The Heidelberg Project — Attraction in Detroit

We absolutely love and adore the Heidelberg Project. Everyone we visit Detroit it’s on our top three list of places to go. We spent time talking to one of the volunteers out by the information booth about things that have changed since the last time that we visited. He was so friendly, knowledgeable and excited to share his own passion for the Heidelberg Project. It was exciting to walk around and find things that had changed and things that had stayed the same. One of the new exhibits, the beautifully wrapped tree trunks, we were told was done by an intern that was from out of state who has now completed her internship. These were gorgeous and inspiring. The amount of work that goes into this art display is incredible. I know there is varying opinions on what constitutes art but I look at the Heidelberg Project and see a glorious representation of not only art, but also what it means to up cycle, re-create, and it is such an inspirational way to share personal and social messages through creativity. The displays offered an opportunity for my son and I to have some great conversations about social issues and sparked some political debates between the two of us. Some may see certain art displays in a controversial way however it is all in how the viewer approaches the piece they are looking at and how the viewer interprets the art - it’s totally dependent upon their frame of mind. Anyways, it’s a great way to spend an hour or two. It’s completely free! There is so much to see and take in. The weather was perfect but going in the winter also offers a unique experience. Definitely make this a priority. You...

A wonderful street art project, intriguing and thought provoking- we spent over an hour looking around. However my positive outlook on the project quickly changed when I attempted to speak to the artist- who was sitting on a chair reading a newspaper on the sidewalk, right in the very middle of his own project- to be met with a rude, angry response. I was shocked, after having politely greeted him and asking 'Please could I ask you a few questions' , for him to respond to me 'As you can see I am reading, so could you do me a favor and go and look around?' (We had quite clearly already looked around). He said this with a grave expression on his face and in an angry, blunt tone. I found this unnecessary and quite frankly- just plain rude. After responding this, he continued to say that it would not be fair to speak to us if the rest of our group weren't there- a ridiculous remark seen as the rest of our group were not interested in speaking to the artist.

A note to the artist- I would completely understand your request not to be disturbed, perhaps, if you were not sitting in the middle of your very own project reading a newspaper. This portrayed the impression that you were willing to talk to visitors, especially seen as you were not working on the project or doing anything of particular importance. I was spoken to in a rude and patronizing way and this has, unfortunately, ruined my impression of the project and the...

I have visited Heidelberg about 4 times in the past few years, and I was recently there to take some pictures, pass some time, and see how the place had changed. The people there seem friendly enough, especially the woman at the Yellow House. I said Hello to a man named Link, that tried to tell me he made all the art I was looking at, like I am some kind of stupid tourist. He right away asked for a donation, and as soon as I told him I didn't have any money he changed, and stopped me short in my conversation and said he had to go. I felt I was treated differently due to my inability to pay. I stayed several hours, getting pictures and talking to people. I felt very vulnerable while there, one because of where I had to park when it was busy, leaving my car and things vulnerable to theifs. I walked up the road with the tires on post, and felt very uneasy, alone, and vulnerable. There was art to allure people, but nothing put in place to keep them safe. Heidelberg claims to be safe, but I know for a FACT there have been numerous robberies, and car theft there recently. These thrives are skilled, and they work fast. They also know that people are drawn to Heidelberg, and a lot of them have money. It is very awkward and uncomfortable to be approached by several people panhandling, and they can be very pushy at times. I love the idea of Heidelberg, and the art, but I did not feel safe when I...