Gateway to Black Eden
A new sculpture, Gateway to Black Eden, by Detroit artist M. Saffell Gardner, will be installed in early 2023 as part of the permanent collection at the Art Park. Standing over fifteen feet tall, this monumental steel artwork is the artist’s expression and reflection of the African American lake resort experience in America during years before passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1965. It specifically recalls Idlewild, a traditionally African American resort near Baldwin, Michigan.
This new sculpture at the Art Park will supply opportunities for students to learn more about Michigan’s history, and spark conversations about where we’ve been and where we are going. Consider supporting it today and help us build a sculpture!
This sculpture will also be the first at the Art Park to include music and spoken word. Detroit Bassist and Composer Marion Hayden and author Melba Joyce Boyd are composing a new composition to go with this new sculpture. A recording will be activated through a QR code on the sculpture signage. We also hope to include a performance at the Art Park during the summer of 2023 at the Amphitheater.
