I/ACT, Image and Arts Council of Troy MI, Enhancing Troy's Image Through Arts, Culture and Urban Design

I/ACT Artists do it again! Diana Jellinek, Linda Shears and James Homer Brown create a "100 Books" mural for Sherry Buczek's classroom at Bemis Elementary in Troy. The project lasted several weeks over May and June of 2008. The kids loved seeing real artists at work! Diana came up with the mural idea to help inspire her son Adrian's class. Adrian also helped with some of the painting. The mural also depicts a tiny hamster hiding among the books. This was a way to commemorate the schoolroom's beloved pet. Many thanks to teacher Sherry Buczek for her encouragement of this art project.

An article about this artwork entitled "Mural Celebrates Classroom's Love of Reading" is being featured in the Troy School District's newsletter.

More photos of artists in action from the Bemis "100 Books" Mural challenge here.

Mark your calendar!   Find out about new ART PROJECTS in Troy.

New FRIDAY "Brown Bag Lunch" URBANISM and PUBLIC ART lecture series

Dates:         September 19, 2008 and October 17, 2008
Time:          12:00 to 1:00 pm
Location: See Below
Cost:           FREE

This is a collaborative series with the Troy Chamber of Commerce and I/ACT.

Learn how Troy community leaders plan to improve Troy's image in the business world and for our residents. Feel free to bring a lunch. Coffee and cookies will also be served.

For more information, call Dr. Maria Hunciag, series coordinator (248-524-3543).

We also hope to film these events for re-broadcast on local access cable TV.

Friday, September 19, 2008 - "ART UNHINGED"

Speakers: Ann Comiskey, Executive Director of the Troy Community Coalition,
Loraine Campbell, Director of the Troy Historical Museum and
Linda Shears, Chairperson for I/ACT.

The Kmart Headquarters at Coolidge and Big Beaver Roads in Troy is due to be demolished to make way for The Pavilions. Doors from the Kmart building will be used in a project called "Art Unhinged". The objective is to give artists an opportunity to preserve these relics in a recycled art project. The resulting art will be auctioned off in the Spring, 2009 at a fundraising event that will to benefit the Troy Community Coalition and the Troy Historical Society Heritage Campaign.

LOCATION: Troy Community Center, Room 301 - 3179 Livernois, Troy MI 48083
(NW corner of Livernois and Big Beaver Roads)
NOTE: due to construction this is a change from the usual library location.

Friday, October 17, 2008 - "CREATIVE INDUSTRIES IN TROY AND OAKLAND COUNTY"

Speaker: Maria Hunciag, Troy Public Library Cultural Arts Coordinator
                   Additional guests to be announced

A "Creative Class" exists in Troy and Oakland County. The "Americans for the Arts" organization published "Creative Industry: Business & Employment in the Arts" a report based on findings in the Dun & Bradstreet database. As of January, 2008, Michigan's Congressional District 9 is home to 2,316 arts businesses that employ 10,563 people. These arts-centric businesses play an important role in building and sustaining economic vibrancy in the county. They employ people who spend money locally, generate government revenue, and are a cornerstone of tourism and economic develoment.

LOCATION: Troy Public Library, 510 W Big Beaver, Troy MI 48084
                     (NW corner of Livernois and Big Beaver Roads)


One of the 80 pound steel doors from the soon-to-be-demolished Kmart building is delivered to the artists workroom at Ford & Earl. Troy artist, Beverly Booth who has completed most of her door with a landscape mural was interviewed by the Troy Eccentric. Beverly was also interviewed by the I/ACT film crew. Other "Doors" artists that want to be filmed as their projects progress are encouraged to contact Linda Shears at 248-642-5473. More "Art Unhinged" Pictures and Information here.

Read here about this detailed and highly artistic 50 x 90" mural/oil painting created by the I/ACT artists for a children's speech therapy class. The mural is currently on display at the Troy public library. The painting received favorable press coverage in August, 2007 from the Troy Eccentric and in the Spring 2008 from the Somerset Gazette.

December, 2007. Tom Gross, CEO of Ford & Earl graciously allowed I/ACT artists to display their work at the Ford & Earl holiday party held at the company's Troy headquarters on Big Beaver.

Many thanks again to Tom who has been a great patron of our group. We greatly appreciate his support.

Thanks also to Linda Shears for her great photography.

Click on the painting at the right for more art and artist photos from the event.