nearly 50-year history of existence.  

We also knew it would be popular, but we didn't realize how many people we would hear from and how many people we would see spending extensive time poring over the pages we put up on the walls.  Being that it was such a hit, we thought it only fair to put it up on our site so people can spend time looking at it at their leisure.

The other thing we didn't realize was how many questions it would leave us with about how that magazine was put together and the people who have worked there over the decades.  A full and detailed accounting of the history of the Observer has yet to be written, but to start the process, we performed interviews with six of the individuals whose writing, illustration, and editorial work have made the Observer what it is over the years.  Take a listen and learn a little bit more about the publication that has been a chronicle of our community over these many years.

Patricia Garcia and John Hilton

The longtime publisher (Garcia) and editor (Hilton) of the Observer talk about how they were selected for ownership, how the community has changed in their almost 40 years of covering it, and how they weathered the changes in the media industry and the pandemic.

Steve Gilzow

One of the Observer's most prolific cover artists talks about the inspiration behind his art, the people and places captured within his covers, and how his work with the Observer has allowed a deeper understanding of the community.

John Hinchey

John Hinchey spent two decades covering city hall and four decades editing the Observer's events calendar. He tells us about how the city and its institutions have changed in his time chronicling it.

Eve Silberman

Eve Silberman has written for the Observer for over four decades. As profile writer and editor Eve oversaw the Ann Arborites section, which highlights community members. In addition, she has covered and written features on local politics, social services, the city's history, and more.

Laura Strowe

The artist behind over 60 Observer covers tells us about her work from etching to pastels and how art has effected how she views the world.