Public Arts Midland, an initiative of the Midland Area Community Foundation, is excited to announce its 2025 community art project: How Does Your Garden Grow?, a vibrant public art installation that celebrates creativity, connection, and shared expression.
Inspired by the 2025 theme, Art Grows, this collaborative project invites individuals of all ages and abilities to design a flower or butterfly shape that represents their unique voice within the Midland community. Each creation will be added to a large-scale, blooming garden installation in a public Midland space. The garden will grow throughout the summer, showcasing hundreds of community-made pieces as a symbol of collective creativity and hope.
“Like a real garden, a thriving community requires care, creativity, and collaboration,” said Laura Vosejpka, Public Arts Midland co-chair. “This project is a chance for every voice to be seen and celebrated through art.
There are many ways to participate in this project. The blank flower and butterfly shapes can be picked up at Creative 360, the Grace A Dow Memorial Library, or the Midland Area Community Foundation during regular business hours. Completed pieces can be returned no later than August 1 to any of the three locations.
“By engaging individuals, families, and organizations in a shared creative experience, we hope to deepen connections, spark inspiration, and plant the seeds for a more vibrant, inclusive Midland,” remarked Annie Stout, Public Arts Midland marketing and communications director.
Additionally, Public Arts Midland will offer opportunities to create at several community events, including Midland Miracle Field Community Day (5/3), the 1in6 Support Abilities Parade at Grove Park (5/17), the Art Seen Festival at the library (5/31), Great Lakes Loons Inclusion Day at Dow Diamond (7/13), and River Days (8/1-2).
“We will announce the location of the garden in May when we ‘plant’ the first flowers,” said Dacia Parker, Public Arts Midland co-chair. “The location is a secret right now, but we can share that it will be in a beautiful and centrally located space for all to enjoy.”
For more details, including group creation times and partner events, visit www.midlandfoundation.org/pam-garden.