Michigan Legacy Art Park

News - Press Release

Michigan's Contribution During WWII

Riveting Stories told through New Art

During the Second World War, Detroit became known as the “arsenal of democracy,” contributing soldiers and industrial might to the effort. Although this is a key moment in Michigan’s history, it is not currently represented in the Park. Plans are now under way to bring a new work to the Park in May 2009 that will tell part of that story while enhancing the artistic and educational value of the Park’s permanent collection. “Fallen Comrade,” by David Greenwood, will be a full-scale abstraction of a P-51 Mustang fighter plane, the type that was flown by the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. These African-American airmen were the most successful fighter pilots and crews in WWII. Even so, they were completely segregated from the rest of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Of the nearly 1,000 trained Tuskegee Airmen, 155 were from Michigan. In addition to training in Alabama, many trained at Oscoda or Selfridge Air Force bases in Michigan. The Tuskegee Airmen National Museum, located at historic Fort Wayne in Detroit, is a partner in this project. In addition to recognizing Michigan’s Tuskegee Airmen, the airplane also symbolizes the contributions of the Big Three automakers’ efforts, who built $29 billion worth of war-related items including airplanes, tanks, armory and artillery through the federally-funded Defense Plant Corporation.

This sculpture will serve as an inspirational starting point, sparking visitors’ interest in Michigan’sWorld War II history, the science of flying, the math of model-making or the history of segregation that our African-American heroes overcame in order to serve their country. Lesson plans and activities that link the sculpture to curriculum, will extend the impact of a field-trip into classroom studies.

The total project cost is $30,350 but Michigan Legacy Art Park has already received the support of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs with a $12,600 matching grant toward this project and individual supporters of the project have reduced the current need to $9,500.

The creator of “Fallen Comrade,” David Greenwood, is a Michigan artist whose art and influence are recognized throughout his home state and the world. While Professor of Fine Arts at Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, he has been awarded two Fulbright grants and has worked in Poland, Yugoslavia, Serbia, England and Jordan. The Art Park is currently the permanent home to Greenwood’s “Secret Passion.”

You can help educate our young people about the math and physical science of flight and Michigan’s contributions to the U.S. war effort in World War II. Donate now to the “Fallen Comrade” Project.

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