The arts. So crucial, yet one of the first things cut when school or civic budgets get tight. Art generates controversy, too β from arguing the merit of graffiti to funding the DIA and the Detroit bankruptcyβs βGrand Bargain.β
3 Tried and True Public Art Installations
Hamtramck Disneyland
Hamtramck Disneyland started as a hobby by the late Dmytro Szylak (right), a retired General Motors worker. Itβs now a globally recognized engineering masterpiece open for exploration, filled with bright colors and unique designs, all built on a 30-foot backyard and on top of two garages. 12087 Klinger St., Hamtramck
The Heidelberg Project
For nearly three decades, artist Tyree Guytonβs idea to create an art environment to rebuild the east-side community has gone from controversial to institutional. His transformation of blighted homes into unique art pieces has received worldwide attention and become a popular tourist destination. But itβs still in the eyes of the beholder. For the past two years, the art installation has been subject to 12 fires. 3600 Heidelberg St., Detroit;
Cranbrook Academy of Art
As an educational institution, the Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum provides an experience with modern and contemporary art, architecture, and design. Enlighten all your senses with a walk from one side of campus to the other to view the Cranbrook House built by Albert Kahn, sculptures by Carl Milles, Marshall Fredericks, and more; fountains; Kingswood Lake; and more. 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-3300;
1 Potentially Record-Breaking Mural
In March, our friends at DBusiness reported that the worldβs tallest muralΜύwas heading for Detroitβs First National Building. Work on the 350-plus-foot-high by 81-foot-wide painting, designed by world-renowned New York-based street artists How & Nosm, was set to start and finish in May. At press time, no progress had been made and no start date had been set.
Unreleased renderings for How & Nosmβs proposed With All Oneβs Heart mural feature a vivid background of geometric cubes β a nod to Alvin Lovingβs 1972 mural Message to Demar and Lauri that once graced the skyscraperβs walls. Message was a public art staple in downtown Detroit for nearly two decades. It covered more than 20,000 square feet and encapsulated Lovingβs early body of work. In 1989, the fading mural was removed after being deemed too costly to maintain.
Once referred to as a leading figure in the African-American Abstraction movement, Lovingβs work remains in the permanent collection at New Yorkβs Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and his hometown Detroit Institute of Arts.
Loving graduated from Cass Tech and earned his masterβs degree from the University of Michigan in 1965.ΜύA solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1969 marked his arrival on the art scene.
In a 1974 New York Times review of his constructed pieces, Peter Schjeldahl described his work as able to βenergize the space around them.β
Lovingβs larger-than-life mural in Detroit did muchΜύof the same β bringing a point of pride for the African-American art community and injecting vibrancy into a drab downtown. In 2005, Loving passed away from lung cancer at the age of 69.
We agree that preservation of historic architecture is critical, and the First National Building is a significant landmark. But what better place to cement the legacy of a local artist and make a statement about Detroitβs artistic vibrancy than to install a modern mural that breaks records? Stay tuned.
βRyan Patrick Hooper
3 New Public Installations
The Z
The Z (above) is 535,000 square feet of mixed-use building and nearly 1,300 parking spaces. Artwork by 27 international artists utilizing bold colors and design fill the space. Retail tenants include Punch Bowl Social and Citizen Yoga. 1234 Library St., Detroit;
Lincoln StreetΜύArt Park
Created in 2011 as a program of Green Living Science, this display of public art benefits from the Recycle Here facility with sculptures made from everything recyclable in this community gathering space. 5926 Lincoln St., Detroit;
Red Bull House of Art
As part artist incubator and part art gallery, the Red Bull House of Art in Eastern Market offers local and national artists the opportunity to showcase their work in a collaborative and inspiring environment. 1551 Winder St., Detroit; 313-758-9219;
3 Hot Music Venues
Populux (above): The Magic Stick and its pool tables are gone. LED-lit columns, a big dance floor, new bathrooms. Bring on the electric dance.
The UFO Factory is back and has landed in Corktown. And now theyβre talking about adding food options like fancy hot dogs? Weβre there.
The Dirty Dog Jazz CafΓ©: Acoustically perfect, intimate setting, great acts, good drinks, and delicious food. Who could ask for more?
3 Detroit Stories Worthy of a Movie
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton (above): Currently in post-production, American Prophet is a movie about this peace, justice, and civil rights activist/retired auxiliary bishop of the Detroit archdiocese. An Indiegogo campaign is seeking donations.
Mayor Coleman A. Young: Really? Thereβs never been a major movie about him? One of the Tuskegee Airmen; blacklisted for union activities; House Unamerican Activities Committee target; and all that before becoming Detroitβs first African-American mayor?
Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories from the Underground Railroad Former Detroit News columnist Betty DeRamusβ book is being turned into an eight-hour television miniseries by NBC and, later, a musical with songs by Stevie Wonder.
Outdoor Music
3 Old Favorites
Chene Park: The gem on the Detroit River celebrates its 30th season
DTE Energy Music Theatre: The big kahuna is still rocking after all these years. But those of a certain age still call it Pine Knob.
Meadow Brook Music Festival: The usually more sedate little brother of DTE, it was originally the summer home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
1 New Outdoor Concert Venue
On 20 acres, Detroitβs West Riverfront Park is hosting events like Mo Pop in July (Modest Mouse, Passion Pit, Iron & Wine, and a slew of other acts).
3 New/Revived Venues
Freedom Hill: There have been some $2 million in upgrades to technology, cosmetic fixes, and more since its reopening in 2013.
LaFontaine Family Amphitheater: Three Milford civic organizations joined to design and build a concert venue and restrooms. It will be home to the weekly summer ConcertsΜύ in the Park series.
Kennedy Memorial Park: Just in time for an exhibit to honor the MC5, the Lincoln Park band shell is getting an upgrade.
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