Woodward sculptures set for downtown Pontiac, Detroit

Thursday, April 29, 2010 | Source: metromode

The Woodward Tribute sculpture project is set to gain momentum this summer, now that plans for one in downtown Pontiac have a green light and another in downtown Detroit are primed and ready to go.

The UAW and General Motors have pledged $10,000 toward the Pontiac tribute sculpture, helping the Woodward Avenue Action Association (which is spearheading the project) meet the $150,000 price tag. Construction is set to begin in late July or early August and complete by the Woodward Dream Cruise.

"Once they break ground it only takes a week or two to install," says Nicole Brown, outreach and promotions coordinator for the Woodward Avenue Action Association.

The non-profit is also finalizing plans for the tribute sculpture in downtown Detroit this spring. Once the location is finalized (near the Spirit of Detroit statue at Woodward and Jefferson avenues) the project will be announced, probably within the next few weeks.

The Woodward Tribute sculptures help raise awareness about the history behind Michigan's Main Street and how important it is to not only the state but the U.S. and the world. The sculptures are normally a robust column a story or two tall that depict part of Woodward's illustrious history.

Ferndale built the first one in its downtown in 2008. More are being planned for other communities along the Woodward corridor.

"We're speaking to several different communities to go forward with a fourth one," Brown says. "This is a great piece of art that helps people see the story of Woodward in an artistic way."

The sculptures are funded by a number of organizations. Those chipping in for the Pontiac sculpture are the Federal Highway Administration National Scenic Byway funds, Oakland County, and Genisys Credit Union.

Source: Nicole Brown, outreach and promotions coordinator for the Woodward Avenue Action Association
Writer: Jon Zemke