Heidelberg Project/Detroit

Heidelberg History (from the website)

“In 1986, artist Tyree Guyton returned to Heidelberg, the street where he grew up on Detroit’s East Side, and found it in shambles, riddled with drugs and deepening poverty. Bruised by the loss of three brothers to the streets, Guyton was encouraged by his grandfather to pick up a paintbrush instead of a weapon and look for a solution.”

It’s understandable that everyone would have a very different reaction to seeing this ever-changing installation. It’s a passionate artist’s answer to the the streets, the poverty and the violence.  ART CAN BE A GAME CHANGER. I was amused, saddened, awakened, sickened, inspired and so much more during the time I wandered around.  That’s what art is all about to me. You can’t help but be moved by the spirit and mission of the Heidelberg Project.  It had a profound impact on me. I’m uncertain how to explain it exactly.  You will just have to see it for yourself on Detroit’s East Side. Thank you Tyree Guyton.

Frequent Questions

http://www.heidelberg.org/who_we_are/frequent_questions.html

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Heidelberg Project Detroit by Lisa Lillibridge

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

MISSION + VISION: The Heidelberg Project (“HP”) is a Detroit-based community organization designed to improve the lives of people and neighborhoods through art. Our mission is to inspire people to appreciate and use artistic expression to enrich their lives and to improve the social and economic health of their greater community.

http://www.heidelberg.org/

Grand Trunk Pub, yes still Detroit

Two things on my list of things I’ve wanted to do for a long time are: 1. Stay in a loft and not a fancy, NYC fully furnished type. I wanted grit.  I’ve wanted out of my middle-aged comfort zone and my friend Jen and I got it in a fabulous way.  CHECK

Thank you Kate at Grand Trunk Pub on Woodward Ave in Detroit.  We had a great stay and believe me we’re coming back and I really hope I get to meet you this time. The bed was really comfortable and I actually miss hearing the kitchen conversations and smelling onions frying when I wake up. http://www.grandtrunkpub.com/

2. Visit Detroit and hang out with locals. CHECK

Thanks to the staff at Grand Trunk Pub we were well taken care of and even stepped out of the bar for a while on Saturday night with a very generous bartender, Sam.  It was just great fun…no if(s) and(s) or but(s) about the whole shooting match.  My traveling companion, Jen made sure that the next stop in Milwaukee was pretty swanky and it was the contrast that made both experiences so remarkable.  Big Love to Grand Trunk.  Sorry we didn’t have the stamina to stay for the Tiger’s Opening Day.  I’m sure you all had fun, because the bar was already hopping when we left at 9:30am. Thank you!

photo

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

photoOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA  OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA