Downtown Ann Arbor just got quite the makeover – a 3,600-square-foot makeover, as a matter-of-fact.
Thanks to a partnership between Oxford Companies and Magellan Properties, Ann Arbor’s largest mural will be dedicated this Wednesday, October 21, at 4pm. The mural, by artist Cathy Gendron, is titled, “Enduring Roots,” and spans the lower wall of Oxford’s downtown headquarters to the adjacent property owned by Magellan.
Gendron, who was commissioned by Oxford and Magellan, lives in Ann Arbor and teaches at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. She beat out 25 other entries from Michigan-based artists to have her design selected by a panel of fellow artists and business professionals. The theme of of the contest was “Creating Community.”
With that in mind, Gendron created a mural that depicts what Ann Arbor is best known for—a peaceful, flowing river, and a colorful cast of characters —from a family picnicking, to bicyclists, to a couple dancing, all entwined by leaves and a tree that showcases the “roots” that generations of people have laid down in the Ann Arbor community.
“Cathy has captured the heart of Ann Arbor in this mural. The work adds a new, unique focal point downtown and we are pleased to share this major public artwork with the community,” said Jeff Hauptman, Oxford Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful to Cathy (Gendron), Rene Papo of Magellan properties, and our four supporting sponsors who helped to make this happen.”
The dedication ceremony will take place in the parking lot between the Oxford building and Afternoon Delight Cafe. Beer will be served, and the event is open to the public. About 200 people are expected to attend.
Oxford Companies, founded in 1998, is a provider of investment real estate and property management services in Southeast Michigan, boasting a portfolio that includes more than 2,000,000 square feet of property. This year, the company was selected as one of “50 Companies to Watch” by the Michigan Celebrates Small Business organization.
During the ceremony, Oxford will also present the first ever “Creating Community” award to Gendron. Deborah Pearson, Marketing Director for Oxford, confirmed that the company hopes this is the first award of many that the will given out to members of the Ann Arbor community.
Domino’s, Atomic Object, the Ann Arbor DDA and Raymond James also contributed to the project as partners.
Wednesday, October 21 | 4pm
210 S. Fifth Avenue
