Talk a walk inside Farmington Hills City Hall and you’ll notice an array of beautiful artwork, much of it from local artists.

The artwork is part of Farmington Hills’ Public Art Program. It’s a juried program, where there’s a call for artists, and local, regional and international artists apply to have their artwork featured. They’ve had people as far away as India display their artwork, although it’s mainly regional talent.

The Public Art Program is part of the Cultural Arts Division, which coordinates cultural arts programs for the Farmington Hills and Farmington community through classes, events and activities.

The Public Art Program began when City Hall was renovated and local artists were brought in to beautify the area. Now, the number of artists involved has grown from 30 to 65. The display is up for two years. If any of the work is sold, 100% of the profit goes to the artist.

Those who are selected for the Public Art Program may also apply for a solo show. A handful of artists are picked to have their works featured in a special rotating exhibit for roughly six weeks. The current artist is Wendy Fournier, who is being featured in the rotating exhibits gallery through June 28.

Reflecting on her journey as an artist, Fournier said: “I found art when I finally had enough courage to follow my heart. It wasn’t until my 20s when I felt connected to something bigger. My art is a reflection of my spiritual and emotional expansion.”

The next solo exhibit will feature artwork and photography from Farmington Public Schools’ students, with the theme “I am hopeful because … .” It will be on display from July 8 to Aug. 23.

Rachel Timlin, supervisor of the city’s Cultural Arts Division, says the artwork truly enhances City Hall, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road.

“When we put up the artwork, it stays up for two years, and when we take it down at the end of that time, there’s a two-week period when there is no art. The reaction to not having art at City Hall, both from the workers and visitors, tells us how important it is,” she says. “People get so upset when there’s no artwork. They say it looks like the place has been robbed. So, I think it really creates a more exciting and visually stimulating environment at City Hall for anyone that comes in.”

She adds: “You don’t expect to see that much artwork when you come into a City Hall, and it makes everything feel more human. People come in to conduct business, so the art reminds us that we are human.”

The artwork runs the gamut.

“We have paintings that are landscapes, portraits, abstracts, realism and impressionism,” says Karla Aren, the cultural arts exhibits and events programmer. “We have all kinds of different art. We try to have sculptures and glass and represent all media to expose residents to a range of art.”

Seeing the art up at City Hall for the public to enjoy is a moving experience, both for the viewers and artists.

“One of the touching things for me is to talk to the artists and see how excited some of them are to have their artwork up at a prestigious place like a City Hall,” Aren says.

Farmington Hills is one of a few cities in the state that has a Cultural Arts Department. Officials said they hope to pave the way for other municipalities to do the same.

“We believe the arts are an essential service, especially in a community as diverse as us,” Timlin says. “Art is our universal language that we can all understand ourselves better through.”

The artwork can be viewed during City Hall’s normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.