This is What's the Deal Grosse Ile, a podcast that explores the people places history and events that make Rocio unique. I'm your host, Ben fote.
We've talked about the Downtown Development Authority usually called the DDA a few times as we've explored some of the businesses and events on Macomb street. But today we'll talk with Grace quiero, who is the new township Community Development Director, which gives him some leadership with the DDA. And with us too, is Ali Maga Aki Ali is coordinating art on the aisle, a great new art event that includes temporary and permanent art installations here on Rocio.
Well, thanks for joining me, Ross and ally.
Thank you.
Thank you for having us.
I think what we need to start with is what everybody wants to know. And that is what is what is art on the eel
art on the aisle, is a public art initiative brought to the community by the Grow zeal Downtown Development Authority. We've had a lot of people working together to bring art to public spaces along the business district specifically, of Grossie. Also, with the idea that the art will create a flourishing environment for both the community members, the businesses, as well as the artists and the community. So that's kind of the short synopsis of what art on the Eilis, it's gonna last how long.
So the idea is for it to be a continual public art program, where we will add, be incorporating new murals every year. This year we did we did two different murals. And then the sculptures work a little bit differently. So they are on a leasing program with the DDA. So the DDA is leasing these, these sculptures from the artists for a two year period. And then every two years, those set of sculptures will be replaced with a new set of sculptures. Well, that's great.
And how's it all going to be revealed? How do we are they gonna show up in pieces? I know I I've seen one mural. I'm not sure I've seen the second one yet.
Yep. On Sunday, October 13th. So that Thursday night from six to 730 we will be having a we are we're calling it meet the artist and experienced the art. So it's sort of a community celebration for this public art initiative on Macomb. So the community members can come out and kind of gather in we're meeting in the the island shops courtyard. So and that's that's a, an area where both a sculpture as well as a mural will be. So we kind of chose that as our initial gathering point. And then there will be
one that's where that's where Island goods and and is it therapy? Is that
so I know that is so the island shops is there's Soliz barbecue, okay. And then there's like I think the hungry Howie's studio, a dance studio and a couple other businesses in that area. All right. Yeah. So that's kind of a an people are pretty aware at this point about the the mural that is on the side of the cleaners, which is awesome, because it's, you know, kind of our we think of it as our mural that's kind of setting the tone for this this program, kind of a gateway. Yeah, yep. Yep. And so but people are not so familiar with the mural that will be in the island shops courtyard, because it's a little bit, you know, more set off the beaten path. It's not visible from driving on Macomb. So that will be a fun sort of reveal. Yeah. So that that's exciting. Yeah. All right.
So so those will be here for there on that on that lease program when? So when that time is up, are they all going to get replaced at once or we're going to have this as sort of a biannual event to reveal the next next batch, or will they, they sort of get replaced in in pieces, like in bits of the tow,
the installation process with anything that is on that scale of a piece can you know take a couple of months, but every every two years, the idea is that that group of of pieces will be replaced with a new set of, of sculptures. So the following year, the hopes is that six more sculptures will be added totaling to 12. So it'll kind of be on this oscillating rotate. Question where you'll have six new pieces that will be coming in every year.
Oh, wow. And to kind of go off of that the DDA is located 36, approximately 36 locations for potential sculptures. That's so as Yeah, right. So as we kind of go through this, we are going to try to identify new spots for sculptors too, and try to have those either be road be included in the rotation process, or permanent sculptures, too. So as we kind of kick this thing off, is this kind of like us, like a starting ground for us? Right, so and then we're gonna kind of see how this plays out and how future events might play out too. So
Wow. So when they're when those leases are up, then when the the artists get their, their art back, or their options for for people to buy those or to say, say one of the country clubs, or, or one of the clubs that's on the island wants to have that as part of their their property, or a group comes together and wants to keep it there. Is that is that in the plans? Are there ways for the community to buy these these pieces?
Yes, absolutely. We encourage that, in fact, they all of the pieces are available. So the way, you know, typically artists that work that they're working is incorporated in a public setting. A lot of the times their their work will be leased out in different areas and different towns or cities. So and an artists can show a piece and many times and be able to recuperate some of the cost that they put into these pieces, which are, you know, creating something on on that stature of size is, is not a cheap thing. So it's they're able to kind of get back what they're putting into it and also have their work in a setting that people are able to experience it. And if someone really loves the piece and is interested in purchasing, purchasing it does definitely encouraged.
Where all the artists from Are they are they Michigan artists? Are they in the metro area here?
Yes, all of them are Detroit based artists. A couple of them I personally know and have either gone to school with them or are connected to them in some way through the Detroit artists community, which is exciting for this being the first year, you know, being able to support local artists, I think is really important.
Oh, for sure. So how did all this come together? Who gets credit for the idea or the blame leader later on down the line? If I don't think I don't think there'll be any blame for it. But but who gets credit for it?
Yeah, I think well, mostly ally, you know.
I was just asked to help.
But yeah, there, you know, I mean, Ross might know better. I think I'm not sure how long this conversation with the DDA has been going on. I think Ross said, you know, they've been talking about this for what, five years. But Ron has been a very instrumental part and in kicking this off, you know, he's, he has really good vision. He's, he is knowledgeable about art as well. So he, it's, I think it's something that is a very, it was very important for him to start as well. So he definitely gets big credit for, for getting the conversation going. And
Ron, what's runs last name?
Ron Moran. He's the chairman of EDA. Oh, yeah. Okay.
I just think everyone knows Ron.
So So ultimately, art on the aisle is being put on and funded by gross sales DDA, I'm guessing. Are there any other sponsors or opportunities for other sponsors?
At this point there, there have been no other sponsors. We haven't really began the talks of you know, how, you know, how we could get people to sponsor the art or, you know, give donations still up for discussion. We just really want to get this thing started and, and then kind of kind of see how everything kind of plays out.
Yeah, this this year kind of serves as a starting initial starting point for the project it with the hopes that it will evolve and the DDA will be able to obtain additional funding and sponsor sponsorships to be able to do To purchase permanent sculptures is kind of the hopes.
So the DDA we haven't actually talked about the DDA on the podcast at all. We've we've referenced it in many different places, but specifically about the DDA. And so Ross, since you've, you've taken the directorship there, wants you to fill us in real quick on what the DDA is, how it, how it operates and all that.
Yeah. So I guess to put it shortly, a DDA is essentially a group of businesses that get together to fund public improvements through tax increment financing. And tax increment financing is a tool where the growth of property taxes over a period of time are captured. So, for instance, to give an example, property values might be assessed and like assessed in 2010, at $70,000. And then in 2020, they're assessed at 100,000 or $100,000, for $120,000. And say, so that, that the, the taxes that are captured over that time, are basically put into a pool of, like, into a pool. And the DDA, the board kind of decides what to do with those funds.
And they go towards funding projects, like our on the aisle, or our facade improvement grant, to help businesses improve their improve their businesses, that the physical frontage is under this, and I'm sure the light posts and the banners that go on those and the in all the flowers that get hung there. Yep. Yeah. And sort of, we're looking at updating our benches and trash receptacles. It's sort of to help beautify the street and beautify the downtown area to help, you know, get people on the street, get people shopping locally, spending dollars locally, kind of creating that circular economy. So Right. And so that's probably why this the the public art becomes a good asset for that that should raise property values along Macomb Street and contribute to that that TIF funding. Right. Yeah, yeah, that's that's definitely the hope here. Definitely. So what other activities events and things do does the DDA put on? I think there might be a couple things happening this month along with the sculptures. Yeah, yeah. So we do have we have on the island on the 13th. We also have paint the town red on the 14th and 15th. So it's sort of a three day event thing we got going on here. So and then we have the Halloween parade on the 22nd. Ladies Night Out on November 11. In Ireland glow on December 2, and I've been kind of talking with businesses and community members about what kind of events we want to put on in the future and whether we should change the some things up, take some events out, make get some new events going. So in the future, we do plan on using these these funds to put on events for the community that kind of brings the community out to Macomb Street. Right. And you've just, you've been with the township for how long now? Since July 11. So coming up on three months here. Wow. So what made you choose gracile? Yeah, so just a little bit of background about me, I'm from a small town of our beta, so shout out to our beta. But I've been living in Detroit since 2014. Got my undergrad and public affairs and Urban Studies. I've been a graduate student at Wayne State for urban planning since 2020. And my first job was in Hamtramck working in this position, Community Economic Development, downtown development, authority, that kind of position there. So I worked there for about nine months, I did a short stint in Southfield and I saw this job and I wanted to get back to working with the community. And I saw this was a smaller town, I want to kind of go back to that smaller town atmosphere and had an interview with the township manager Derek Thiele, a couple of members from my department, and Ron Moran, and I just thought it was the perfect fit. And we just kind of hit the ground running. It was a really short process, and we just kind of clicked and ever since then, it's been a really nice bit. So So are there any similarities between gross eel and our beta?
That the small town you know everyone loves? Since its fall, everyone just loves football. Sports. So the community, people are constantly talking about what's going on at the high school. You know what, you know, I think that that's, that's kind of that small town feel of that, that I really that I really enjoy. And the fact that everyone kind of knows everyone I can go out to the community, I can go to the gas station, I'll see, you know, someone from the DDA or from a different commission. I can go to Kroger or wherever, you know, it's always seeing somebody you know. And I really do enjoy that aspect of things.
Because those are made to have a hardware store that has a little bit of everything like ours. Not quite.
We have a hardware store, but it doesn't have a place where you can get alcohol and all these other
things. The library doesn't have Live Library inside. Yeah, right. Yes.
Yeah. No. Yeah. There's nothing quite like that. I haven't seen that. In any other community. So
yeah. And so Ali, you've started something new. That's really, I think it's taken, taken at least grocery aisle now the Facebook group by storm. So the wind at art and glass center. It's just fascinating. And that's, that's one of your projects there. Right?
Yes, yep. That's been a full time. Very intense business that we we started which we did not have the you know, I I started it last October. And I remember. So we were doing glassblowing workshops and classes. And I remember kind of just putting out the first round of workshops and thinking and saying to people that I was working with that. I really hope that, you know, people want to sign up for this or do something like this. I couldn't really gauge the, you know, want for people in the community if they wanted to do something like that. And they booked right away. And we've been steadily busy ever since. So it's been really great. And we're happy to be you know, in the downriver community.
Well, I know that I work, or I work at Greenfield Village, I think everybody that listens to the show knows that. And we get asked over and over again, you know, the they stopped doing the glass flowers, you can sign up to make a glass flower. Yeah, that that ended with COVID. And it hasn't come back. And it's questionable whether it will, but you know, I don't have any insight on it. But, but a lot of people ask about it. It's one of the most common things that people come in, they want to do, of course, it was really, really cheap, compared to bigger glass classes, but you don't learn nearly as much in that process here. You're mostly helping. But so so I just had a feeling that it would go pretty, pretty fast. And so that's, that's amazing. And of course, the TV shows that are around that have have not heard it at all.
Oh, yes. I'm, you know, blown away. It's been my, my biggest friend gives people a very good reference to glassblowing and it gives them excitement to come in and be able to do that after you know, watching Netflix.
Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. So it's is it just class or are there other things go in there too.
So we we offer one day glassblowing workshops, as well as one day flameworking workshops. So that's a just a different glassmaking technique done over and open torch, typically pendants and beads and small sculptural items are made that way. And then we also offer six week courses on both of those glassmaking techniques. So both glassblowing and lampworking for those that really want to learn the craft in itself from the ground up. And then we we do offer rotating sort of featured art workshops, whether that is you know, a jewelry workshop or a painting workshop. So those are that's kind of the art of wine dot art and glass center. So it's we're glass focused and based but we you know, we're we're in the beginning too so I have a lot of of hopes for where we will kind of end up but how much space do you have? So we were in I would say it's about 5000 square feet that the Art Center operates out of so we have quite we have a lot of open space which is nice because we do we frequently do community public events where people can come in and watch us do a glass demonstration. So in its its normally large scale blasts that they're moving so it's they're working in a team of five guys are working on it. Yes, we did our it was called The Great glass pumpkin. So we made about a 18 inch diameter glass pumpkin over about an hour and a half period. So the public was able to come in and, and see that happening, which is always really fun to be able to interact with people and get them into to actually have that experience and be able to ask questions and all of that.
Sure. Now the sculptures that are coming here are are they all sorts of media? Are we going to see any glass sculptures?
That? Yes, there are several artists that are glass blowers. So my partner, Tim, southward, he he uses glass, and his sculptural pieces, as well as stainless steel. And then Eric and Israel nor Dean, they also use glass as well as steel. So they they use cast glass pieces that's incorporated into their steel work.
Okay, we'll try to get some some links for the artists that are bringing things into including the Episode notes here so that people can can look at some of the other stuff that folks have done. Yeah. Yeah, so the first mural that was done, they posted on on Facebook about having heard about doing this project, and they bought a house here, because they'd done their research on the island. The gross national alliance for the arts just had a show, and they had a sale at the VFW hall. How many resident artists does gerstel? Have? Do you have any estimate,
um, I'm not so familiar with how many, you know, practicing artists that are full time artists and grow zeal. I think a lot of those people are few and far in between in terms of those that do art as a full time, full time job. You know, we have a lot of creative people in the community in general, which I think is great. And we want to definitely encourage, you know, grow zeal, artists, and those that are involved in the community to be a part of this art initiative for, you know, the following years. Yeah, and
I think my experience has been that this this sort of initiative has, has caused more people to be a little more free and being creative. And in giving, giving children that grew up in the community a little more option to to be creative, whether it is directly with with art medium, or whether it's being creative as an engineer, being creative as hopefully not as an accountant. We don't want creative accountants too often. But, but but other things, management and that. So I think that's, that's really great. So so even if you're not a full time artist with a recognized physical Art Media, maybe you are an artist in other ways, our gardeners are certainly certainly artists. So how can we get involved or support these kinds of community art initiatives? Or even just general programs with the DDA? Yeah, I
guess? Well, for one is just supporting our word of mouth is a huge way of, you know, showing support and, you know, telling people off Island, you know, what we've got going on here. And I think that's a really, you know, that's very important, very vital to getting support. I am kind of in the works of creating, like a public participation plan of how we engage with the community members and local organizations to kind of get them involved in what we're doing with the DDA. So we're definitely in that process right now. But, Ellie, I don't know if you had any other.
Yeah, we, you know, this is this is the initial starting point for this project. So I think we're, we are kind of testing the waters with how, you know, the public reacts in the community members react. So which doing anything on this scale, that's public, you never know. But it's been great. We've had a really great response so far, which is very exciting. It makes me really happy to see how excited people are and how, you know, I didn't really realize until I started hearing and seeing some of the comments about the mural, and about this project in general. I didn't fully I guess, understand people's want in the community for something like this. So I think it just gives it more fuel to be able to sustain it for the years to come. And, you know, the ways that people can be involved in support this, I think It will grow when while this project grows, and hopefully there will be opportunities, kind of like we talked before for people to to donate to this project, because they want to see it stain sustain, and have it a part of their community.
Absolutely. I think the folks that drive through Trenton, by the railroad bridge next to the steel plant, right at King, anyone who's driven by that, in the last two months, has seen that mural come to life. And I think they're dedicating it if they haven't dedicated already, it's, it's in the next week or so. And that, as that came together, I think that's a point of pride that I, the first time I saw it, I thought, Oh, I wish we had something like that. And I drove down Meridian for the first time in a while. And suddenly, look, we have that almost exactly. And it didn't take as long as what is what it did, at least in my my, my experience didn't take as long as it did in Trenton. And so it's really thrilling to see that. And, and, yeah, so it's one of my wishes fulfilled, which is a great transition, of course, to the last question that we got here. So so at the end of every episode, as you know, we end with a wish for grocery aisle. So do you have a wish for the island or the community or or the world in general?
Yeah. For me, I just wish to see a thriving Macomb street a thriving small business district, where the community can come and participate and engage with each other and, you know, see people walking up and down and going inside a shop. That's really what I hope to see.
Yeah, I, I'm kind of with you on that in terms of I think, you know, when people think about community, it's, it is a togetherness. So it's this art program is it, I am hoping that it will, you know, support the local businesses, inspire the community members, and support local artists and kind of create this like flourishing environment for all aspects of, of those that are involved. So that's kind of my hopes for Rosie Ellis to is to keep creating that flourishing environment for everyone.
Well, thanks so much. I am so thrilled to see all this come together something it's something I've missed from other places I've lived that public art. I think this could really be incredible for the community and I'm so glad I could meet you both. I appreciate you. The the work that goes into this and and the other things that you're doing are just just amazing. And keep at it. Your dedication to a vibrant downtown and to the island culture is really sparking so many other ideas that we may not even see flourish for a couple of years yet. Thank you so much for that.
Thank you. I really appreciated the time.
Yeah, thank you. We're excited that you're excited
Wow, just wow. I can't wait to see all the sculptures and murals that will be coming to Garcia. I have a feeling this is going to be really great for our community. Links to the DDA art on the Isle, the wine dot art and glass center and so much more is in the Episode Notes. What's the Deal? Grosse Ile is a production of food Media Productions. The music for this episode is Mike Parrs. Play and create I hope you liked it. Thank you for listening to What's the Deal Grosse Ile
