Sally Bjork
July’s I Spy “depicts a segment of the Liberty Plaza mural at the corner of E. Liberty and S. Division,” says Ivana Tullett. It’s “near the Kempf House Museum,” adds Dave Bicknell. The mural was “made by Orlando muralist Christian Stanley,” says Cathy Chow. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority partnered with the Parks Department and the Ann Arbor Art Center to hire award-winning C. Stanley Creative for the first permanent installation of the DDA’s Elevate program to enhance public spaces.
The artist “drew his inspiration from Ann Arbor park life,” says David Karl, who quotes Stanley: “My goal is to introduce a sense of tranquility to the Plaza through a bright, organized design that balances vibrancy and serenity.” As described by the DDA, the mural “incorporates geometric shapes that flow horizontally to fill the unique wall spaces. … The design brings a unifying theme to the various levels and pockets of the plaza.” Stanley incorporated native plants and wildflowers, nods to the Huron River, and references to concerts and performances held in the park, which, as he says, “celebrates Ann Arbor’s natural and cultural identity.”
“The ‘summertime’ clue is in reference to the Sonic Lunch Summer Concert Series which has been held [at Liberty Plaza] since 2008,” writes Dave Bicknell. “I knew something was different at Liberty Plaza when I went to see Lindsay Lou at Sonic Lunch,” says Ann Bieneman. “Those murals are definitely new since last time I went to Sonic Lunch … and, as it turns out, memorable!”
We received fourteen correct entries. Our randomly selected winner, Denise Schlotfeldt, will enjoy her $25 gift certificate at the Michigan Theater.
Hint: New Digs | Sally Bjork
Want to play too? Use the I Spy image and hint above to identify the Ann Arbor location. Send your entries to [email protected] or PO Box 1187, AA 48106. All correct entries received by noon, August 10, will be eligible for our random drawings. Winners receive $25 gift certificates to any business advertising in this issue. Want more Fake Ad and I Spy goodness? Order The Fake Ad Book and I Spy: Ann Arbor Architecture at annarborobserver.com/books.