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Paradise Valley

“Paradise Valley”

2010

Paradise Valley Park – Detroit, MI
Terrazzo, exterior installation
Dimensions: 120’ x 38’

“I have a deep commitment for rediscovering historical art through the use of Terrazzo. Its rich color and unique variety of surfaces allow me to draw on the richness of the traditional Italian culture, while responding to today’s contemporary public art designs”

The theme for this art work is Paradise Valley from the 1920s through the 1950s and 1960s, and Harmonie Park from the 1800s to 1970s. The area of Detroit known as Paradise Valley embodied an era of economic growth, first-class entertainment and new opportunities for Detroit’s black community. Paradise Valley was the center of activity and change, offering jobs and apartments, nightclubs, restaurants and hotels. Images related to historical people, buildings, and iconography and music motifs are displayed in this city park. Harmonie Park was an area that was largely settled by Germans. The area was rich with many buildings built by and for people of German ancestry.