Past Events
Youth Mural Project
The Youth Mural Project is a remarkable initiative led by the talented artist Gary Horton and his team of young artists. EOD Art Director Lynne Settles coordinated the project which aims to celebrate the spirit of togetherness between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together through art. Students from Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor worked together to plan and paint the mural. Deb Ennis, Ann Arbor teacher, originated the idea.
Witnessing this power of art in action is truly inspiring. The mural is painted in vibrant colors showcasing the landmarks from Ypsilanti on the left side and from Ann Arbor on the right side. In the center is a bus driver that brings both communities together.
The project, sponsored by Embracing Our Differences Michigan, received fund from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Council (MCACA) through Creative Washtenaw. The mural is located at 121 N. Washington St. in downtown Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Teacher Workshops
EODMichigan sponsored the first ever joint workshop for Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti teachers. The teachers did an art project, practiced movements, and received lesson plans about diversity and belonging designed by local teachers for Michigan K-12. Lesson plans are available free on our website.
The Ann Arbor art teachers’ workshop started with a tour of the banners, lunch, and ended with a workshop on diversity.
The Ypsilanti Community Schools Unified Arts Department‘s workshop focused on planning the second EOD Arts extravaganza. The teachers toured the banners, lunched at the high school, and then launched into a planning session.
Diversity Day – 2023 May 21
EOD Michigan hosted its first Diversity Day on Sunday, May 21st, among the banners at Gallup Park. The event brought together 22 local organizations and artists to exhibit their work, entertain the crowd of hundreds, and celebrate the diversity of our community. Participating organizations included the NAACP, the Michigan Taiwanese Organization, the Taiwan Center of Mandarin Learning, the Ann Arbor District Library, the Ypsilanti Public Library, the African American History, and Cultural Museum, the Hands-on Museum, the Ann Arbor Art Center, the Riverside Art Center in Ypsilanti and local artists. Certificates were presented to Artists from our community with banners in this year’s exhibit. Prizes were awarded to Best-in-Show Adult and Best-in-Show Students.
Arts Extravaganza – 2023 May 16
EOD created a multi media experience for 350 students – kindergarten through high school – from Ypsilanti on May 16 at Washtenaw Community College. The art that the children had submitted to Embracing Our Differences Michigan was projected all around them on the walls in the lobby and in the theater. Classes performed dance, song and gymnastics. Diversity and inclusion was the central theme.
