Tyree Guyton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tyree Guyton
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| Born | August 24, 1955 |
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| Spouse(s) | Jenenne Whitfield |
Tyree Guyton (born August 24, 1955) is a famous artist from Detroit, Michigan. He is known for his unique and colorful art that often uses everyday objects. Tyree Guyton lives in Detroit with his wife, Jenenne Whitfield. Before he became a full-time artist, he worked as a firefighter and in a car factory. He also served in the U.S. Army. Guyton studied art at several places, including Marygrove College and Wayne State University. He says his grandfather, Sam Mackey, and artist Charles McGee were his biggest inspirations.
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Tyree Guyton's Early Life and Art Journey
Tyree Guyton grew up on Heidelberg Street in Detroit. This neighborhood greatly influenced his art later on. As a child, he often visited the Detroit Institute of Arts with his grandfather. He also lived through the Detroit riots in 1967. After high school, Guyton joined the U.S. Army. When he finished his military service, he decided to follow his dream of becoming an artist. He started taking art classes at night with artist Charles McGee.
Tyree Guyton's Art Career and Projects
Since 1986, Tyree Guyton has gained worldwide fame. He created the Heidelberg Project with his grandfather. This project turned an entire street into an outdoor art display. It showed how art can change a community. The Heidelberg Project is now changing its focus. Tyree Guyton wants to work on new art projects.
The Heidelberg Project's Impact
Even though he is an honorary director for the Heidelberg Project, Guyton now focuses on his own art shows. He also gives talks and teaches art. In 2007, he started teaching a special program at Wayne State University. His art has been shown all over the world.
International Art Displays
In 1999, the United States Department of State featured his work. It was part of the Art in Embassies Program. His art was shown in the American Embassy in Quito, Ecuador. You can also find his permanent art installations in Sydney, Australia. Other permanent works are at the Detroit Institute of Arts. There is also one in Mount Vernon, New York.
Awards and Recognition
Tyree Guyton has received many awards for his art and his work helping people.
- In 2003, he won the Wayne County International Artist Award.
- In 2002, he received an Award of Recognition from Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
- In 2001, the Detroit Free Press named him the Best Known Artist in Metro Detroit.
- In 1992, Governor John Engler named him "Michigan Artist of the Year."
- He also received the Humanity in the Arts Award from Wayne State University in 1992.
- In 1991, he was given the "Michiganian of the Year Award."
- He received the David A. Harmond Memorial Scholarship in 1990.
- In 1990, he got the "Testimonial Resolution Award" from Wayne County.
- The Detroit City Council gave him the "Spirit of Detroit Award" in 1989.
Documentaries and Books About Tyree Guyton
Tyree Guyton's life and art have been featured in several films and books.
- In 1999, HBO Films made a documentary about him. It was called "Come Unto Me: The Faces of Tyree Guyton." This film won an Emmy Award in 2000. It also received an honorable mention at the Sundance Film Festival.
- In 2005, Guyton and the Heidelberg Project were in a Vision TV documentary. It was called "Urban Shrines."
- His work was also in a French documentary in 2007. This film was called Detroit: The Cycles of the Mental Machine.
- In 2008, Guyton was a main speaker at the first Great Lakes ReUse Conference.
- The children's book Magic Trash tells Tyree Guyton's story. It also talks about the Heidelberg Project.
