Interactive art project coming to Marshall Park

 The next Lansing Arts Impact Project is “Turnabout Folly,” by Barbara Pearsall and Michelle Hinojosa. 

The upcoming interactive installation, to be located in Marshall Park, was announced today as the awardee of the 2026 City of Lansing Arts Impact Project, part of the city’s Arts and Culture Grant Program.

“The concept calls for a round, rotating ‘stage’ encircled by three concentric rings of abstract, brightly painted walls, designed to invite movement, exploration and creativity for visitors of all ages,” according to a statement from the city. “As visitors enter and turn the central “stage,” the vibrantly colored environment shifts, unveiling new patterns and perspectives through colorful, ever-changing abstractions. Openings of varying shapes and heights are cut into each wall, inviting playful glimpses into the dynamic interior and framing striking views of the park at every rotation. Each ring features distinct, large-scale abstract images in vivid, lively colors, designed to energize and visually activate the setting.”

Mayor Andy Schor said in a statement that public art helps residents take pride in the city.

The installation will be at ground level, allowing easy entry for individuals with mobility devices. Wide openings between the rings are specifically designed to accommodate wheelchair access.

The rotation mechanism has been engineered to ensure smooth, controlled movement for all users. While the installation encourages interactive, creative engagement (and is not classified as a playground), the artists worked with a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) to ensure it exceeds safety standards, according to the city.

In a statement, project artists Barbara Pearsall and Michelle Hinojosa said: 

“As arts educators, Turnabout Folly is our vision for public parks as vibrant, hands-on spaces for creative learning. By turning Marshall Park into an open classroom, we invite everyone to experience art through play, movement, and discovery. This project redefines where and how learning and creativity happen—making art part of everyday life, accessible to all, and woven into the heart of our community.”

Past Arts Impact Projects include “Etched in Metal, Written in Stone” sculpture and Old Town history installation led by Redhead Creative; “Lansing Shaped” mural project by artist Dustin Hunt of Muralmatics; the “Michigan Women Walls of Fame Project” in Stabenow Park by artist Tea Brown; “Mother Tree” sculpture in Hunter Park by artist Ivan Iler; “Shiawassee Street Mosaic Tile Project” led by artist Alexandra Leonard; “Below the Stacks Mural Festival” led by All of the Above Hip Hop Academy and Muralmatics; “Encompass Lansing” a Southwest Lansing Town Square Sculpture project by artists David Such and Fred Hammond; “Terra Forms” a lighting installation led by Lansing Public Media Center; and “Portrait of a Dreamer” sculpture on Museum Drive by artist Ivan Iler.