November 27, 2007

FIRES WITHIN THE HEIDELBERG COMMUNITY

I wanted to take this opportunity to set the record straight about the fires that have occurred within the Heidelberg Project community.  There were three structures located on Mt. Elliot and Heidelberg that were set on fire, again.  These three structures had already been set on fire approximately one year ago and were considered an eyesore by neighbors within the community.  Consequently, Tyree responded by adding works of art to these already charred structures.  Sometime early this morning these three structures were set on fire again along with a another structure, a house on Preston Street (2blks N. of Heidelberg Street).  Surprisingly, however, the structures on Mt. Elliot still remain standing and the artwork still remains in place.  From our perspective this is symbolic of the resilience and determination of the Heidelberg Project.

Fires within the Heidelberg Project community are, unfortunately, a regular occurrence.  Whether they are set by vandals, squatters or whether they are part of a larger conspiracy we can’t say.  What we can tell you is that we do not believe that someone deliberately set out to do harm to the Heidelberg Project or Tyree Guyton.  Our vision, hope and commitment to the Heidelberg Project and the surrounding community remains strong and we will continue to move forward.
Thank you,

Jenenne Whitfield
Executive Director
The Heidelberg Project

THIS JUST IN!!

Dear Friends,
The HP has weathered many storms, faced many challenges and survived controversy. Now in its 21st year, the HP has reached a new level of acceptance and extraordinary growth as you will soon discover in our newsletter.
The HP has become one of Detroit’s premiere cultural destinations, and yet I am often baffled when I hear how many folks right here in “the D” think we are no more. Our city (and State) is in trouble. Our traditional industry is disappearing, and many are fearful—others are leaving. I say it’s time to adjust our
thinking. I say look within and what we will find is a great and untapped industry—our culture. We are Detroit! It is here that original ideas are born, but it is up to the PEOPLE of Detroit to know this. I have traveled to many cities throughout the US and many countries around the world. When folks learn that I am from Detroit, sure they talk of the auto industry, but they talk more about the culture of Detroit. Why? Because they recognize Detroit as a city full of brilliant and talented people. They talk of Motown, Techno Music, and the Detroit Institute of Arts, rich architecture, the HP and so much more. Please take the opportunity to learn about the HP and other cultural gems that make Detroit great and then figure out how to become part of that greatness. Let’s learn how to put our arms around ourselves and recognize the accomplishments as others do around the world. Once we believe it and promote it as such, then the world will come to us. Our culture is our greatest asset.
~Jenenne Whitfield, Executive Director

The Joyce Awards took place in Chicago on January 22nd. Out of the five recipients throughout the Midwest for a $50,000 grant was Tyree Guyton in Partnership with Wayne State University (WSU). “The Joyce Awards support the commissioning and production of new works in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts by artists of color.”

Tyree became a 2007 recipient of the Pollack Krasner Award.

Guyton has recently been commissioned to complete several projects across the country.

• With the Joyce Award, Tyree will create a sculpture from fabricated steel doors for WSU’s campus. The sculpture will symbolize the many different paths (doors) we can take in life. The sculpture is scheduled to be mounted and unveiled in September 2007 in conjunction with a 20 year retrospective at the Elaine Jacobs Gallery at WSU. The exhibition will celebrate 20 years of accomplishments both personally and socially.

• Guyton in LA!! One of 5 selected from a list of 191 artists, Guyton has been awarded a commission by Metro Art to transform the Beverly Hills Mezzanine Subway. The wall is scheduled to be complete by November of 2007.
• Western Michigan University has commissioned Tyree to create an installation to compliment the newly constructed Richmond Art Center. The installation is part of a national exhibition curated by Jim Yood, entitled Inland See which opens in August 2007.
For additional info on Tyree, please visit www.tyreeguyton.com

We’ve been talking about the House That Makes Sense (HTMS) for a couple of years now, and people might be wondering: Just what’s the hold-up? The plans have been drawn. The concept is rock-solid. The house is still there, screaming for this makeover. The pennies are steady, but folding money is very slow. Consequently,our process is much slower than we hoped. Nevertheless, the HTMS is our number one priority. Please consider a financial contribution to the HTMS. It’s as easy as a phone call to 313 267-1622 or a visit to our contribution page.