Ferndale Gets New Public Art Sculptures
The 11-piece installation is part of the Ferndale DDA's ARTWN initiative. What do you think of the new sculptures?
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You've probably noticed at least a few of the new sculptures that have been popping up around town over the past week or so.
The pieces - among them a bright red ram and a sculptural rendition of a flamenco dancer - are part of an 11-piece public art installation included in the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority's ARTWN initiative to add and showcase public art.
"ARTWN - The Exhibit" is sponsored by MotorCity Casino Hotel and the Ferndale DDA, with additional support from individual sculpture sponsors.
New sculptures have been installed almost daily over the past several days, with the final piece being unveiled on June 28 at an official launch party for the two-year installation.
"ARTWN - The Event, Small Plates and Big Art," will be held from 6-10 p.m. June 28 at the Rust Belt Market. Billed as "Black Tie and Sneakers," attendees will sign in at 6 p.m., receive a wristband and walk over to any one or all of six satellite host locations to see nearby sculptures and dine on small plate offerings. When guests return, they'll enjoy food, a silent auction, music and more at the Rust Belt.
“This is a major undertaking by the DDA as we work to bring to town more of what the public has asked for – art," said Cristina Sheppard-Decius, DDA executive director. “The Event is also going to be a blast and The Exhibit has already started many conversations. People are lingering longer, talking more and making the time to experience downtown Ferndale.”
Tickets for the event cost $50 each. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 248-546-1632 or visit www.downtownferndale.com.
In This article
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Ferndale Downtown Development Authority
149 W 9 Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI -
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The Rust Belt Market
22801 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI
J OBrien
8:25 am on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Why do they all look rusted? Who made the decision on designS?
Mr. Michael
10:46 am on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Personally I think most of the pieces are quite attractive but since art is subjective not every person will like every piece. I too would like to know who made the decisions on which pieces are selected for display. How about using some of that money to rid the downtown of all the graffiti that is more prevalent than ever? How long before these objects d'art are tagged by spray paint toting miscreants and who is accepting the responsibility to make sure they're restored if they're tagged? The red ram is hideous. I love Ferndale.
Janet Lawless
10:59 am on Thursday, June 7, 2012
i agree that the red ram is hideous. it is more of an eyesore than anything else. i understand that art should be very open, but if it's used to accent a city, it is much better if it is relevant and/or aesthetically pleasing. i like ferndale too, but i also wonder if the money could be spent more wisely
Ferndale Resident
11:17 am on Thursday, June 7, 2012
I agree with the above comments. Considering how we've had layoffs and cutbacks in the past few years, it doesn't seem to be a wise idea to spend money on art of questionable beauty.
What I'd like to know is when us residents had a say in this art going up. If the DDA feels it must spend money, I'd rather see the graffiti be removed, as was noted above. And then they're going to charge $50 for us residents to see this art in our own city? Sorry, but I'll pass.
Mark queentry
1:01 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Typical comments!!! Same old "I could've spent money better!". Cry me a river but make sure you get the cheap Kleenex!
Mark queentry
1:02 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
At least they don't make any noise so Sherry Wells should be ok with the art!
Ferndale Resident
2:53 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Yes, god forbid we complain about money being spent on something we don't need or want.
doug cowan
11:09 am on Friday, July 6, 2012
looks like clever marketers and a gullible dda. find the bike sculpture especially silly looks like garbage picked and stuck together land fill.
Steven Russell
2:55 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
When I went to CCS there was a running joke:
"If it's not art make it big, if it's still not are paint it red"
I wonder if the artist is doing this for a joke like Duchamp did.
Patricia
3:03 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Great spot to get a car to stop when it hits it. YUCK on it all. A Ferndale LIFER
Howard T
5:14 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
Lighten up and enjoy it. RELAX! why is everyone so judgemental. A really cool city has art everywhere and its even appearing on residents property. its awesome. the wierder/uglier/strange the better.
Lisa Grace
11:44 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
How wonderful!!!! LOVE all of it.
Laura Berger
11:00 am on Sunday, June 10, 2012
I'm with Howard T on this one.
Judy Kish
12:58 am on Monday, June 11, 2012
Ditto Howard T. :) What I found funny, was when I called FPD dispatch on duty Sat.evening to ask about the Red Ram, he asked me if it was obstructing traffic....lol
said he didn't have a clue what I was talking about. lol It's still making me laugh!!
Kristen hemond
10:44 pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I can appreciate art just as much as the next but the red ram is very random, very red, and looks like a giant Pez dispenser. Sorry but its kind of a step backwards away from what the city has been working so hard to achieve for so long.
Carey Gustafson
6:06 pm on Saturday, June 30, 2012
My 2 year old laughs so loud EVERY time she sees that Red Ram, and that's good enough for me. I LOVE that no one knows why or what the heck it's doing there. I'm glad the Ram is close to my house and not that cactus with a mime face. EEEEK