Five fantastical (fantasy/mythical) life-size animals made from car parts were the crown jewels on the 2019 completed Bagley Streetscape in Southwest Detroit. The five sculptures are inspired by Mexican folk art Alebrijes and are life-size, fantastical (fantasy/mythical)animals made from car parts, symbolizing the contributions of the Latino community to the Motor City. Alebrijes are part of Mexican folk art and Aztec folklore.

"These Alebrijes statues are an important cultural representation of heritage here through significant folk art,” said Jay Biernat, Project Manager, DPW Complete Streets. “These particular statues are the exquisite creation of Elton Monroy Duran and could not be made possible without his vision and hard work.”

Elton Monroy Durán, is a Detroit based visual artist. His work portrays the Hispanic community in Southwest Detroit through a series of murals. He was selected to create a series of sculptures for the Bagley Street Mexicantown streetscape. 

“Alebrijes to me are a reflection of us, contemporary Mexicans. Alebrijes are usually figures made from different animal parts decorated with cheerful and colorful patterns. Contemporary Mexicans, we come from an ancient culture that was once fragmented but that we pieced back together, incorporating elements from other cultures giving shape to our own, unique cheerful identity,” said Durán. “This Alebrijes are made from different car parts tying up our relationship with Detroit and our long-time contributions as a Latino community to the Motor City.”

This unique project was made possible by the support of Knight Foundation who supplied $67K for material costs for the artist. The Gilbert Family Foundation supplied $37K for the statues’ foundations. The Gilbert Family Foundations has been committed to providing Detroit residents with access to safe, inclusive public spaces.

“We are proud to partner with the City of Detroit on this project,” said JJ Velez, Director of Public Spaces for Gilbert Family Foundation. “These statues are a reflection of the vibrant, creative and passionate community of Southwest Detroit and a perfect example of how art can infuse culture into our public spaces.”

Southwest Detroit Business Association will maintain these wonderful works of art along the streetscape.