A New Chapter in Art and Community

On May 18th, the East Canfield Art Park was graced with a transformative addition: Jordan Weber’s stunning sculpture, “New Forest, Ancient Thrones.” This event marked not only the unveiling of a significant piece of art but also a moment of unity and celebration for the community. The day was filled with heartfelt speeches, captivating performances, and an overarching sense of togetherness.

The Visionary Behind the Sculpture

Jordan Weber, an acclaimed artist known for his thought-provoking works, has once again delivered a masterpiece that resonates deeply with both the environment and the community. “New Forest, Ancient Thrones” is a powerful representation of nature’s resilience and the timeless connection between humanity and the earth. Weber’s work invites reflection on our relationship with the natural world and the pressing need for environmental stewardship. Jordan Weber’s exceptional contributions to the art world have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the 2023 Guggenheim Award, the 2022 United States Artist Award, the 2021 Harvard LOEB Fellowship, the 2020 Joan Mitchell Award, and the 2019 Creative Capital Award. These honors underscore his influence and impact on contemporary art and environmental advocacy.

The Unveiling Event

The unveiling event began with a vibrant Ancestral Honoring ceremony led by Baba Shemarie and the Nanou Djiapo African Drummers, who led the opening procession. Their rhythmic beats and spirited performance set a reverent and anticipatory mood for the day, infusing the event with cultural richness and energy. Board member Shania Richardson then delivered inspirational words, emphasizing the significance of community and the role of art in fostering connections and addressing critical issues. Her motivational speech highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration in driving positive change. Following Shania’s speech, co-founder Rhonda Theus provided heartfelt opening remarks. She highlighted the importance of art in fostering culture, and spirit, and addressing environmental issues, setting a positive tone for the day’s celebrations. Ryan Myers-Johnson, director and founder of Sidewalk Detroit, then took the stage to share her insights and the role of Sidewalk Detroit in making this event possible. Her remarks underscored the collaborative effort required to bring such a significant project to life, celebrating the collective spirit of the community. Drizzy Dria captivated the audience with a powerful performance, infusing the event with emotional depth and artistic flair. Following Drizzy Dria, Latisha Johnson, District 4 City Councilwoman, delivered a speech that resonated with the community’s aspirations and challenges. Her words were a reminder of the power of collective action and local governance.The enthusiastic participation of students from the Barack Obama Academy of Mama Monique Taylor’s class added a youthful and energetic dimension to the celebration. These young voices shared their poems about trees, each poem reflecting a unique perspective on nature and its importance. Their involvement embodied hope and the promise of a brighter future.

Artist Talk

To close out the presentation, our co-founder Kim Theus facilitated an engaging and heartfelt artist talk with Jordan Weber. They delved into Weber’s vision for “New Forest, Ancient Thrones” and how environmental issues deeply influenced its design. Jordan spoke passionately about how the sculpture is not only an artistic expression but also a poignant commentary on environmental justice and the urgent need to address air quality issues. Jordan shared that his inspiration came from the majestic crowns of African queens Ranavalona and Idia, symbols of strength, resilience, and enduring beauty.He also paid tribute to the powerful legacy of Kim and Rhonda Theus, whose dedication to the community has been a constant source of inspiration. The discussion was both enlightening and inspiring, offering deep insights into the intersection of art and environmental activism.

Commitment to Air Quality

In line with our commitment to environmental justice, air quality monitors have been strategically placed throughout the East Canfield Village Art Park. These monitors are a crucial part of our efforts to address and improve air quality in our community. By providing real-time data on air pollution levels, they empower residents with the information needed to advocate for cleaner air and healthier living conditions.The integration of these monitors reflects our dedication to creating a sustainable and environmentally conscious community. This initiative, alongside Jordan Weber’s impactful sculpture, underscores the urgent need to address environmental issues and promotes a collective effort towards a cleaner, greener future.

Featured in The New York Times

We are thrilled to share that the unveiling of “New Forest, Ancient Thrones” was featured in The New York Times. This coverage highlights the significance of Jordan Weber’s work and the impact of our community’s dedication to art and environmental justice. You can read the full article here.

Special Thanks

Events like this are made possible by the collaborative efforts of many passionate individuals and organizations. We extend our deepest gratitude to:

• Jordan Weber
• Ben Wolf
• Juan Martinez
• Sidewalk Detroit
• Baba Shemarie with the Nanou Djiapo African Drummers
• Drizzy Dria
• Students of the Barack Obama Academy and Mama Monique Taylor’s class
• Seydehwon
• Detroit Tree Equity
• Ecology Center
• Planet Detroit
• Just Air
• All Volunteers and Supporters
• Board Members of Canfield Consortium

Your dedication and hard work have brought this vision to life, creating a lasting impact on our community.

Looking Ahead

“New Forest, Ancient Thrones” is now a permanent fixture in the East Canfield Village Art Park, inviting visitors to connect with its message and find inspiration in its presence. We encourage everyone to visit and experience this remarkable work of art firsthand. This sculpture stands as a testament to the power of art in fostering community spirit and addressing important environmental issues.​Thank you to everyone who joined us for this memorable occasion. Your presence and support are what make our community thrive.