The artwork of 47 experienced and emerging local artists will soon be featured in nine “Arts Alleys” across Detroit.
The City of Detroit’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship will open the alleys over the next month as part of an initiative to create vibrant community spaces and showcase the works of local artists, according to a release.
Previous coverage: Detroit launches $5.4M ‘Arts Alleys’ project to transform urban spaces
Here’s everything to know about how artists were selected, who they are and where the new Art Alleys will be located:
How were artists chosen?
After more than 130 artists responded to an open call to be a part of this initiative, stakeholders in the neighborhoods around the alleys selected the 47 artists.
What kind of artwork will be featured in the alleys?
Thirty-eight of these artists will paint murals, while the other nine will complete artworks including mosaics, portraits and sculptures.
Each artist is expected to complete their project by the end of the month.
Who are the selected artists?
The following artists were selected to create artwork for this initiative:
- Oshun Williams
- Ijania Cortez
- Nicole MacDonald
- Danielle Ward
- Mike Ross
- Jennifer Maples
- David Swartz
- Trae Isaac
- Rahmaan Barnes
- Marlo Broughton
- Jesse Kassel
- Layton Scarbrough
- Shirley Woodson
- Jonathan Kimble
- Gail Beasley
- Tim Smith
- Joseph Smith
- Donald Calloway
- Angel Kelly
- Gil Johnson
- Andre Trenier
- Juliana Sanroman
- Tunisia Howard
- Sanders Skip Bryant
- Fel’le
- Desiree Kelly
- Munera Kaakouch
- Ani Garabedian
- Waleed
- Vito Valdez
- Christine Bossler
- Jaz
- Simone Rosia
- Amadeus Roy
- Olayami Dabls
- Tony Rave
- Tony Whlgn
- Jamar Atkinson
- Andrea Slomczenski
- Cameron Jenkins
- DERKZ
- Jonathan Sandberg
- Phil Seth
- Pat Perry
- Bethannie Steelman
- Chaz Miller
- Jason Phillips
Most of these artists’ work can be found on the Detroit Mural Map.
Where are the new Art Alleys located?
The Art Alleys will be opening throughout June. Below is more information about each alley, when it opens and what time a representative will speak at each opening.
The North End Arts Alley (9400 Oakland, Detroit, MI 48211)
Here’s what the city said about this alley:
It is “the city’s first Agri-Arts Alley and is anchored by the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm. It provides a space that celebrates art alongside the growing urban farming movement.”
The alley is scheduled to open at noon on Saturday, June 7, with the program starting at 12:15 p.m.
The Grand River Arts Alley (6559 Grand River, Detroit, MI 48208)
The city said it “is a space where the community can engage with and understand the profound depth of African culture and history through the work of artist Olayami Dabls.”
It is scheduled to open on Saturday, June 14, at 10 a.m., with the program starting at 4:30 p.m.
The Burrell Trail Arts Alley (7601 Harper Ave., Detroit, MI 48213)
This alley, “named after the Burrell brothers, two brilliant youth who participated in the neighboring Alkebu-Lan Village’s programs and were killed in a house fire, will anchor the Alkebu-Lan Village Campus, where youth have learned responsibility and self-defense for more than 40 years,” according to the city.
Its opening is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 6 p.m. with the program set to begin at 6:25 p.m.
The Yellow Brick Road Arts Alley (14208 East Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48215)
The city said this alley “focuses on youth education and safety, providing a refuge for children to ride their bikes, play and learn about history through a community library and a variety of art projects.”
It’s set to open at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, with the program beginning at 12:15 p.m.
The Bailey Park Arts Alley (2701 Elmwood, Detroit, MI 48207)
This alley “is part of a vibrant redevelopment in the historic McDougall-Hunt neighborhood that includes a new park for children and celebrates the history of the old Black Bottom neighborhood,” the city said.
This alley is set to open at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, with the program starting at 1 p.m.
The Old Redford Arts Alley (17330 Lahser Detroit, MI 48219)
It “complements the existing art hub, Artists Village, that serves as both a mecca for emerging and veteran artists as well as a commercial entertainment space,” the city said.
The opening is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, with the program starting at 11 a.m.
The Bagley Arts Alley (2631 Bagley Detroit, MI 48216)
This alley “is a multicultural community staple that will serve as a gathering space with art that fuses the many worlds that comprise Southwest Detroit,” according to the city. “It is next to the Roberto Clemente Recreation Center.”
It will open at noon on Saturday, June 28, with the program starting at 12:15 p.m.
The Snowden-Hartwell Arts Alley (17129 Snowden St., Detroit, MI 48235)
The city said this alley “is a ‘Dream Way’ that embraces both art and science to create a welcoming gathering space for the environmentally conscious residents living in this northwest Detroit neighborhood that is transforming 17 other alleys on its own."
It’s set to open at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, with the program beginning at 1:15 p.m.
The Passage to Wellbeing Alley (14600 Korte St., Detroit, MI 48215)
Home of the Manistique Community Treehouse, anchors the surrounding community through a series of spaces designed to promote wellness, good mental health and access to nature. This alley opens Saturday, July 5 at 3 p.m., the program will start at 3:15 p.m.
