Tyree Guyton is an artist and visionary who returned to his childhood neighborhood in Detroit and transformed the area, one street and lot at a time. His Heidelberg Project helped the residents reclaim their streets with paint and found objects. Always remembering his grandfather’s words to “paint the world”, Tyree decorates the streets, sidewalks, and houses with colorful painted designs. He uses his talent as a sculptor to transform junk into creative art pieces or magic trash. Families and school children have joined him since 1986 as he has helped to rebuild Detroit’s East Side.

Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and His Art by J.H. Shapiro, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Charlesbridge)

Also visit The Heidelberg Project for more photos and information.