Center Line is a small city that has proven time and time again that great things happen when the community works together.

One can see that in the Detroit Institute of Arts Partners in Public Art community mural.

The mural on the David W. Hanselman Municipal Complex painted by artist Wendy Popko of Sterling Heights was formally unveiled during a community celebration and it’s exactly what folks wanted to see.

“We are so thankful to have been selected for a Partners in Public Art mural, and to have the delightful Wendy Popko as our muralist,” said Wesleyann Johnson, director of Center Line Public Library, in a news release. “We appreciate how Wendy took the time to get to know Center Line as a community and, because of this, she was able to include multiple symbols in the mural that speak to us, past and present.

“We cannot wait for the creativity and wonder that unfolds from having this beautiful mural in our community.”

Through the Partners in Public Art program, the DIA works with cities across Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties to create community-driven, highly visible public murals. Communities participating in the Partners in Public Art program are identified through an open application process with the goal of completing eight murals across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties each year.

After a location is identified, input is gathered and shared with the selected artist to provide themes and ideas for the mural’s design while always reflecting the spirit and values of the community.

“Through this program, the DIA is able to bring art experiences into the communities that support us and engage residents in the creation of a mural that captures the spirit of their city,” said Julie McFarland, executive director of public affairs and community engagement at the DIA.

Visit any mural and chances are you’ll have a better understanding of the people who live in the community.

Once Popko was chosen as the artist she was invited to meet with Center Line city officials.

“They gave me a tour, the highlight being their historic fire truck, lovingly restored in a small room to protect it.”

It took the city eight years to restore the 1926 LaFrance firetruck that served members of what started off as a farming community and grew to become a suburb of Detroit, where many of its residents worked. It was during these meetings that Popko also learned about the Harper Line Trolley (1901-1930) that made it easier for commuters to make their way to the city and the role that Center Line played on Sept. 11.

“I was told several officers volunteered and traveled to New York to help with the search and rescue efforts after the 9/11 attacks,” said Popko, who also learned that Center Line police officers are also trained firefighters. “The thought of this tiny community having their officers pull double duty, and then give eight of them to help, I thought was extraordinary. The local businesses also donated supplies so that the officers weren’t a burden to the recovery efforts.”

It’s these examples of the little community coming together — including another story about the rebuilding of Saint Clement Church that led to Popko’s design for the mural and its depiction of Center Line.

“Inspired by Center Line’s ability to come together over the years to move mountains, ‘Small, but Strong,’ shares examples of Center Line’s community strength and possibilities for tomorrow,” Popko said. “The monochromatic teals reveal historic gems for those who lived and worked here.”

Applications are open for 2025 mural partners — municipalities and other organizations are encouraged to apply.

The Partners in Public Art program is made possible by the Tri-County millages.

“To be part of the Partners in Public Art program is an honor,” Popko added. “And to share Center Line’s story visually was educational and a reminder of how Macomb County has much to offer.”

For more information about the DIA and the Partners in Public Art program or apply to be a 2025 mural partner, visit https://dia.org/PIPA.