'CarTunes on Parade' Highlights Detroit's and Windsor's Passion for Cars, Music; Eleven Sculptures Will Be Installed at GM Renaissance Center May 25

WHO: "The New Renaissance," "Let the Good Times Roll," and "American Idle" are a few sculptures created by artists from southeast Michigan and southwest Ontario for the "CarTunes on Parade" public art exhibit from June through September in Detroit and Windsor. Eleven car-shaped sculptures with musical themes will appear in and around the General Motors Renaissance Center starting Wednesday, May 25.

WHAT: This international public art project showcases Detroit's and Windsor's passion for cars and music through more than 100 car-shaped sculptures designed with music themes. The exhibit was inspired by projects like "Cows on Parade," Chicago, 1999, and "Moose in the City," Toronto, 2000.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 25 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

WHERE: General Motors Renaissance Center, outside on the Riverwalk; inside overlooking the GM Wintergarden, near Seldom Blues and throughout the center. Sculptures have been installed in Campus Martius Park, Hart Plaza and inside Compuware.

WHY: "CarTunes on Parade" was designed to add beauty and fun to public spaces on both sides of the border. Exhibit goals are to increase appreciation for public art; recognize and support local artists; benefit the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit's YArts Program and the Windsor Endowment for the Arts; and boost local tourism.

DETAILS: More than 40 sculptures have been installed in Detroit, and more will appear in Midtown, downtown and on the riverfront. Each sculpture is seven feet long by four feet tall by three and a half feet wide, made of plastic shell, sprayed with foam lining for rigidity and clear coated.

Windsor sculptures are in the City Center and on the riverfront. Maps, available soon, will identify sculpture locations. An auction is Oct. 26 at GM's Wintergarden. Proceeds will be divided between the artist, the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit's YArts program, Windsor Endowment for the Arts and a charity of the winning bidder's choice. For details, visit: http://www.cartunesonparade.org/ , or call 313.275.5226.

Presenting sponsors: General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company; Media sponsors: Comcast, Detroit Free Press, The Windsor Star, WDIV Local 4, The New WI, Oldies 104.3 WOMC and AM 800 CKLW.