The Heidelberg Project – A MUST See Art Extravaganza

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Friday I went with another photographer downtown to shoot. No models, just us and the city. I loved photographing the train station, the graffiti, sun flare off the tall buildings.  But one experience shined above the rest.

I had an eye-opening opportunity to see a unique permanent outdoor art exhibit in Detroit called The Heidelberg Project. When I 1st arrived it brought back memories of when I was a High School art student.  Yes that was over 20 years ago.  We had an assignment called Trash to Treasures. We literally took old objects and things that basically would be trash and made them into something much greater.

The Heidelberg Project was started by Detroit artist, Tyree Guyton, in response to the decaying state of the neighborhood and community he lived in.  It was started back in 1986.  At around the same time I was doing a small school assignment, this huge project was underway.

The Heidelberg Project covers a 2 block area. Besides Tyree’s work, another amazing artist, Tim Burke resides there and has artwork in the form of his Detroit Industrial Gallery. The homes and yards where people live all become part of a bigger piece of art with a multitude of messages. I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it.  If you live in the Metro Detroit area – or even within a days drive – it is certainly worth the trip.

As a photographer, I loved the vivid colors. As an artist, I appreciate how discarded objects and old toys, cars, shoes, signs, etc. have come together to form this most expressive art form. Each piece of art and the entire larger than life project really moved me. The money they raise goes back into the children and families in the area.

To learn more about The Heidelberg Project, the art and the community outreach and how they are influencing and helping the Detroit neighborhoods and children, visit their Web Site here.

Here are a few Blog It Board Collages of my many images of the day.  You really need to see it to fully grasp the impact.

heidelberg-project1 The Heidelberg Project – A MUST See Art Extravaganza MCP Actions Projects MCP Thoughts Photo Sharing & Inspiration

heidelberyg-project The Heidelberg Project – A MUST See Art Extravaganza MCP Actions Projects MCP Thoughts Photo Sharing & Inspiration

heidelberg-project3 The Heidelberg Project – A MUST See Art Extravaganza MCP Actions Projects MCP Thoughts Photo Sharing & Inspiration

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No Comments

  1. Pam on August 5, 2009 at 3:31 pm

    I’ve read about this before, but your photos brought it to life. What an incredible project! Thanks for sharing this Jodi.

  2. Ramsey on August 5, 2009 at 7:59 pm

    I remember the ‘Trash to Treasures’ art project, too! This project is really interesting. Sort of reminds me of going to Howard Finster’s house. Will pass the info on to the art teachers at my school. It would make for a great starting point / discussion on so many topics, thanks for sharing!

    • MCP Actions on August 5, 2009 at 8:02 pm

      Ramsey, imagine 2 full street blocks of “Trash to Treasures” – it was really amazing. It would be great for discussion for your students. I loved that assignment.Jodi

  3. Penny on August 7, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    Fabulous. A photographer’s dream location! You did an amazing job of getting just the right shots.

  4. Sherri LeAnn on August 15, 2009 at 5:22 am

    I agree definitely a photographer’s dream location – I LOVE bright colors & this totally ROCKS – this is like my ultimate PLAYGROUND – I could get lost spending hours there – I so have to go here ! LOL

  5. Rae Higgins on July 2, 2012 at 1:06 am

    Looks like fun!

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