Winter’s gloom is dispelled for visitors entering Oakland County’s 50th District Court in Pontiac by a new mural called “Interwoven Blooms,” a triptych-style depiction of giant, lush floral blossoms across the front of the building. Artist Zach Curtis used saturated purples, bright pink, yellow and orange for the three murals.
Curtis was commissioned for the work through the Detroit Institute of Arts’ Partners in Public Art program.
The DIA’s Partners in Public Art program works with artists to create highly visible public murals in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties’ communities. This year, Chesterfield, Fraser, Lathrup Village, Southfield, Wayne, Dearborn, Trenton were selected, in addition to Pontiac.
DIA public affairs director Julie McFarland said the mural celebrates Pontiac and it’s one way the DIA gives back to supportive communities.
Pontiac Deputy Mayor Khalfani Stephens said the project makes sense.
Oakland County 50th District Court, 70 N. Saginaw St., in Pontiac. (Peg McNichol / MediaNews Group)
“Art is life,” he said, adding that the city is grateful to the DIA and artists like Curtis for bringing “beauty, vibrancy, and inspiration to our communities” that liven downtown buildings.
This week’s celebration at the courthouse is co-hosted by the Pontiac Arts Commission, the city council, and Main Street Pontiac, featuring Curtis and a DIA representative. The event, at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the 50th District Court, 70 N. Saginaw St, in Pontiac, includes light refreshments.
The Partners in Public Art program is made possible by the Tri-County millage. To learn more about the DIA’s Partners in Public Art program and find locations of other murals, visit https://dia.org/PIPA.
Oakland County 50th District Court, 70 N. Saginaw St., in Pontiac. (Peg McNichol / MediaNews Group)
Oakland County 50th District Court, 70 N. Saginaw St., in Pontiac. (Peg McNichol / MediaNews Group)