Thank you for your submissions!! The advisory committee selected three artists and three locations for the 2024 Downtown Public Art Program. In addition to that, a few local business added their own beautification to their properties and hired artist to enhance their locations.

Artists are invited to join the Ferndale Arts & Beautification Commissions “The Ferndale Collective.”  This collective promotes public art by creating opportunities for local artists, encouraging investment in community arts and culture, and promoting community arts engagement. (CLICK HERE TO SUMBIT YOUR INFORMATION)

The public is invited to take a self-guided art walk to see these murals in person, as well as others in Downtown Ferndale through a google map. Click here to view map of locations!

2024 Timeline
• Application Announcement: Tuesday, July 2
• Application Deadline: Monday, July 22
• Announcement of Selections & Installation Begins: Sunday, August 25
• Art Installation Deadline: October 31, 2024

Theme for 2024 “Ferndale in Bloom”

Ferndale continuously encourages individuals and businesses to bloom into a vibrant, beautiful and distinct community. Downtown Ferndale is a community that is welcoming of all, it is ever growing and changing, similar plants and flowers bloom and flourish. Blooming in Downtown Ferndale can mean different things to different people. We encourage artists to search for inspiration in the theme in whatever way it speaks to them.

2024 Downtown Mural Program Overview

2024 Theme Selection Criteria

Factors to be considered by the Downtown Ferndale Public Art Program Advisory Committee when making selections shall include, but not be limited to the following when considering the annual theme:

INTERACTIVE COMPONENT: Interactive components are encouraged whenever feasible.
ARTIST INSPIRATION: Artist should explain how the proposed design was inspired by the Downtown Ferndale inclusivity theme: “Ferndale in Bloom”
COMMUNICATION OF THEME TO PUBLIC: How well does the design communicate the artist’s inspiration and the theme “Ferndale in Bloom” to the viewer. Does the design inspire celebration and send a message that everyone is welcome in Downtown Ferndale?


“Ferndale in Bloom” Scoring Overview
Each location was reviewed by all individuals for total of 15 possible points
Each artist submission was reviewed by 2 individuals for total of 28 possible points
• The average of both scores was calculated and compared for variance. Top Ten were identified as those scoring 21 or higher and proceeded for matching with possible locations. Summary of scores and resulting selections were affirmed by all members of the advisory committee
| Number of reviewers = 7 | Locations submitted & reviewed = 5 | Artist submitted & reviewed = 38


All questions can be directed to Sommer Realy, DDA Engagement Manager at [email protected], 248-546-1632.


Ferndale Celebrates Public Art to Enhance the Visitor Experience

Downtown Ferndale is proud to announce the successful selection of the second annual Downtown Ferndale Public Art Program. This program was organized by the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) in partnership with the Ferndale Arts & Beautification Commission, aimed to enrich the visual experience of Downtown Ferndale while fostering a sense of belonging for all who visit.
 
The theme for 2024, “Ferndale in Bloom,” reflected the values of inclusivity and community that define Downtown Ferndale. We are welcoming of all, we are ever growing and changing, similar plants and flowers bloom and flourish. The selected artists were chosen from over 37 applications for how they encapsulated the spirit of this theme in their creations. The result is the addition of three new works of public art added to our collection.

2024 “Ferndale in Bloom” Selected Artists & Locations

Artist: Mike Baker, Emerging Muralist from Detroit
Location: Sneakers Pub, rear entrance, 22628 Woodward Ave
Instagram: @musefactory6
 
Mike Baker says, ” I am particularly drawn to the Downtown Public Art Programs’ emphasis on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. I thrive in positive settings, valuing the opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives with fellow artists and Ferndalians. I believe that by working together, we can push the boundaries of creativity and create truly impactful artwork.

Artist: Felle, Nationally Renowned Artist from Detroit
Location: Syndicate, 140 Vester

Website: www.thefellegallery.com
Instagram: @Skin_wars_felle
 
Felle, a nationally renowned artist and Detroit native, began painting at the age of 14 and has since grown to have a long standing career of accomplishments. At the age of 21, he became an entrepreneur opening his first business, “Another Level Airbrushing and Nail Salon.”
In 1995, he signed with a publishing company and began traveling the U.S. selling his art to both fans and art galleries across the country.
Felle has painted stage backdrops for a vast array of celebrities including Tyler Perry, Beyonce, Jay-Z, R. Kelly, and Kanye West – to name a few.

 
Artist: Lavinia Hanachiuc, Romanian born multidisciplinary artist from Ann Arbor
Location: Western Market, seating area on the East end of property, 447 West Nine Mile
Title: Illuminated Seed Pods
Website: www.laviniahanachiuc.com
Instagram: @hana.qk
 
This installation will include a mural painted of oversized stalks of Chinese Lantern plants and their shadows. These plants have interesting patterns on all life stages, flower/ pod and they are associated with prosperity and abundance . The pods will be illuminated from inside which will create a beautiful interweaving shadow pattern everywhere around. Lavinia’s experience with light art and mural painting stems from years of working in theater scenic design and I love creating spaces that are unique and engaging.

2024 Murals

Program Contact

Sommer Realy
DDA Acting Executive Director + Engagement Manager
[email protected]
248-546-1632

Other Art to Visit in Downtown Ferndale