THE HART PROJECT “putting the art in Hart”

 

Background:

Over the past year, our community has been building momentum towards an exciting new project to bring new life, authentic stories, and the arts to our growing community. This endeavor, “25 by 2025”, is an effort to get 25 art installations to the downtown area of Hart, Michigan. We have two main goals with this project: to revitalize the area and bring tourists off the freeway and into our hidden jewel of a city and to use the arts for locals and tourists to connect in a meaningful way to the stories of others. Using a combination of art installations, written word, and celebration, we explore the stories of those who founded Hart, return to visit, and who continue to create the diverse and unique city it is today.

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It is our goal to kick things off by commissioning Bill Secunda, a five-time Art Prize finalist and artist/sculptor, to build a 22-ft tin man sculpture holding a huge heart to be installed in Downtown Hart.  

 

Funding Needs:

Funding for a 22-foot tin man sculpture would turn a dream into reality giving Hart a statement piece to kick off this art initiative and grab the attention of the community.  Along with 25 murals by 2025, a sculpture of this scale gives visitors a reason to come to Downtown Hart.  Many travel to this area to experience the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. The impact will strengthen our shops, restaurants, and downtown district overall. If Hart can become known as a vibrant art community, we believe it will attract new businesses and residents who are looking for a community that embraces creativity, diversity, and new ideas.

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UPDATE:

THE TIN MAN IS HERE!!  We did it

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If you'd like to add your name to this list to be recognized on a permanent plaque placed next to the tin man please use link below to make a donation of $150 or more.

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3-Year Goal (25 public art installments in Hart by the year 2025)

Hart currently has 6 murals

• 2023 add 6 permanent public art installations including the Tin Man

• 2024 add 7 permanent public art installations

• 2025 add 6 permanent public art installations

 

The Hart Project Team is currently identifying suitable locations for 19 new public art installments in a walkable area of downtown.  The group is also discussing whether or not there should be a theme.  It has been decided that each piece will tell a story and seek an emotional connection with the viewer.

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In addition to the public art installments, the Hart Project group will host its first “annual” Art Walk in the fall of 2022 in downtown with artists showcased inside downtown businesses for a meet and greet & viewing of their original art.  An art festival is anticipated in 2023 along with the addition of an artisan center/studio space.

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It is our hope that all community investment decisions will consider being part of this effort (back ally art, community benches, flower pots, trash receptacles, light poles, decorating empty storefronts, landscape design, etc) to continue… putting the ART in Hart! 

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JOIN THE DISCUSSION - everyone is welcome!

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Next Meeting:

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TBA

City of Hart Community Center

407 S State St

Hart, MI  49420

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM