Colorful ‘Big Reveal’ highlights weekend’s Detroit Harvest Fest

The public got its first look at a just-completed wildlife mural along the Dequindre Cut Greenway during a “Big Reveal’ at this weekend’s annual Detroit Harvest Fest and Food Truck Rally.

Attendees also had the opportunity to add their personal touches in frames around any of the eight panels of Michigan wildlife artistic renditions to illustrate their connection with wildlife, conservation and the outdoors.

The official unveiling of the artwork comes after Detroit-based artist and muralist Ed Irmen spent the last eight weeks creating each of the eight panels. Irmen was commissioned to create a unique mural of Michigan-managed wildlife through a partnership between the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy (DRFC) and the Michigan Wildlife Council (MWC).

“Our partnership with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy unites the mutual goals of our two organizations to increase awareness of the important work being done to preserve and enhance outdoor space,” said Nick Buggia, chair of the MWC. “All Michiganders — whether in urban, suburban or rural communities — have a stake in wildlife management and protecting the outdoors.”

Support structure now vivid art

Irmen painted his mural, located roughly in the 1800 block of Lafayette Street near where it intersects with St. Aubin Street, on a cement wall that once served as part of the support structure of a railway bridge for the former Grand Trunk Western Railroad line. The greenway, an urban recreational path that opened to the public in 2009, is well-known for its urban artwork and graffiti.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield, who represents the district that includes the Dequindre Cut, was on hand for the unveiling and was among those who added her personal touch to the artwork.

“The mural is a wonderful addition to the Cut that so many Detroiters and visitors to our lovely city have come to discover as a hidden gem for all to enjoy,” Sheffield said.

“I am extremely proud to have this mural as part of our ever-expanding outdoor gallery, especially because it highlights the natural beauty along the Detroit Riverfront and promotes the importance of wildlife management throughout the Great Lakes State.”

‘Perfect pairing’

When the project began, Rachel Frierson, DRFC senior director of programs and public spaces, characterized it as a “perfect pairing of riverfront connectivity and conservation consciousness.”

Upon its completion, Frierson expressed pride in Irmen’s work and the partnership behind it.

“Public art is collaborative in nature and designed to advance the ideas that bring us together,” Frierson said. “Nothing brings us closer together as human beings than the natural word. Ed Irmen’s art illustrates the beauty that lies in the balance when we protect the natural world and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation by connecting with nature to promote physical and mental well-being.”

Colorful creatures

As each panel was revealed, those walking along the greenway were treated to a new and colorful rendition of Michigan-managed wildlife beginning with a sturgeon and followed by a porcupine, pheasant, monarch butterfly, cottontail rabbit, turkey and black bear. The final panel was revealed Saturday after Irmen put the final touches on an elk.

The MWC is a governor-appointed, nine-member public body established by Michigan Public Act No. 246 of 2013 to educate the public on the importance of wildlife management.

The DRFC was established in 2003 to develop public access and recreational space along Detroit’s Riverfront.