Who: Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor, Sterling Heights City Council, Sterling Heights City Manager Mark Vanderpool, Sterling Heights Arts Commission, artist Mary Gilhuly of Song and Spirit and community artists.
What: Public ribbon cutting for the latest installation of Sterling Height’s public art program – Share the Trail, a cut glass mosaic mural designed and produced by artist Mary Gilhuly, co-founder of Song and Spirit, an organization that brings people of different faith traditions together to engage in creative service through music, art, education and outreach. The mural is located inside the Sterling Heights Community Center on the main level outside the Community Room.
The city of Sterling Heights commissioned Gilhuly in late 2019 to design and produce a mosaic project to be installed at the newly opened Community Center. Following the project being put on hold due to the pandemic, the City is excited to finally unveil this new mosaic glass mural called “Share the Trail.” Placing of the glass tiles was accomplished, in part, by more than 130 Sterling Heights residents over the course of 12 creative workshops. The remaining glass tiles were put in place by Gilhuly who then grouted, polished, finished and installed all 30 panels, in addition to a beautiful mosaic tile rendition of the Sterling Heights logo, that make up the full mural.
“Mary has done a tremendous job with this mural by capturing a wonderful representation of the trail that runs throughout our City. We couldn’t be more pleased, and we’re thrilled today to be able to unveil another piece of one-of-a-kind public art,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “The fact that we were able to engage so many of our residents in the creation of this piece makes it extra special.”
“The name ‘Share the Trail’ not only represents one of the City’s most important quality of life assets – its extensive trail system - but also reminds people to enjoy themselves safely, be respectful of the environment and encourages pleasant and neighborly exchanges with those they meet along the trail,” said Gilhuly. “By using residents to assist in the creation of this large-scale piece, those who participated also literally shared the trail while producing the mural together.”
Why: To celebrate the latest installation of the Sterling Heights Public Art Program and recognize the more than 130 residents who contributed their own section of the finished mural.
When: Tuesday, June 6 at 6 p.m.
Where: Sterling Heights Community Center, 40250 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights