Detroit Institute of Arts Celebrates Public Art Mural with Unveiling in Clawson | Mural was created in partnership with the community, painting was assisted by volunteer Clawson High School Students

Updated Oct 26, 2019

October 26, 2019 (Detroit) The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) today joined the community of Clawson to unveil a new public art mural on the south wall of Clawson Jewelers. The mural was created as a part of the DIA’s Partners in Public Art (PIPA) program which aims to foster collaboration between local communities and the museum and to strengthen the sense of community through art.

The mural was created with input from community leaders and residents. The completed piece depicts the Clawson community represented by the farmers market, local buildings and structures, and the annual 4th of July celebration.

Ani Garabedian, the DIA’s Community Art Coordinator and Clawson High School Art Teacher Megan Homanick painted the mural. They were assisted by volunteer Clawson high school students. 

“We are excited to continue working with the local communities to help create these amazing works of public art,” said DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons. “Communities like Clawson provide so much to the museum, so it feels only fitting that we are able to collaborate on community art projects that strive to strengthen a sense of community through art.”  

Partners in Public Art (PIPA)

The Clawson project is the third project in 2019 and XX total. The museum plans to continue to expand PIPA and work with additional Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County communities to create public works of art.

PIPA works with communities to co-create community-driven, highly visible public works of art. The purpose of the program is to help people explore, express, and build a stronger sense of community through a communal art experience. 

Each project begins with residents and business owners in the particular community taking a part in  a survey to asses interest and preferences for a public art project. The results of the survey are the incorporated into the final design for the project.

The PIPA program is funded as a part of the tri-county millage.

Residents are also reminded that admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts is always free to residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County.

October 26, 2019 (Detroit) The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) today joined the community of Clawson to unveil a new public art mural on the south wall of Clawson Jewelers. The mural was created as a part of the DIA’s Partners in Public Art (PIPA) program which aims to foster collaboration between local communities and the museum and to strengthen the sense of community through art.

The mural was created with input from community leaders and residents. The completed piece depicts the Clawson community represented by the farmers market, local buildings and structures, and the annual 4th of July celebration.

Ani Garabedian, the DIA’s Community Art Coordinator and Clawson High School Art Teacher Megan Homanick painted the mural. They were assisted by volunteer Clawson high school students. 

“We are excited to continue working with the local communities to help create these amazing works of public art,” said DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons. “Communities like Clawson provide so much to the museum, so it feels only fitting that we are able to collaborate on community art projects that strive to strengthen a sense of community through art.”  

Partners in Public Art (PIPA)

The Clawson project is the third project in 2019 and XX total. The museum plans to continue to expand PIPA and work with additional Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County communities to create public works of art.

PIPA works with communities to co-create community-driven, highly visible public works of art. The purpose of the program is to help people explore, express, and build a stronger sense of community through a communal art experience. 

Each project begins with residents and business owners in the particular community taking a part in  a survey to asses interest and preferences for a public art project. The results of the survey are the incorporated into the final design for the project.

The PIPA program is funded as a part of the tri-county millage.

Residents are also reminded that admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts is always free to residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County.