Detroit Pistons Scrollathon
The Detroit Pistons commissioned Steven and William Ladd to work with 400 people from 17 Detroit-based organizations to create a permanently installed artwork inside the main lobby of the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center. The colors and concentric shapes of the Pistons logo inspired the direction of the artwork. The Ladds incorporate tones of red and blue and also bring in teal, a nod to an earlier version of the Pistons jersey. Concentric shapes share the same center and the Ladds see the center, the core, of this artwork to be the Detroit community. The nine by nine foot artwork consists of thousands of hand-formed beads hand painted by the community. The community collaboration embodied in the finished artwork, symbolizes the collective power and possibility of Detroit.
New Beginnings, 2019. 130 x 130 x 4 inches. Papier-mâché, paint, varnish, brass grommets, screws, plywood, skim coat.
In October 2019, Steven and William engaged with youth and adults from a wide range of Detroit residents, including military, those with special needs, at-risk youth and diverse ethnic groups. Each participant made a work of art that they associated with a personal experience, and shared that with the group, demonstrating how contemporary art can become a lens for personal storytelling. Participants then painted beads for the collaborative artwork, titled New Beginnings. Participants are encouraged to visit the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center with their family and friends to see their collaborative efforts publicly displayed in a world class sports facility.
New Beginnings, 2019.
Participant paints a bead for the collaborative artwork.
Community Partners
ACCESS Detroit
BINGO Mentors and Mentees - Bing Youth Institute
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
Cass Community Social Services
City Year Detroit
Covenant House Michigan
Detroit Chess Club
Detroit PAL
Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development
Peace Players
Ruth Ellis Center
SAY Detroit
Slow Roll Detroit
Spain Elementary
Special Olympics Michigan
U.S. Army Tank - Automotive and Armaments Command
Wish Upon A Teen
Sponsors
New Beginnings and the Detroit Pistons Scrollathon were generously supported by the Detroit Pistons with Cristina Grajales Gallery.
Special thanks to Awenate Cobbina, Charles and Barbara Ladd, Chelsey Oeffler, Chris Economeas, Laurie Ann Farrell, and Nancy Tellem.
New Beginnings, 2019, installed at The Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center.
