Experience the Art of Downtown Ferndale with Self-Guided Mural Tour
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 13, 2023)
Ferndale, MI – Ferndale is known for its artsy vibe, which has recently grown with the addition of six new murals and one art instillation in the Downtown area. On October Art Walk was essentially rained out, but the great thing about public art is that it’s just there – rain or shine – for those who make time to see it.
The most recent additions came about through a new Ferndale Mural Program, funded partially by Michigan Arts and Cultural Council and Main Street Oakland County. Over 500 artists submitted ideas for murals, and a committee made the selections. Business owners offered up their blank walls to serve as canvases for the creations.
Artist Stephanie Chisholm is the artist behind “Destination Paradise,” an abstract mural that brightens up the Breckenridge parking lot with brilliant colors and patterns. The mural is inspired by a Yusef Lateef song.
“It means a lot to have completed my first mural in Ferndale- a place that has welcomed and supported me in various ways over the years,” Chisholm said. “Intuitive abstract work requires an open and curious mind and so does living in a world which embraces belonging. As a dog walker here, I spend a lot of time exploring every street in the neighborhood. There is a felt experience of energy and acceptance that takes place. I did my best to transfer that sense of upliftment and all I’ve soaked in over the years into the artwork to hopefully produce something others can enjoy and reflect upon too.”
The theme of the series is “You Belong Here,” a project that Ferndale Mayor Melanie Piana says “reflects our community’s commitment to elevate diversity, love and belonging.”
“I’m excited to expand on our small collection of mural art. Blank downtown building walls are a perfect canvas for expressing Ferndale’s uniqueness,” Piana said.
Sommer Really of Downtown Ferndale coordinated the project along with volunteers from the DDA and the Ferndale Arts and Cultural Commission.
“Fostering a legacy of art can create a sense of belonging and identity. We are thrilled to support the creation of outdoor murals that celebrate the unique spirit of Downtown Ferndale and bring our community together,” she said.
“Best part about this self guided art walk, is one can do it when they are able and when the weather is favorable for a walk around downtown.”
For more information about the annual Downtown Ferndale Mural Program, please visit www.downtownferndale.com/mural
This google map will remain active for the public to use: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1WVtlnRIxpFe05aJd1q3VOurJ4c0g3hE&usp=sharing
Here’s a list of the artists and locations:
2023 “You Belong Here” Selected Artists & Locations
Artist: Melanie Formica (She/Her), Detroit resident
Location: The Emory, rear entrance, 22700 Woodward Ave
Mural Title: Dolls of Identity
Website: melanieformicaart.com
Instagram: @melk666art
This piece is about sending joy, light and encouragement into the universe. “Living life is hard for all of us in very different and relative ways. The world needs all sorts of people who have lived all sorts of lives,” says Melanie of her inspiration for her art.
Artist: India Solomon (She/Her), Ferndale resident
Location: Natural Patch, West Troy St entrance, 221 West Nine Mile West Troy
Mural Title: A Chance to Thrive
Website: indiasolomon.com
Instagram: @indysolomon
India’s mural, “A Chance to Thrive,” explores what it means to live well and feel good. With a balanced color scheme and warmth, the artwork symbolizes Ferndale’s commitment to inclusivity and offers a meditation on thriving.
Artist: Shana Preuett (She/Her), Royal Oak resident
Location: Bakehouse46, 301 West Nine Mile
Mural Title: Celebrate All That You Are
Website: smpartanddesign.com
Instagram: @.art.design
Shana’s mural celebrates individuality and belonging with playful imagery. The mural’s simplicity allows viewers to find their own stories within the symbolism, reflecting the spirit of community support and acceptance in Ferndale.
Artist: Stephanie Chisholm (They/Them), Sterling Heights resident
Location: Breckenridge Parking Lot, 22901-22965 Woodward Avenue
Mural Title: Destination Paradise
Instagram: @stephanieprism
“Destination Paradise,” is an abstract mural abundant with colors and patterns, inspired by Yusef Lateef’s song of the same name. The artwork represents an active neighborhood where each mark contributes to completing the larger harmonious composition, symbolizing a sense of belonging.
Artist: Ammy Amorette Spencer (She/Her), Grant Township resident
Location: Broock Real Estate, 413 West Nine Mile
Mural Title: UNO
Website: ammyamorette.scd.cl
Facebook: @ammyamorettepainter
Ammy’s mosaic mural, “UNO,” symbolizes unity and collaboration, demonstrating that everyone is part of the same world. The artwork aims to foster a sense of belonging and happiness among viewers.
Artist: Tony Whlgn (He/Him), Detroit resident
Location: Howe’s Bayou, rear entrance, 22848 Woodward
Mural Title: You Belong Here
Website: toneytonytone.com
Instagram: @tonywhlgn
Tony envisioned a vibrant and fun safari-themed mural, where plants, trees, and hidden characters represent the diversity of the city and spell the phrase “You Belong Here.” The artwork aims to activate and celebrate the community’s youth and new businesses.
Artist: Su Majewski (She/Her), St. Clair Shores resident
Location: The dot Parking Garage, 221 West Troy Street, and several other locations around downtown
Website: www.sumajetski.weebly.com
Instagram: @sumajetski
Su’s mirror faces mural series reflects the diversity of Ferndale, where visitors can see themselves within the artwork. The portraits represent equality and togetherness, embodying the theme “You Belong Here.” What began as a pandemic project for this artist will now be shared with the entire Downtown Ferndale community!
