Glen Michaels Signed Bricktown People Mover Station Pen & Oil Drawing on Paper

A contemporary pen and ink drawing on paper by Cranbrook artist Glen Michaels. Hand signed in pencil and dated 2010 mid bottom. Reminiscent of the Bricktown People Mover Station in Detroit. Glen was commissioned to create an installation for the station; he completed 20ft x 30ft screen-screened enamel panels titled “Beaubien Passage.” Although 2-dimensional, the geometric shapes give the illusion of 3-dimensionality. Much like his sculptures, the composition creates an energetic vibration and is the hallmark of Glen Michael’s unique style. The lines and shapes give an impression of constant movement as they weave through intertwining forms – a nod to Italian Futurism. Variations of Glen’s sculptural artwork can be found in public installations throughout Metro Detroit. A unique opportunity to collect a rare drawing of an iconic Detroit landmark from a celebrated Cranbrook artist. Dimensions: 37.75”h x 32.25”w x .75”d (framed). In excellent condition. 

Provenance: From the private collection of Jack Butler in Metro Detroit. Acquired direct from the artist. Butler is a creator, ceramicist, and graphic designer. Butler was CEO and Founder of Butler Graphics, Inc. In the 1990s he began collaborating on philanthropic art projects, including the initial People Mover Mural Project. During this time, he became friends with many Detroit creatives, which included Charles McGee, Glen Michaels, Lester Johnson, John Glick, and Susan Goethel Campbell to name a few. Butler collaborated with Michaels on several artistic projects. 

Glen Michaels (1927-2020) is a sculptor and painter, and his studio was in Birmingham, Michigan, where he lived and worked most of his life. His work installations include the Bricktown Station (Detroit People Mover) Bricktown Station, the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the IMF in Washington, D.C. and the Ford Motor Company 1964 New York World's Fair exhibit (now installed in the Henry Ford Centennial Library). Mr. Michaels was honored and exhibited at the Scarab Club in Detroit, at the time of his 90th birthday. In 2017, Mr. Michaels was asked by the Downtown News Magazine to name his favorite sculpture. He replied, ""Whatever is the most recent is always my favorite.