Explore: Villa Barr Art Park in Novi
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Sept. 14, 2022)
Novi, MI – There is a place in Novi where visitors can stroll through a beautiful space full of art and nature – The Villa Bar Art Park.
This enchanting place, located at 22600 Napier, was formerly the home of internationally-renowned artist David Barr, who died in 2015, and his wife Beht Dwaihy-Barr. The City of Novi purchased the 4 acre estate which Barr had designed to mix landscaping and sculptures and turned it into the art park.
Barr’s former home, designed by architect Laurence Booth, remains on the site and is home to an artist residency program.
Visitors can come year round to enjoy the art, which includes pieces by Barr as well as other artists.
According to the City of Novi website, “Barr’s work can be divided into three categories including public or monumental sculptures, structuralist reliefs, and global conceptual art. They all share an aesthetic that seamlessly melds the arts and sciences drawing upon such disciplines as geometry, geography, music, human relationships, historical events, political consequences, and contemporary science.”
There are signs to explain some of the works. For example, the large red sculpture with hands at each end is named Isiah, in honor of a popular Detroit Piston’s basketball player at the time, Isiah Thomas.
Barr’s work can be spotted in several places around town. He’s also the artist behind the large loop-shaped sculpture in Detroit’s Hart Plaza, called Transcending, which he made in honor of organized labor.
Learn more about the Villa Barr Art Park at the City of Novi website.
