The YMCA of Metropolitan is a convener of community and a center of peace for
many. Peace is defined as the freedom from disturbance. It is a concept of
friendship and harmony in the absence of hostility and violence. Our YMCA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and global engagement. We aim to promote humanity across lines of difference and invoke peace within our local community. In partnership with City Walls Detroit, the local Metro Detroit artist community, and supporters like you, we set out to create a visual expression of our commitment to bridging community and a call for peace.
Here are the finalist in our muralist open call:
Trae Isaac
The artwork I have proposed for the Downtown Detroit YMCA is reflective of diverse harmony and community Spirit of Detroit, showcasing people of various ethnicities and religious backgrounds. My artwork celebrates and honors the differences that bring our city together through the lives and journeys of its unique citizens. Commonly shared recreation activities such as swimming and basketball are shown to share some of the the offerings of the YMCA facilities, as well as a representation of activities that people commonly use to seek peace, camaraderie, and community.
Kenyada Kelsaw (Fel’le)
My large format paintings serve as a visual testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the communities I am a part of and have worked with. Through my art, I strive to create images that resonate with viewers on a visceral level, evoking emotions and sparking meaningful conversations about the issues that affect us all.
Jozie Bullard
Jozie incorporates elements of calmness, mindfulness, sacred geometry, abstract expressionism, surrealism, psychedelic design, spiritual art, and healing into their artistic creations to combat the clutter, violence, and unrest caused by our industrial society.
Charles Martin Miller
My vision for this mural project, titled ” Everybody With Detroit Stand for Peace,” is to create a large, visually striking butterfly using thousands of individual photos that represent diverse personal visions of peace. This mural aims to be more than just an art installation; it is envisioned as a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of our shared responsibility towards creating a peaceful world. It will stand as a testament to the power of collective action and the beauty of diverse perspectives uniting for a common cause.
Wendy Popko
I am answering, “A Call For Peace,” to try and bring down the heavy walls we try so hard to keep up. The YMCA I feel, is so much more than a place to exercise. It’s a place for growth, whether it be physically, mentally, or spiritually. It’s a place where we grow enough to peek beyond the barrier that we have set up, and glimpse to the other side.