Community Collage Project
Community Collage Project in Honor of Joe Muer (1936 to 2024) Begins May 1st!
The Oliver Art Center is thrilled to announce the return of its cherished annual “Small Works: Community Collage” project, kicking off on May 1st. This year’s initiative aims to unite the community in the creation of a vibrant and expansive art installation, with a goal of assembling over 200 unique six-inch paintings into a breathtaking mosaic.
This engaging project underscores the Oliver Art Center’s commitment to fostering awareness and accessibility of the visual arts by inviting artists of all ages and abilities to contribute their creativity. The resulting collaborative artwork will be a testament to the collective talent and spirit of the local community, culminating in a truly one-of-a-kind public display.
“The Community Collage is a highlight of our year, consistently bringing together a remarkable array of artistic expressions,” says Tamara Hoffbauer, Executive Director of the Oliver Art Center. “This project beautifully demonstrates how individuals, regardless of their experience level, can come together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. We are deeply grateful for the community’s enthusiastic participation, which not only fuels our fundraising efforts but also celebrates their personal artistic journeys.”
Beginning May 1st, local artists and art enthusiasts are invited to visit the Oliver Art Center to collect blank canvases and embark on creating their miniature masterpieces. These individual works will then be carefully assembled during the last week of May, with the completed community collage unveiled to the public on June 1st.
The uniquely decorated canvases will be available for purchase at $40.00 each, with 100% of the proceeds directly supporting the Oliver Art Center’s vital programming initiatives. This year’s exhibition holds special significance as it is presented in honor of Joe Muer, a longtime supporter, donor, and even participating artist of the Oliver Art Center, who passed away in 2024. The canvases for this project have been generously donated by Joe and Jane Muer over the past several years.
“Joe and Jane Muer have been instrumental in the growth and success of the Oliver Art Center for many years, and we are honored to dedicate this year’s collage to Joe’s memory,” Hoffbauer stated. Joe Muer was a legendary figure in Detroit’s restaurant scene, renowned for owning Joe Muer’s Seafood Restaurant, an iconic establishment founded by his grandfather in 1929 and nurtured through generations. “Remembering Joe during this community-focused event feels particularly fitting. It’s a wonderful way to pay tribute to a man who deeply valued community building and helping others – we hope to create our largest and most impactful collage yet in his honor.”
Key Dates:
- Project Kick-off & Canvas Pick-up: May 1, 2025
- Canvas Drop-off Deadline: June 1 2025
- Public Exhibition Opens: June 6, 2025
The Oliver Art Center encourages all members of the community to participate in this vibrant celebration of art and collaboration.
This event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Jane Muer.