Over 11,000 homes have been foreclosed in Detroit, which is one of many reasons why we have decided to organize our 15th Anniversary Art Auction to benefit Power House Project of Detroit. ABC News recently took a look at a unique way some artists are coping with the recession: the $100 home.

It’s no secret Detroit has seen better days. These homes have been stripped of copper wiring, some have been burned, and many are falling apart. The jobless rate in Detroit is now at a whopping 22% and crime and hopelessness is at an all-time high. However, some artists see not blight, but opportunity. A blank canvas to build studio space.

Cope, an artist featured in the ABC video, states, “There is crime anywhere, so just stake your ground and learn to deal with it.”

“This house was worth $70,000 two years ago, so what does that mean?” asks another artist named Sarah.

Our hope is to help make Detroit a more livable, viable, and artistic community by raising enough money via our 15th Anniversary Art Auction to purchase homes with Power House Projects in the Detroit area and fly artists out to help renovate them.

This is just the beginning. Help us be a part of it.

Watch the full-length video news story from ABC News here.

Keep updated on The Big Payback auction at www.juxtapoz.com/Auction