Ferndale's Woodward Tribute sculpture to be unveiled next Thursday

The first of what is hoped to be many Woodward Tribute sculptures is up and ready to be unveiled next Thursday in downtown Ferndale.

The 30-foot-tall, solar-powered column of public art has been erected on the Woodward Avenue median at Cambourne Street. Its design is inspired by and pays homage to the Woodward Dream Cruise.

It's part of the Woodward Avenue Action Association's Tribute Project, which plans to build similar sculptures along Michigan's Main Street in Detroit, Berkley and Pontiac in the coming years. The idea is to tell Woodward Avenue's story and increase tourism through 30-foot-high interpretive themed columns made mainly of glass and concrete.

The sculptures will be internally illuminated to help depict visual elements of Woodward's past, present and future, such as its history in autos, technology and music. Portions of these sculptures are being paid for by National Scenic Byway grants.

The Woodward Avenue Action Association will also hold a fundraiser for these sculptures from 5:30-9 p.m., Sept. 18 in downtown Ferndale next to the first Tribute. The organizers hope to raise $50,000 for construction of future sculptures.

Source: Woodward Avenue Action Association
Writer: Jon Zemke
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