Detroit Artist Tyree Guyton to Receive $100,000 Kresge Eminent Artist Award Amidst Turmoil of His Landmark Heidelberg Project.
Tyree Guyton's colorful and provocative Heidelberg Project has transformed a Detroit block into a stunning work of art. The project, which was launched in 1986, showcases the artist's ability to turn trash into treasure by covering abandoned houses with polka dots, discarded toys, and urban detritus.
Guyton, now 70 years old, has earned the prestigious Kresge Eminent Artist award for his contributions to art. The five-member panel of local arts professionals chose him for this honor, which comes with a cash prize of $100,000 and includes a short film and monograph about Guyton's work.
Guyton described receiving the news as "surreal" and stated that he felt like Moses when he heard his name called out. This moment is especially significant given the controversy surrounding the Heidelberg Project throughout its history. Initially met with criticism and even attempts to demolish it, Guyton persevered, driven by a vision of transforming his neighborhood into something beautiful.
Detroit's Latin motto – 'Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus' (We hope for better things; it shall arise from the ashes) – serves as an apt description of Guyton's work. In a city often perceived as decline and crime, he has created a tourist destination that showcases his unwavering dedication to art.
The Heidelberg Project, which Guyton founded in 1986, has since become a nonprofit organization focused on renovating some of the houses into permanent structures. This move aims to not only preserve the project but also create sustainable community spaces and a museum.
Throughout his career, Guyton has received recognition for his work, including winning a Kresge Artist Fellowship in 2009. Despite facing numerous challenges, he continues to be an artist who defies boundaries and pushes limits.
For Guyton, art serves as a means of making sense of the world around him. In his own words, "Art is my medicine; it's how I make sense, make meaning of the world around me." This perspective underscores the significance of Guyton's work, which has transcended its controversy to become an iconic symbol of Detroit's resilience and creativity.
With this Kresge Eminent Artist award, Tyree Guyton solidifies his status as a fine artist whose work will be remembered for generations to come. His unwavering dedication to art, even in the face of adversity, makes him an inspiration to those who cherish the transformative power of creative expression.
Tyree Guyton's colorful and provocative Heidelberg Project has transformed a Detroit block into a stunning work of art. The project, which was launched in 1986, showcases the artist's ability to turn trash into treasure by covering abandoned houses with polka dots, discarded toys, and urban detritus.
Guyton, now 70 years old, has earned the prestigious Kresge Eminent Artist award for his contributions to art. The five-member panel of local arts professionals chose him for this honor, which comes with a cash prize of $100,000 and includes a short film and monograph about Guyton's work.
Guyton described receiving the news as "surreal" and stated that he felt like Moses when he heard his name called out. This moment is especially significant given the controversy surrounding the Heidelberg Project throughout its history. Initially met with criticism and even attempts to demolish it, Guyton persevered, driven by a vision of transforming his neighborhood into something beautiful.
Detroit's Latin motto – 'Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus' (We hope for better things; it shall arise from the ashes) – serves as an apt description of Guyton's work. In a city often perceived as decline and crime, he has created a tourist destination that showcases his unwavering dedication to art.
The Heidelberg Project, which Guyton founded in 1986, has since become a nonprofit organization focused on renovating some of the houses into permanent structures. This move aims to not only preserve the project but also create sustainable community spaces and a museum.
Throughout his career, Guyton has received recognition for his work, including winning a Kresge Artist Fellowship in 2009. Despite facing numerous challenges, he continues to be an artist who defies boundaries and pushes limits.
For Guyton, art serves as a means of making sense of the world around him. In his own words, "Art is my medicine; it's how I make sense, make meaning of the world around me." This perspective underscores the significance of Guyton's work, which has transcended its controversy to become an iconic symbol of Detroit's resilience and creativity.
With this Kresge Eminent Artist award, Tyree Guyton solidifies his status as a fine artist whose work will be remembered for generations to come. His unwavering dedication to art, even in the face of adversity, makes him an inspiration to those who cherish the transformative power of creative expression.
just think about it, $100k should go towards fixing up that whole block instead of just giving it to Tyree Guyton lol but i guess the money will help keep his project alive 
. I mean, Tyree Guyton's been doing his thing for decades, turning trash into treasure and making a name for himself. Is it just because he won another award in 2009? Maybe they wanna give him more recognition before he passes on, but something doesn't feel right about this whole situation 
. Tyree Guyton has done something incredible, turning his neighborhood into a work of art that brings people together 
. And to receive this Kresge Eminent Artist award at 70 is truly well-deserved 
. His perseverance in the face of criticism and adversity is inspiring. This award isn't just about him, though - it's also a testament to the power of creativity to transform communities 
.
. The fact that he's being honored not just for his art but also for being a beacon of hope in Detroit 
is truly inspiring. I mean, who else would turn trash into treasure and make a whole neighborhood a work of art? Genius! 
And can we talk about how resilient he is? Facing criticism and even demolition attempts and still managing to keep his vision alive? That's like, the ultimate artistic statement 
. I hope this award brings him even more joy and inspires others to chase their creative dreams 
.
! I mean, can you imagine living in a neighborhood where people are trying to tear down your masterpiece, but you keep pushing forward and making it even more amazing? Tyree Guyton is literally a hero 
! He's truly a pioneer and a symbol of Detroit's resilience. The fact that his artwork has been able to bring so much joy and beauty to a city that's often perceived as tough is just amazing 
. I can only imagine how surreal it must be for him to receive this award, especially after all he's been through 
. And honestly, it's not just about the art itself, but what he's accomplished in a city that's been through so much. It's like he's saying, "Hey, we're gonna make this work, and we're gonna make it beautiful." 
His dedication is truly inspiring, and I think we can all learn from his perseverance 
. Detroit's loss is the world's gain 
. His art is more than just something pretty to look at, it's a reflection of his soul 
. $100k is no joke, but I'd say he's worth every penny 
. Can't wait to see what he does next 
The fact that his work has become a tourist destination speaks volumes about its impact on the city 
! His dedication to creating something beautiful out of nothing is truly inspiring 
i love that he sees art as 'medicine' cuz it's so true like what heals us more than anything is beauty and creativity in all its forms. i wish i could be as brave and dedicated to my passions as tyree guyton lol but seriously can we learn from his example?
