Summer Solstice At The Heidelberg Project

The Heidelberg Project held a celebration of the summer solstice this week, as an artist said thanks to volunteers by throwing a picnic.

Chief curator Lisa Rodriguez helped construct a photographic wall, documenting the contributions of volunteers to her work at the site.

Kids were able to enjoy arts and crafts…and a harvest meal was prepared for all those living in this east side community.

“It’s our involvement and it’s our responsibility as artists to continually give to the people that we serve,” Rodriguez told Detroit 2020′s Dave LewAllen.

The Heidelberg Project is perhaps best described as art that gives voice to recycled objects–utilizing abandoned homes and vacant lots.

Tyree Guyton is the creator and visionary behind the Heidelberg Project and over it’s 26 years it has gained international recognition.

“We are known in over 140 different countries and a quarter of a million people come to this destination,” Rodriguez said.

With the help of the community, Rodriguez created a Mayan sun dial as part of her residency through Wayne State University.

This picnic celebrates the change of the season–and is a “thank you” to the community for its hard work and support of the project.

“When people leave here they understand there’s crime in every big city. The Heidelberg is that little nest where you have that tranquility…when you come over here you can feel the togetherness of the community,” said Geronimo Patton, a volunteer at The Heidelberg Project.

 

Click here to go to The Heidelberg Project website.