FARMINGTON HILLS — One of Farmington Hills' most beloved cultural arts programs is back for another two-year stay.
Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Road, is home to 100 pieces of artwork from 65 Michigan artists as part of the 2024-2025 Public Art Program. Some pieces will remain up for two years, while others will be featured at public exhibitions every few months.
People can also view art from 33 artists over the next two years at The Hawk, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road. Program organizers say most artists are from Farmington Hills and Farmington as well as nearby communities like Livonia and Redford Township.
"Having artwork in city hall is very important, I think," said Rachel Timlin, the city's cultural arts supervisor. "It brings humanity to the space. We tend to think of government as something that is separate from us, but it’s supposed to be for us."
The program, which began in 2010, started as a way to enhance city hall and bring exposure to local artists. Timlin said city staff love the art and the building sees plenty of visitors every year who just want to enjoy the free exhibits.
"We had a young Black boy come in and one of our artists, Robbie Best, had a beautiful painting of a Black man up," she said. "When the boy’s grandmother brought him to city hall, he said 'Grandma, he looks like me!' That, I feel, is really important – to see yourself in city hall."
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This cycle's artists range from college students to seasoned professionals. Artists can sell their work through the exhibit and retain 100% of the profits. Karla Aren, the program's artist liaison, said she connects buyers directly with artists. She's unable to track how much gets sold, but available art this cycle ranges between roughly $100 and $10,000.
Aren said she enjoys that the program brings art to the community and creates a free way for people to enjoy others' creativity.
"Farmington Hills embraces art," she said. "We love art and we’ve invested in programming for it. This is a good way for us to show that we care about art and believe that it enriches our lives. You may never go to a gallery, but we have it here."
The program's eighth installment officially kicks off with a free reception 7-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at city hall. People who attend the event will be able to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.
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Contact reporter Shelby Tankersley at stankersle@hometownlife.com or 734-311-0659.