Riparian Arts Project

Began in 2016, Riparian Arts Project is currently a series of installed and in-progress works of public art inspired by historical folklore drawn from the Great Lakes region.

Riparian refers to something that is “Inhabiting, or situated on the bank of a river (or body of water).” The stories, tall tales, fables, old chestnuts that inspire these images largely connect with the cultural and natural environs of the peninsular state of Michigan and its city of the straights.

The “Legend of the Lake Whitefish” Murals were commissioned by Art In Woodbridge. The two connecting 7' x '17 murals were painted on garage doors in Woodbridge, Detroit Historic District in fall ‘16. *Above photograph by Cass Padula Photography.

“The Toad on Horseback” public painting was commissioned by Art in Woodbridge. The 8' x 4' painting was completed in Spring '17 and installed on an exterior wall of a house in Woodbridge, Detroit Historic District.

“A Springwells Legend:” This design is for a mural which will be part of a larger public art project for the City of Detroit’s City Walls Viaduct Beautification Initiative. The viaduct is located on Vernor Highway where Springwells Village and Mexicantown-Southwest Detroit meet. The theme of this mural was developed in partnership with artists Vito Valdez and Perez (OZO) to tie into the overall aforementioned public art project.

"The Battle for Belle Isle (The Hog and the Rattlesnake):" This is a design for a 8' x 4' painting currently being painted for Art in Woodbridge. It will be installed on the exterior wall of a house in the neighborhood of Woodbridge, Detroit Historic District.

"St. Patrick’s Trout:" This is a 6' x 4' painting commissioned by Art in Woodbridge. It will be installed on the exterior wall of a house in the neighborhood of Woodbridge, Detroit Historic District.

"Le Griffon Ghost Ship:" This is a 6' x 4' painting commissioned by Art in Woodbridge. It will be installed on the exterior wall of a house in the neighborhood of Woodbridge, Detroit Historic District.