Ambassador Bridge Welcome Center Mural
/Bridging Culture and Art: The Ambassador Bridge Welcome Center Mural
At Whistling Frog Tile, we believe public art should do more than just hang on a wall—it should facilitate interaction between communities. One of our most significant historical projects is the Michigan Welcome Center mural at the Mexicantown Bagley Bridge.
A Collaboration with Renowned Artist Hubert Massey
Founded in 1986 by Rick Pruckler, Whistling Frog Tile has long lent its expertise to large-scale public installations. For the Ambassador Bridge Gateway Project, Rick collaborated with acclaimed Detroit muralist Hubert Massey to bring a vibrant vision of Southwest Detroit to life.
The "Spiral of Life": Symbolic Elements
The mural, officially titled the "Spiral of Life," was unveiled on Cinco de Mayo in 2010. It serves as a colorful gateway for those entering the United States via the Ambassador Bridge. Key features of the mural include:
The Three Sisters: Representations of squash, peas, and corn, honoring the urban farming roots of Native Americans and many who migrated to Detroit.
Cultural Icons: Images of the Ambassador Bridge, the Detroit River, and the steeples of St. Anne’s Church.
Community Strength: A hand grasping a ribbon of fabric that flows through the art, representing the resilience and diverse cultural groups of Mexicantown.
Migration History: A suitcase in the lower-left corner symbolizing the history of migration to and from Mexico.
