You're Invited! Party in Macomb Corners Park Unveils Finished Park, DIA Art

How many parties have you gone to that open with a ribbon cutting and include the unveiling of six masterpieces from the Detroit Institute of Arts?

That's just what organizers propose to do to celebrate the grand opening of on Sept. 24. Every township resident is invited to this Party in the Park, and if the free food, music and festivities aren't enough to bring you out, perhaps the chance to experience the DIA in the great outdoors will.

Visitors to the will have more than just the surrounding foliage to admire, as the park's walking trail will also serve as the backdrop to six life-size reproductions of art from the DIA.

As part of its 125th anniversary celebration, the DIA, in partnership with SM/ART Editions, has selected cities throughout Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw counties to participate in its Inside|Out program, which takes 40 framed, life-size digital reproductions of art from its collection to the streets and parks of local communities.

Macomb Township will have these works on display through Nov. 25, but residents can begin admiring them during Party in the Park, which will be held noon-2 p.m. Sept. 24.

"Everyone loves free fun, food and festivities, and we have plenty of all of those," said Michelle Duda, Parks & Recreation program leader. "In addition to the free picnic lunch, we have a family fun run/walk ... lots of kids activities thanks to all of our great sponsors, Rosco (the Clown), bounce houses, Freckle the Frog fun and treat bags, face painting, prize wheels, toddler soccer and more."

The ribbon cutting is at noon and the first 800 guests to the party will receive a free hot dog lunch.

Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a free concert by The Incredibles, a local band that plays rock 'n' roll favorites.

The party ends at 2 p.m., but community members can enjoy the art and the newly completed park through the fall season.

As an added bonus for participating in the Inside|Out program, the DIA will offer Macomb residents free museum admission (excludes special ticketed exhibitions and programs) on Oct. 2.

Art in the Park (Locations)

Five reproductions have been installed along the walking trail in Macomb Corners Park, with the sixth piece at the .

Walking Trail

• View of the Tiber with the Castel Sant’Angelo by Bernardo Bellotto
• Chevy by Edwin Landseer
• Watson and the Shark by John Singleton Copley
• Head of a Woman by unknown
• Seascape: Sunset by Martin Johnson Heade

Recreation Center

• Warrior with Two Pages by Peter Paul Rubens