DETROIT (WXYZ) — City Councilmember Roy McCalister and Detroit ACE are looking for an artist to paint a special mural honoring victims of COVID-19 who lived in District 2.
The mural will also honor Captain Franklin D. Williams, Jr., who served the district from Engine 44, Ladder 18, Chief 8 at 35 West Seven Mile Rd.
The mural is part of the Detroit Memorial Celebration that saw an event in each City Council district and the Memorial Drive Around Belle Isle.
This call comes a day after what would have been Capt. Williams’ 58th birthday, city officials say. He died of COVID-19 on April 8.
“We would like to thank everyone in District 2 who volunteered to come together to paint the mural in recognition of the people of District 2 who have lost their lives to the coronavirus,” McCalister said.
He also thanked the Arab American Chaldean Council for allowing the mural to be painted on their building next to the fire station. And he thanked students from the U of D Mercy School of Architecture and Renaissance and U of D Jesuit high schools because they will help paint the wall. The Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club will guide the project.
The selected artist will receive a $1,000 commission. Home Depot is donating all paint and supplies in honor of Capt. Williams.
To apply for the mural, artists must send an email to detroitartsandculture@gmail.com with their name, address, phone number and the following:
- A statement about how much experience he or she has painting outdoor murals.
- A statement about how much experience he or she has working with students.
- A sketch of the concept for the mural.
The deadline to apply is Friday, September 25, 2020.
