A new mural greets those traveling north up Farmington Road and into downtown Farmington, a colorful work that celebrates the city’s rich history and today’s diverse population.

The city’s latest foray in its public art campaign is a colorful 8 ft. by 36 ft. mural by local artist John Martin. The mural, submitted under the theme Cultivating Community, was recently installed along the south wall of the CVS Pharmacy at State Street and Farmington Road.

Celebrating the community of Farmington and those that visit its downtown, the mural features the word 'Welcome' in a variety of languages, the artist’s attempt to recognize the different groups of peoples that have come to call Farmington home.

Also featured is a variety of graphics that reflect the nearly 200 years downtown Farmington has been a center of activity, yet represented with a colorful, modern flair. Some graphics are more obvious than others, and the city will soon unveil a legend for observers to learn about each.

To the right is Nathan Power, son of one of the town’s founders--though wearing a pair of Elton John-style sunglasses. To the left is a Detroit United Railway car, the interurban line that connected Farmington to downtown Detroit.

In between is a number of other graphics, some more prominent than others, yet all connected to the city’s local culture. These include the Lone Ranger, an ox, sunflower, and chimney swift, among many others.

"All of the imagery has special meaning," says Kate Knight, Director of the Farmington Downtown Development Authority.

"It’s fun peeling back the layers of how much is represented."

This is the second artwork installed as part of Downtown Farmington’s Public Art Program. The David Barr Sculpture Exhibit was installed in Riley Park earlier this year.

This is just the beginning for public art downtown. Knight says that enthusiasm for the projects has been so great that she anticipates many more in the future.

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