Charles Wysocki, a first generation American of Polish heritage, was born in Detroit in 1928. He describes the early years in Detroit as "tough times" and says, "I didn't have a perfect childhood. Nobody does because it's not a perfect world. I did have a wonderful childhood because I made it a wonderful world."

The community that Charles grew up in consisted mostly of immigrants who took great pride and pleasure in celebrating the traditions of their new homeland. These joyous opportunities and celebrations offered by American freedom became the theme of what Charles would remember and portray in his artwork.

Wysocki's father wanted Charles to become a mathematician. Charles graduat...