Farmington Unveils Stunning New Mural Celebrating Community and Seasons in Riley Park

Farmington Welcomes Vibrant New Mural in Riley Park

Farmington, Michigan — After years of waiting and a lot of community excitement, Farmington is now proud to showcase a stunning new mural at the Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion in Riley Park! This colorful piece of art is part of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Partners in Public Art community mural project, and it was meticulously painted by talented muralist Rick Malt.

A Long-Awaited Project

The journey towards this mural began back in 2021 when the Farmington Downtown Development Authority (DDA) eagerly applied for the project. Their dedication and enthusiasm paid off this year when they were officially selected to host a mural as part of the 2024 initiative. The decision to bring the mural to life at the Pavilion is especially significant this year, as Farmington celebrates its bicentennial!

Community Involvement

One of the standout aspects of this mural project was its emphasis on community engagement. During the mural’s planning stages, over 140 residents participated in a public survey that helped inform the mural’s themes and design. DDA Executive Director Kate Knight explained that community members were encouraged to suggest ideas and contribute their input, resulting in a design that truly reflects the spirit of Farmington.

The Process of Creation

As for the artwork itself, Malt spent around seven days in October bringing his vision to life. He painted the mural under a theme called “Through Seasons.” On one side, you can find vibrant, sun-kissed summer scenes, while the other side showcases the warm hues of autumn. Malt shared his joy about the freedom he had during the creative process: “They kind of let me roll with it and create my vision. I’m super happy with how everything turned out.”

Support and Enthusiasm from the Community

The excitement surrounding the mural was palpable within the community. Ani Garabedian, who works on community engagement programs with the DIA, noted how special it was for residents to witness the mural’s development. “Just to watch the mural develop and to see the final project, they’re involved the entire way,” Garabedian said. This interaction not only built a sense of ownership among community members but also allowed them to connect with Malt during the painting process.

A Lasting Impact

Kate Knight expressed her satisfaction with the project, emphasizing its importance to the community: “We’re thrilled. The idea of reaching southeast Michigan and creating art in communities, there’s a sense of stewardship with all of our public art, but this one in particular.” The mural isn’t just a temporary installation; it comes with an agreement to maintain it for ten years to ensure that it continues to inspire both residents and visitors alike.

Funding and Future Plans

This mural is part of a broader initiative that stems from a 0.2-mill property tax approved by residents in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties in 2012 to support the DIA. With this funding, not only are artists compensated for their work, but it also opens up avenues for community engagement through artwork in local neighborhoods.

A Bright Future for Public Art

As the mural comes to its completion, the community is abuzz with excitement. Knight described the mural as “a bold statement of creativity and innovation,” an affirmation that “world-class art belongs everywhere.” The response has been overwhelmingly positive, further proving that when artists and communities come together, they can create something truly special.

So if you find yourself wandering through Farmington, make sure to swing by the Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion in Riley Park to take a look at this beautiful mural. Check out the changing seasons with a stunning artistic twist, and celebrate with the community that made it all happen!

Author: HERE Novi