Allmendinger Park mosaic mural to be dedicated Sunday

Posted on Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 10:59 a.m.

Small self-portraits, mementos and other objects will be used in the project.

Courtesy of Mary Thiefels

Ann Arbor's latest public-art project will be unveiled at a dedication ceremony on Sunday.

The new work is described as "a neighborhood time capsule mosaic" created by local artist Mary Thiefels, of TreeTown Murals. It's installed on the columns of the shelter at Allmendinger Park, on Pauline west of Main.

Called “Nourishing Healthy Seeds,” the new work incorporates contributions from the community, including self-portraits by Slauson Middle School students and more than 50 personal mementos—including coins, photos, dog tags and more—donated by residents.

Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje said in a press release, “The latest art installation by Ann Arbor’s Public Art Commission in Allmendinger Park is a great example of local community support and involvement in public art. The city is grateful for the ideas and collage pieces from area residents and students that are now part of the park shelter murals created by artist Mary Thiefels.”

The city expects to spend about $12,000 on the project, including a $7,200 grant from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.

The new work is the first in a planned series of murals to be commissioned by the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission. AAPAC is seeking new artists to consider for two more murals now in the planning stages. A link to instructions for artists interested in submitting their qualifications (due Nov. 9) can be found at the AAPAC website.

The new artwork will be dedicated Sunday, Oct. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Allmendinger Park, on Pauline between Hutchins and Edgewood. The event is free and open to the public.