TYREE GUYTON
Painter, Sculptor, and Urban Environmental Artist
FROM HEIDELBERG ST. TO THE WORLD
By: Donald James
Tyree Guyton is known worldwide as the mastermind and creator of the Heidelberg Project, an urban indoor/outdoor gallery of bold artwork, sculptures, and discarded items affixed to vacant houses, vacant lots, old cars, and just about everything else available along a two-block stretch of Heidelberg St., on Detroit’s east side. Through his 1986 artistic creation, Guyton has drawn national and international attention to the neglected neighborhood, in hopes that discussions will be held as to how his community, as well as similar communities city-wide, can be revitalized.
Guyton admits that there was a lot of opposition to his vision and subsequent artwork that transformed Heidelberg St. to look like no other street in the world. He had on-going battles with city government across several mayoral administrations, and even felt opposition from some area residents who opposed his audacious work. Nevertheless, Guyton persevered to artistically transform Heidelberg St. to new heights.
