Three local artists will have their work displayed on billboards across Detroit as part of a collaboration between Pensole Lewis College (PLC), AAA—The Auto Club Group (ACG), and the National Black Footwear Forum (BFF). The initiative highlights the winners of the MARKT’D: Art on Canvas program, which took place in September 2024 during the BFF event.
Artists Mila Lynn, Redd, and Torrence Jayy were selected from a group of 20 participants who created live artwork within an hour at the Detroit event. Their winning pieces will be publicly showcased, with additional exposure through AAA-ACG’s digital media channels, reaching millions. The billboards will be located at:
- Lodge Freeway S/O Grand River Ave E/S F/NW
- Lodge Freeway S/O Grand River Ave E/S F/S
- South I-75 Freeway Service Drive E/O 14th St N/S F/S
This project supports emerging artists by blending creativity with community involvement. In celebration of Black History Month, three artists will create works that showcase the impact of Black culture and the value of higher education. AAA-ACG will help promote this initiative, which also focuses on education, financial literacy, and social impact.
“The MARKT’D program at Pensole Lewis Detroit goes beyond the realm of sneakers,” said Dion Walcott, founder of MARKT’D and director of partnerships at PLC. “This initiative offers artists a platform to express themselves and provides unique vantage points that emotionally move viewers. What better way to shed light on the narrative we are conveying?”
AAA-ACG’s Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Kenneth Mathies emphasized the power of education in driving progress. “Education is the groundwork of progress, and when rooted in purpose, excellence, and determination, it becomes the power that shapes generations,” he said.
By integrating art, education, and corporate advocacy, this initiative serves as a testament to the power of creative expression in shaping culture and inspiring future generations.
