Muralists and sculptors generally aren’t listed on Yelp. It’s a niche group of folks who work at that scale, so finding them can be a challenge.
That gap, between people who want public art and the artists who can create it, is exactly why Thumb Art Spark was founded.
The platform, created in 2025, connects artists, site hosts, and supporters across six counties in Michigan’s “Thumb”: St. Clair, Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, Lapeer, and Macomb. Artists can share their work. Locations can post opportunities. When both sides express interest, a match is made, unlocking contact information and moving the project forward.
Simple, Intentional, and Effective
One of the first real-world examples of this system in action began with a vision.
David Brooks is in the process of creating a mindfulness garden at the Blue Water YMCA in honor of his wife, Denise, who passed away in 2025. The space is being designed to support a healthy “mind, body, and spirit,” something that aligned deeply with Denise’s vision during her more than 11 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Blue Water YMCA.
Unsure of where to start, Brooks contacted Jackie Hanton at the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, who directed him to thumbartspark.com.
That’s where Brooks connected with local muralist April Cutler. The project called for a mural centered on the lifecycle of monarch butterflies, tying into the garden’s pollinator focus.
For Cutler, whose work often features flowers, foliage, and butterflies, the theme was personal.
When her son was young, he pointed to a monarch butterfly and said, “Mommy, it’s grandma,” referring to Cutler’s mother, who had passed away, the artist shares. The symbolism stayed with her. So when this opportunity appeared, it felt like fate.
Brooks said the website was easy to navigate, even as someone who is not tech-savvy. He was excited when matches started coming in. After reaching out, he received multiple proposals through the platform, but ultimately selected Cutler for the clarity and professionalism of her submission, along with a timeline that aligned with the project.
The project is slated to begin late April 2026, and Cutler estimates it will take approximately three weeks, weather permitting.
Sparking Connection and Collaboration
Behind the platform is a growing network of regional partners, including community foundations and local leaders working together to expand public art across the Thumb. What began as a conversation about a possible public art festival has evolved into a coordinated, multi-county effort to identify locations, support artists, and secure funding.
Grant opportunities and matching funds are actively being pursued, with more projects expected to emerge in the coming months. To assist, the online platform also offers mural quote calculator, sample contracts, RFP generator, an interactive map of public art in the area, and regional stories.
All of this leads toward a region-wide public art celebration scheduled for September 11–20, 2027, where new installations and existing works will be featured across Michigan’s Huron, Sanilac, Tuscola, Lapeer, St. Clair, and Macomb counties.
At its core, Thumb Art Spark isn’t just about public art. It’s about connection. It’s about celebrating community culture.
Public art creates places people want to linger. It invites curiosity, sparks conversation, and gives communities something to gather around. It tells stories without needing a stage, reflects the identity of a place, and makes the everyday landscape feel intentional.