This past Saturday,November 1st, 2008, was the very last step of this wonderful project. The Honorable Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. and Honorable Senator Carl Levin, along with Southwest Detroiters, attended this celebration.
Music from the speakers filled everyones ears, while the friendly mimes interacted with children and anyone nearby. There were various performances by a couple of young girls, dancing the traditional mexican dances. The inviting aroma of hot dogs and popcorn drew in the people to the food tables, where volunteers from City Year served the treats. Since November 1st is the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico, the children were able to decorate their own traditional skull paper masks.
There were introductions made, then everyone gathered to the benches to cut the ribbon, officially opening the benches to the public. The spectators were able to sit down and relax on these miraculous pieces of artwork.
The day was just incredible. I was able to conversate with the Honorable Mayor Cockrel, Honorable Senator Levin, and witha couple of attendees and they were just spectacular.
On behalf of Mary Laredo,Christine Bossler, and my brother Alhan Vazquez, I would like to thank our funders the Skillman Foundation, the Kresge Foundation and Chase Bank, and College for Creative Studies for management.We would also want to thank the following organizations and businusses for hosting this celebration:Community of Latino Artists, Visionaries and Educators (CLAVE), Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA), Café Con Leche, and the SW Detroit Art in Public Places Committee.
Even though I am sad that this project is finished, I know that this is only the beginning. If the public want more benches like these, it could be possible. The more demand for art, the better!I will miss the days breaking those tiles, in order to complete the puzzle of the benches. Or mixing the mortar powder and water to then spread it onto the bench mesh. This was an amazing and memorable experience, and I would personally like to thank Mary and Christine for opening the doors not only as art partners, but friends.
-Anahli Vazquez
-Anahli Vazquez
