Art and culture in Detroit are perennial hot topics. Art parks in Detroit often display structures that emphasize reusing resources. The modes in which these local artists go about transforming found objects into new meanings is brings literal life into all areas of town.
Preservation of the arts, specifically in black communities, is sparking projects all over. Urban environments also impact where these city art pieces are available for public viewing, hence why you’ll see much of it in natural spaces, such as parks. The streets have a glorious supply of natural wonder.
Detroitisit rounded up a list of art parks in Detroit and other cool projects to keep up with as they evolve through the years.
C.A.N. ART HANDWORKS
The Motor City can be seen, heard, and felt. It takes an artist’s eye to turn metal, recycled car parts, and other recycled objects into a community display of renewal. Meet “eco-pioneer,” Carlos Nielbock. Some of the cast-off metal materials he “upcycles”, include satellite dishes and wheel bearings to produce wind turbines that are installed throughout Detroit. He is also the founder of C.A.N. Art Handworks, a metalworking studio where he primarily works on reproducing the metal ornamentation on historic structures. A large installation of his metal work behind his studio includes several windmills, “Detroit” spelled out in decorative wrought iron, and other work. You can marvel at most of the ornamental architecture in the street. Click HERE to learn more information.
Location: 2264 Wilkins Street, Detroit, MI
PHOTO CITY SCULPTURE / FACEBOOK
CITY SCULPTURE
Check out the newer temporary location of this next art park in Detroit. City Sculpture is a 501c3 nonprofit entity designed to provide an educational experience for high school and college students utilizing found objects and welded metal sculpture of the artist Robert Sestok. Visit the array of weldings that reflect Detroit’s youth education and the community’s encouragement for the arts. Click HERE to view their online gallery and then see the pieces in person!
Location: 3573 Farnsworth, Detroit, MI
CHARLES MCGEE LEGACY PARK
CHARLES MCGEE, PHOTO NORWEST GALLERY OF ART / FACEBOOK
Art parks in Detroit stem from innovative concepts and rich, Detroit art history. The public sculpture garden at the Charles McGee Legacy Park will be next to the church and will feature three large-scale sculptures between 8 and 12 feet tall. McGee completed the designs for the park before passing away in early 2021. “Rhapsody in the Park” is one of three life-size sculptures by Charles McGee Legacy Park. The creative arts in Detroit don’t need a new space when they can reinvent! Keep up with the Arts district in Detroit as they plan to create other green spaces. The target date for completion and launch is spring 2023.
‘ARTS ALLEY’ INITIATIVE
DETROIT MURALS, PHOTO AWESOME MITTEN / PINTEREST
Art parks in Detroit can be literal parks, but it’s also worth mentioning the constant efforts to revitalize the neglected parts of the city. According to The Detroit News, the American Rescue Plan Act dollars with support from the Ford Foundation plans to transform Detroit’s Jefferson Chalmers, Old Redford, Schulze, Northwest Goldberg, and Springwells neighborhoods. City officials hope to create community gathering spaces that are not just more functional but where residents can “exhibit and experience art.” Alleyways have long been overgrown, illegal dumping grounds, but not for long! Construction should start in 2023. Click HERE to keep up with the Library Street Collective.
ART PARK EASTERN MARKET
Brought to Eastern Market by FIRM Real Estate, this is the market’s public park across from the sheds. It’s also the perfect hangout spot while enjoying local artists along with street music. Click HERE to learn more or you can head over there right now!
Tues, 9 AM-3 PMSat, 9 AM-4 PMSun, 10 AM-4 PMLocation: 2801 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 4820
LINCOLN STREET ART PARK
PHOTO LINCOLN STREET ART PARK / FACEBOOK
Snap several photos and have a photoshoot at this next art park in Detroit. Who’s up for an abandoned industrial site turned sculpture park? Explore this cultural gem, rich with graffiti & art made from recycled materials. You’ll find creative images along the train tracks as well! Park on the road and have a colorful look during the day! It’s also a chill hangout spot for your artsy crew.
Location: 5926 Lincoln St, Detroit, MI
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