"Grandpa was a housepainter. When I was eight years old, he stuck
a paintbrush in my hand. I felt as if I was holding a magic wand."
Tyree Guyton
DETROIT, May 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Gallery at Marygrove College closes its 2004-2005 season with an exhibition by internationally recognized Detroit artist Tyree Guyton from May 9-27, 2005, and a reception to meet the artist on May 12 from 5-7 p.m. His "Heidelberg Project" has received national and international attention while causing much local controversy.
Through his "Heidelberg Project" and his other powerful studio work in painting and sculpture, Tyree Guyton has transformed ordinary objects, houses and entire neighborhoods. He has drawn attention to the plight of Detroit's forgotten neighborhoods and spurred discussion and action. He continues to live and work in the city, particularly with children on Heidelberg Street daily as he continues to inspire Heidelberg Project.
He has also shared his vision around the world. His work is found in the collections of the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, among many other private and corporate collections. In addition, Guyton's art has been exhibited internationally, including Hungary, Australia, Brazil, France, Italy, Russia, Japan, Germany, California, New York and many others.
Prior to this project, Guyton had presented his work at many other art and academic institutions, including Auburn University, Delaware Art Institute, Harvard University, University of Indiana, Michigan State University, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Minnesota Museum of American Art, and the Art in Embassies Program Exhibition in the American Embassy in Quito, Ecuador.
In this exhibition, Guyton will present his series of car hood paintings titled "Faces of God." This series represents a strong example of Guyton expressing the spiritual power found in the discarded and forgotten. In addition to these works, Guyton will present the Emmy-award winning film, "Come unto Me: The Faces of Tyree Guyton."
Guyton will also present a master class for students at Mumford High School and a "connecting the dots" experience at Marygrove for fifth-grade students from Bates Academy of Detroit and Scotch Elementary of Bloomfield Hills. Tyree Guyton's exhibition and master class is presented as part of Marygrove's ONSTAGE! Program, funded by the Michigan Council for Art and Cultural Affairs.