Public Art of the Week

Children’s author J.H. Shapiro died recently, but her work will live on, especially “Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and His Work.”

Shapiro was exposed to Guyton’s work — most notably his Detroit public art installation called the Heidelberg Project — when she was a docent at the MSU Museum.

In the 1980s, Guyton thought and worked big. He created works of art out of abandoned houses on Detroit’s east side using recycled trash he discovered on city streets.

Guyton’s work was a lightning rod. You either loved it, hated it or were confused by it. The mayor at the time, Coleman Young, had some of it bulldozed.

Shapiro wrote about the urban environmental artist and his passion that began in his childhood neighborhood,  which was virtually abandoned to poverty and crime. Guyton’s “found objects” include houses left to fall into disrepair. In her book, Shapiro shows how Guyton turned those houses and the surrounding environment, including trees and sidewalks, into bright works of art.

Elected officials may not have appreciated his work, but the community did, especially with his goal of bringing art to children. Tourist buses began making stops so visitors could see his handiwork with found art, paint and brushes.

Shapiro’s children’s book helped raise awareness of his work, contributing to his being named Michigan Artist of the Year. Shapiro’s book was selected as a Michigan Notable Book of the Year in 2012.

At an award celebration for the Notable Books, Guyton and his spouse, Jenenne Whitfield, were honored alongside Shapiro. Guyton surprised the organizers with a gift in the form of a small work of his art. That gift is now on display in the Library of Michigan’s Rare Book Room.

Guyton took a work boot and transformed it into a multi-colored holder for his paint brushes. It represents his use of everyday items to make art and create smiles on faces. The only thing missing is Shapiro’s book. It needs to be displayed alongside it.

BILL CASTANIER

Public Art of the Week is a new feature that rotates with Eyesore of the Week. If you have an idea for either, please email eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call (517) 999-6704.