'Art Explored' Installations Begin

Desiree Kelly’s “Abe in Shades” was installed at VFW Acorn Post 1669 on E. Fourth Street. (Photo by city of Royal Oak)

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The second annual Art Explored Series kicked off in downtown Royal Oak Monday.

This public art series launched last summer with three featured artists, grew to five local artists in its Fall/Winter Arts Explored Series, and is now showcasing 10 works by eight Michigan artists. The selected artists are Desiree Kelly, Doug DeLind, Israel and Erik Nordin, Jennie M. Burt, Molly Murphy, Richard Gage, Tim Burke, and Tim Gralewski.

All 3D works are already in place, and 2D works were installed Monday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with “Windows of Love” by Molly Murphy on the back of Andiamo, followed by “Fruits and Veggies” by Tim Gralewski at the Center Street Garage, and “Abe in Shades,” by Desiree Kelly at the VFW Acorn Post 1669.

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Several of the artists will be on site during the installation to answer questions. The art will be on public display through June.

Here’s where to find the art:

1. Desiree Kelly’s, “Abe in Shades” is located at the VFW Acorn Post 1669 on E. Fourth Street.
2. Doug DeLind’s, “Hook Shot” is located in the Barbara A Hallman Memorial Plaza between the Royal Oak Public Library and Police Department.
3. Israel and Erik Nordin’s, “Life Tree – One Path” is located in front of the Stagecrafters Baldwin Theater on S. Lafayette Avenue.
4. Jennie M. Burt’s, “Whimsy of Whales” is located at Qdoba on Third Street and “We Wait in Waves with Love” is located at Comedy Castle on Fourth Street.
5. Molly Murphy’s, “Windows of Love” is located on the back of Andiamo on S. Main Street.
6. Richard Gage’s, “Petal Parts” is located on the North side of the Royal Oak Public Library off Eleven Mile, and “Pollen Release” is located on the North side of the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market off Eleven Mile.
7. Tim Burke’s, “Iron Man” is located in front of Metals in Time on S. Main Street.
8. Tim Gralewski’s, “Fruits and Veggies” is located at the Center Street Garage at the junction of S. Center Street and Third Street.

Art Explored is a program of the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts, sponsored by the Arts, Beats, & Eats Foundation. Artists are chosen by ROCFA to have their work displayed in downtown Royal Oak for up to one year. If the pieces are sold while on display, ROCFA receives a 25 percent commission on the work to support the future of the program.

ROCFA was formed in January 2012 by the city of Royal Oak to encourage and support arts and culture in the city. ROCFA helped coordinate the DIA Inside/Out Installation in the summer of 2012 and 2014, created Art Explored “Live” a summer concert series that was held this summer in a pop-up park on Center Street, and is now in its second year of Art Explored. More programs to support the arts and artists in Royal Oak are in the making.

For more information, please visit http://www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us/art or “like” us on Facebook at Royal Oak Commission for the Arts.

Please contact Assistant to the City Manager, Stewart Meek with any questions about ROCFA, its programs, or to arrange an interview with featured artists at 248.246.3200 or ROCFA@ci.royal-oak.mi.us.