The Detroit Public Library is excited to partner with The Stories Of Us (TSOU), a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying local stories and civic imagination in cities across the United States. TSOU combines public art installations, a new storytelling platform, and community partnerships to elevate voices. This summer three locations in Detroit hosted the Talking Drum exhibition, featuring 25 large-scale Talking Drum sculptures. On the lawn outside Main Library, sculptures were on display this summer for 9 weeks. Additionally, the library hosted artist talks, film screenings, workshops, and community conversations.
Sculptures at Library Locations
With the main exhibition over, 5 sculptures will be relocated to library branches across the city so that more people can view the sculptures, listen to the artist’s stories, and then share their own story.
“Honoring My Ancestors” at the Conely Branch
Artist Alicia Vasquez explores her history and heritage through the creation of her statue. Her ancestors are African and from the Taino people of what is now Puerto Rico, and also discovered she has ancestors from the Seneca nation.
“On My Mama’s Side” at Main Library
Artist Darius Baber focuses on flags and what they represent, as well as a tool of storytelling, mythmaking, and propaganda, and a representation of identity. His sculpture includes a critical reflection on how the founding of the United States has complex legacies for citizens today.
“Justice Work” at the Wilder Branch
Artist Nicole Macdonald is a lifetime Detroiter, which inspires her art. With a theme of A More Perfect Union, her sculpture follows the journey the city and community has been on over the years and the people who have contributed to it.
“Tapestry of Life” at the Redford Branch
Artist Alyssa Lizzini is a native of Cleveland who loves her city. It was a walk through the neighborhoods that inspired her statue as she headed down a corridor connecting the west and east side of Cleveland through a historically disadvantaged community.
“Passing Ideals” at the Edison Branch
Artist Hubert Massey feels the orb represents an ideal—that life force that gives us a sense of what we want to create in the world. In his sculpture, young people of different backgrounds pass orbs – ideals – to each other to create communities through discussion, dialogue and common purpose.
Storytelling
TSOU has a bilingual storytelling platform that utilizes speech-to-story technology so that everyone can participate. Rather than typing, those interested in sharing a story just talk, in either English or Spanish. Within minutes, personal reflections are woven into a narrative ready to check, distribute, and safeguard for the future!
Step 1: Access the storytelling platform by visiting TSOU website, scan the QR code on a Talking Drum sculpture, or scan the QR code here. Be sure to select the Detroit Public Library, choose your prompt, then record your story.
https://www.thestoriesofus.org/detroitpl
Step 2: Fill your details in the form to complete your submission.
Step 3: You’ll receive an email with your recording and a summary of your story. Review and make any edits you would like. Once you’re happy with your story, approve it to add to our growing community archive.