Joe Schipani

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.