The Heidelberg Project

Started in 1986 when artist Tyree Guyton returned to Heidelberg, the street where he grew up on Detroit’s East Side, and found it riddled with drugs and poverty. Having lost three brothers to the streets, Guyton was encouraged by his grandfather to pick up a paintbrush instead of a weapon and the two of them began cleaning up vacant lots on Heidelberg Street. They used the refuse they collected to transform the street into a massive art project. Vacant lots became “lots of art” and abandoned houses became “gigantic art sculptures.” The street, sidewalks and trees are also brought in to play.
Amazing concept and place to visit.