Huntington Place Unveils Bespoke Cleat Sculpture by Detroit Artist Phillip Simpson, Celebrating Art, Athletics, and Community Spirit
DETROIT— April 3, 2024 - As the NFL Draft gears up to touchdown in Detroit, Huntington Place is thrilled to announce its enthusiastic preparations for the momentous event. A project led by City Walls and the City of Detroit brings customized cleat statues adorning the streets of downtown, showcasing the intersection of art and athleticism. Notably, Huntington Place unveiled its bespoke cleat this morning, a masterful creation by the Project Play affiliated artist, Phillip Simpson, which promises to add a distinctive charm into the city's landscape.
Phillip Simpson, a native son of East Detroit, brings a unique perspective to his artwork, drawing inspiration from his childhood memories in metro city. Reflecting on his upbringing, Simpson fondly recalls the countless hours spent at Huntington Place. For Simpson, the placement of his cleat sculpture holds profound sentimental value. "Huntington Place holds a special place in my heart," Simpson reminisces, "I spent so much time here as a kid! To see my cleat displayed right outside this iconic venue is incredibly humbling," he shares. "It's a symbol of pride, not just for me, but for the entire community."
Simpson's journey as an artist transformed back in 2010 when he started drawing smiles. Through his art, Simpson found a medium to express his creativity and connect with people on a deeper level. His vibrant colors and abstract style resonate with audiences, spreading joy and inspiration wherever his work is displayed. "As an artist, my goal is to always be focused on giving back to the community and keeping a smile on everyone's face," Simpson declares. "Art has the power to uplift, inspire, and unite us all, and I'm honored to play a part in Detroit's artistic legacy."
As Simpson's cleat sculpture takes its place among Detroit's vibrant displays, it becomes more than just a piece of art—it becomes a symbol of creativity, innovation, and community spirit. With its infectious joy, the cleat embodies the essence of Detroit's thriving artistic community, celebrating the city's rich cultural heritage and its unwavering commitment to embracing creativity in all its forms. Stop by Huntington Place throughout the month of April for a unique selfie opportunity with Simpson's cleat sculpture and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Detroit.
For more information about Phillip Simpson and his artwork, please visit Art By Phillip Simpson (@artbyphillipsimpson) • Instagram photos and videos
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About Huntington Place
With 723,000 square feet of exhibit space, Huntington Place, Detroit’s convention center, boasts one of the largest contiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America and has the largest ballroom in Michigan with 40,000 square feet. It is a LEED Gold certified venue and has received numerous industry awards for excellence including the 2020 USGBC Leadership Award for Building Performance, making it the only convention center in the history of the award to receive it. It is the 16th largest convention center in the United States. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and huntingtonplacedetroit.com.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, performing arts venues, and convention and exhibition centers, including The Moscone Center, San Francisco; ICC Sydney, Australia; Olympia London; Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, China; and P&J Live in Aberdeen, U.K. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and asmglobal.com.