Focused on strengthening its roots in the local community with this summer’s return to the Streets of Detroit, the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear proudly unveiled its INDYCAR Art Installation powered by PPG on Monday, January 30. The unique community art program showcases the creative talent and vision from Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students, while ensuring the Grand Prix has a colorful and consistent presence in each of the seven districts across the City of Detroit leading into race weekend in the Motor City, June 2-4.
In the fall, high school students from nine DPSCD schools – East English Village Preparatory Academy at Finney, Osborn High School, Western International Academy, Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School, Cody High School, Renaissance High School, Mumford High School, Cass Tech High School and Henry Ford High School – were provided with a blank canvas – a 1/16th scale model Indy Car mounted on a base, along with paint and art materials supplied by long-time Detroit Grand Prix partners PPG Industries. The Grand Prix and PPG asked the students to design the liveries on their individual Indy Car models – created by the Detroit Prop Art Factory – with an artistic theme representing their school, their neighborhoods, the Grand Prix or the City of Detroit.
The nine unique and creative student-designed models were unveiled this week at Henry Ford High School in Detroit. With the support of Detroit City Council, the Grand Prix will be placing all nine of the car models in select neighborhood locations across each district in the city including local businesses, recreation centers, art galleries and community gathering spots.
Following display in each individual district in Detroit over the next several months, all student-designed car models will be available for bid during a special online auction in May. The proceeds from each auctioned design model will benefit the City of Detroit Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship and their work to support local artists while developing creative programming across the City.
“The Grand Prix INDYCAR Art Installation powered by PPG is a great opportunity for our event to connect with our local communities and help build excitement with City of Detroit residents about the Grand Prix’s return to the Streets of Downtown Detroit,” said Bud Denker, Chairman of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear. “We are proud of how this initiative shines the spotlight on Detroit Public Schools Community District students and their artistic talent as we continue to work with our partners within each district and community in the City. We want to thank PPG for their support of this important community program and we thank all the participating schools and their students, along with Detroit City Council, for their dedication to bringing this to life.”
The Art Installation includes a car designed by renowned Detroit artist Phil Simpson – known for his distinct smile art throughout the city – and all 10 Indy Car art models were unveiled during the event at Henry Ford High School. Students representing all of the participating high schools were in attendance, along with representatives from Detroit City Council, the Detroit Public Schools Community District and executives from both PPG Industries and the Grand Prix.
“PPG is proud to support the Detroit Grand Prix INDYCAR Art Installation and what it brings to the City and the students in Detroit,” said Tracy Calkins of PPG. “PPG loves to bring color and vibrance to local communities and this installation showcases the artistic talent of the youth in Detroit and celebrates our continued partnership with the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear.”
Tickets are on sale now for the 2023 Chevrolet Grand Prix presented by Lear, hosted on the new 1.7-mile street circuit in Downtown Detroit, June 2-4. Ticket sales are more than 80% ahead of pace from previous years and fans are encouraged to purchase their seats and passes as soon as possible. To purchase tickets and to learn more about the 2023 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, please visit www.DetroitGP.com.
District 1 Designed by Henry Ford High School
Community Placement at Norwest Art Gallery, 19556 Grand River Ave. in Detroit A total of 24 student artists divided into small groups and brainstormed ideas they felt were relevant to young people in their community. The students then individually developed sketches for the final design. Together, the entire class agreed that the message they wanted to communicate through their design was “Life is tough, but we stand STRONG!” The imagery on the car portrays a beautiful life being unwrapped, despite the hands of evil constantly pulling in opposition. The design emphasizes the power of community and the strength of Detroiters. The model also incorporates elements that represent the home (Henry Ford High School-District 1) of the students that designed this specific INDYCAR piece of art.
District 2 Designed by Mumford High School
Community placement at Detroit Pizza Bar, 7316 W. McNichols Rd., in Detroit The Spirit of the Mustang reflected on the car design came about for an obvious reason: Mumford High School’s mascot is the Mustang. First and foremost, Mustangs represent inclusivity and acceptance because no matter what color a Mustang is born with, it IS accepted by the ENTIRE herd. Mustangs also represent the spirit of cooperation. The “Power in Numbers” is evident in a herd of Mustangs. EVERYONE defends any and all members of the herd from ANY threat or danger.
District 6 Designed by Western International Academy
Community placement at Kemeny Recreation Center, 2260 S. Fort Street in Detroit The students at Western chose to represent the rich history of murals in Southwest Detroit in their car design. The students researched both local murals, as well as Mexican muralism, to create the final artwork on their Indy Car model.
