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Office of County Executive
Mark A. Hackel
(586) 469-7001

Contact: John Cwikla

Phone: 586-463-3523

Email: cwikla@macombgov.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2018

Macomb County unveils digital map of public art

Executive Mark A. Hackel joins OneMacomb and local arts and cultural leaders to demonstrate new interactive tool, ask for public support in adding to the map

Macomb County and OneMacomb officials today launched its newest digital resource, a map of all public art located throughout its 27 communities. The map is a comprehensive resource for all residents and visitors interested in getting out and experiencing local sculptures, paintings, murals and a variety of other mediums. It was unveiled in front of leaders from the arts and cultural community and members of the general public at a kick-off event held at the Anton Art Center.

"We are thrilled to offer residents and visitors another tool that will help them 'make Macomb their home,'" said County Executive Mark A. Hackel. "Communities across the county have made big investments in public art. Our hope is that the map will inspire people to get out, explore their neighborhoods and experience these works in person."

The creation of the art map was inspired by the growing belief that public art adds value for communities beyond its visual benefits. According to the Association for Public Art: "Public art can express community values, enhance our environment, transform a landscape, heighten our awareness, or question our assumptions."

The initial concept for the map was developed by Deputy County Executive Pam Lavers and OneMacomb.

"There has been a real movement to elevate arts and culture in Macomb County," said Lavers. "And the public art map will be used to bring a new appeal to the county and provide an important social and cultural connection for our residents and visitors."

Lavers spoke alongside Hackel, Anton Art Center Executive Director Phil Gilchrist, Creative Many President and CEO Jennifer Goulet and Jessica Worley, GIS specialist from Macomb County Planning and Economic Development and creator of the map. Worley demonstrated the various functions of the map, which include searching for art by location and type. She also showed attendees how they can submit their favorite pieces of public art to the map and help the county build out its catalog. As an incentive, prizes will be randomly awarded to individuals that submit entries (photos, title of the work, artist, etc.). Prize packages and drawing dates include:

In addition to the public contest, it was announced that there would be a scholarship program tied to submitting images and art to the map. While specific details have yet to be shared, the program will be aimed at local college and high school students. The scholarships, sponsored by First State Bank, The Mitt.TV and OneMacomb, are valued at $1,500, $1,000 and $500 respectively. More information will be announced by the county this fall.

Following the demonstration, the announcement of the scholarship and the request for public support, Phil Gilchrist, executive director of the Anton Art Center, led guests on a short walkabout to view some of the public art displayed in downtown Mount Clemens.

"Mount Clemens has so many wonderful pieces of art that are open and accessible for all residents and visitors," said Gilchrist. "But today's map launch and walkabout really showcase the incredible works of art we have across the entire county. We are very lucky to have so many paintings, murals and sculptures all within our reach."

Gilchrist showed attendees the followings pieces of art that are installed in the city:

  • elbsterkenntnis, artist John Sauve
  • Painted tile installation, community project
  • Sea Serpent Bike Rack, artist Tom Crimboli
  • Apple of My Eye, artist Janice Trimpe
  • The Believer, artist Fel3000Ft

Artist John Suave was on site and spoke to the importance of public art and the vision behind his work.

To view Macomb County's public art map, visit GIS.MacombGov.Org/GO/Art. If you are interested in submitting art to the map, visit GIS.MacombGov.Org/GO/Art_Form. And for more information on OneMacomb and its arts and cultural initiatives, visit http://www.WeAreOneMacomb.org/.