After nearly two years of planning, fund raising and construction, city officials and project donors will unveil the Glidden Parker mural next month.
CP Federal City Square will house the mural within Horace Blackman Park. The structure also includes an art exhibit viewing area, a stage for outdoor performances and events, and a drop-down screen for outdoor movies. O’Harrow Construction began work on the structure last summer.
“Despite spearheading the project over the last three years, I’ve actually never seen the mural in real life so I’m excited to see it – in all its glory – at the ribbon cutting,” said Derek Dobies, 6th Ward councilman and project spokesman. “This project stands as a testament to what can happen when a community comes together to rebuild their city and make a conscious effort to preserve a piece of art history.”
Funding for the project began with the success of two competitive grants – one from the National Endowment for the Arts and one from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Since those funds were awarded in 2015, eight more community organizations stepped forward to help fund the project.
The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 5. Anyone can attend and light refreshments will be served. Attendees are encouraged to tour downtown Jackson following the event, frequent a local restaurant and traverse the new streetscapes, Jackson Mayor Bill Jors said.
Speakers at the event include Dobies, Jors, Councilman Andrew Frounfelker, CP Federal Credit Union CEO John Crist and special guest Katherine Grossman, Parker’s granddaughter. JTV Host Bart Hawley will MC the event.
“We are pleased with the outcome of CP Federal City Square and excited to have our name associated with a place in which its sole purpose is to bring the community together to enjoy art, entertainment, fellowship, fun and celebrate the spirit of downtown Jackson,” Crist said.
