City of Detroit Mexicantown Streetscape adorned with cultural life-size art sculptures unveiled today

• Alebrijes - Mexican folk art and Aztec folklore - comes to Detroit Bagley Streetscape

• Fantastical, colorful sculptures come to life through many partners in Mexicantown

• The Motor City meets Mexican folk art Alebrijes in wonderful life-size sculptures in Southwest Detroit

Today's unveiling of five fantastical (fantasy/mythical) life-size animals made from car parts are the crown jewel of the Bagley Streetscape Project in Southwest Detroit, first completed in fall 2019. The five sculptures are inspired by Mexican folk art Alebrijes and symbolize the contributions of the Latino community to the Motor City. Alebrijes are part of Mexican folk art and Aztec folklore.

"These Alebrijes statues are an important cultural representation of heritage here through significant folk art," said Jay Biernat, Project Manager, DPW Complete Streets. "These particular statues are the exquisite creation of Elton Monroy Duran and could not be made possible without his vision and hard work."

Elton Monroy Durán, is a Detroit-based visual artist. His work portrays the Hispanic community in Southwest Detroit through a series of murals. He was selected to create a series of sculptures for the Bagley Street Mexicantown streetscape.

"Alebrijes to me are a reflection of us, contemporary Mexicans. Alebrijes are usually figures made from different animal parts decorated with cheerful and colorful patterns. Contemporary Mexicans, we come from an ancient culture that was once fragmented but that we pieced back together, incorporating elements from other cultures giving shape to our own, unique cheerful identity," said Durán. "This Alebrijes are made from different car parts tying up our relationship with Detroit and our long-time contributions as a Latino community to the Motor City."

This unique project was made possible by the support of Knight Foundation who supplied $67K for material costs for the artist. The Gilbert Family Foundation supplied $37K for the statues' foundations. The Gilbert Family Foundations is committed to providing Detroit residents with access to safe, inclusive public spaces.

"We are proud to partner with the City of Detroit on this project," said JJ Velez, Director of Public Spaces for Gilbert Family Foundation. "These statues are a reflection of the vibrant, creative and passionate community of Southwest Detroit and a perfect example of how art can infuse culture into our public spaces."

Southwest Detroit Business Association will maintain these wonderful works of art along the streetscape.

"Seeing the Alebrijes come to life in Mexicantown es una celebración of the vibrant cultural spirit that makes Southwest Detroit unique," said Laura Chavez, President & CEO, Southwest Detroit Business Association.

These sculptures are more than just art; they are symbols of the rich diversity, resilience, and creativity of our community. Bringing this project to fruition is a reflection of our collective pride and passion for preserving and promoting our heritage for generations to come," Chavez added.

There are a total of five art sculptures: Big Cat, Giraffe, Donkey, Dog and Wolf. The giraffe towers over seven feet and the big cat, six feet.

"As an immigrant and former Southwest Detroit resident, seeing this project come to life fills me with pride. These sculptures represent more than art; they celebrate the rich heritage, hard work, and contributions of the Latinx community to Detroit," said José Maldonado, Director, Mexicantown Main Street, Southwest Detroit Business Association. "This collective accomplishment in Mexicantown Mainstreet honors our past and inspires our future, creating a space where culture and community thrive side by side. This unveiling is for everyone who calls Detroit home and carries our stories forward."

The redesign of Bagley from 24th Street to the I-75 Service Drive has created a versatile "shared street." This curb-less street now accommodates both traffic and business needs while also serving as a lively plaza for special events. The project features enhanced lighting, brick pavers, landscaping, and decorative elements, making it a more welcoming space for residents, visitors, and businesses.

The Bagley Street project introduced several key changes: new roadway pavement, updated underground infrastructure, festoon and traditional lighting, street furniture, brick pavers, and enhanced landscaping. These upgrades were designed to create a more attractive and welcoming corridor where neighborhood businesses can prosper. The improvements support all modes of transportation-walking, biking, transit, and driving, making the area safer and more accessible for everyone.

The project was a $2.78M City Bond Fund Project with construction from May of 2019 with completion November 2019.

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