Using Public Art To Boost A Depressed Town

The big news out of Michigan recently has been about Detroit’s bankruptcy. But another city about 100 miles northwest of Detroit shares some of Motor City’s history and problems.

Saginaw was once a big General Motors town. It has a growing medical industry with two hospitals and a new medical school today.

But a third of its 50,000 residents live below the poverty level. And the city struggles with violence and crime. Even locals call it “sag-nasty.”

One artist is tired of all the negativity. And he’s using art to change the way the town sees itself.

From the Here & Now Contributors Network, Kyle Norris of Michigan Radio reports.