Change Will Happen One Drawing and Step At A Time!
The Detroit steps are a two-block stairway comprising 186 steps in total that run south from Detroit Street to Hearst Avenue and north from Detroit Street to Joost Avenue, bisected by Monterey Boulevard. The Detroit Steps Project (DSP) is a multi-phased community-led beautification project to improve and beautify the Detroit Steps with landscaping and tiling.
More information about DSP can be found at: https://detroitsteps.org/
See also Murray Schneider’s recent post here.
The project effort began in November 2018. It was awarded District 7 Participatory Grant funds in 2019 and most recently submitted a request to receive funding through the Community Challenge Grant to continue its multi-phased beautification project.
November 22, 2020 is the kickoff for the DSP’s online art competition and fundraiser. Participants can draw on a downloaded or a paper copy of the Detroit Steps. All submissions will be considered for conceptual designs towards the official tiling of the Detroit Steps.
Local residents and art enthusiasts will be picking up markers and crayons starting November 22 and have until December 6 to submit them. An adult and a child winner will be selected through an online voting process by the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association members. Local artist Amir Pai has accepted an invitation to decorate the steps to inspire and kick-off the competition with his colorful pastel chalk creations.
An online raffle with items from local businesses and residents alike will also be included. The goal is to raise $1,500 to help the DSP buy native plants for the upper steps, located on Detroit Street between Joost Avenue and Monterey Blvd. Project leader Rosaura Valle said, “We’ve made amazing progress, and now we need the community’s help in steering the design of the steps for all Sunnyside residents to enjoy!”
To sign up for raffle and the drawing contest, participants should go to: https://detroit-steps.squarespace.com/drawing-contest
Art submission will be:
- $45 per family
- $15 individual child or senior
- $25 per adult
- Neighbors are encouraged to “sponsor” other neighbors as a holiday gift
