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Three transformative public art initiatives in Saginaw were among this year’s recipients of the prestigious Keep Michigan Beautiful (KMB) Awards, presented on Friday, recognizing exceptional contributions to beautification, community pride, and environmental enhancement across the state.
The Shine Bright Saginaw Silo Mural Project, The Great Mural Project, and Henry Marsh Plaza were each honored for their creative and community-driven impact on Saginaw’s landscape—turning once-neglected spaces into vibrant, welcoming destinations that celebrate art, culture, and unity. Two additional Saginaw County projects—the Cass River Trailhead Park in Bridgeport Charter Township and the Pine Island Design Building Project in Frankenmuth—also received KMB awards for their revitalization efforts and community enrichment.
Shine Bright Saginaw Silo Mural Project
A beacon of color and creativity along the Saginaw Riverfront, the Shine Bright Saginaw Silo Mural Project transformed a cluster of 1950s-era grain silos into one of North America’s largest public artworks. Led by internationally acclaimed Spanish muralist Okuda San Miguel, the 2024 project spans roughly 70,000 square feet across 150-foot-tall silos in Old Town Saginaw.
The effort was spearheaded by community leaders Mark Flegenheimer and Larry Preston, supported by over $900,000 in local fundraising and the work of Michigan artists and volunteers. The vivid geometric designs reflect themes of joy, diversity, and unity—creating a lasting symbol of community pride and transformation.
The Great Mural Project
Dedicated to revitalizing neglected areas and empowering local artists, The Great Mural Project has reshaped Saginaw’s urban environment through art. Since its inception, the initiative has engaged more than 70 artists—most from the Great Lakes Bay Region—to reimagine deteriorating walls as landmarks of color and culture.
The murals tell Saginaw’s story—honoring local history, community identity, and shared experience—while also supporting local artists through paid opportunities and mentorship. The project continues to build bridges across neighborhoods and generations, demonstrating how art can heal, inspire, and unite.
Henry Marsh Plaza
One of the legacy projects associated with Saginaw’s hosting of the 2024 Canadian Hockey League Memorial Cup, the Henry Marsh Plaza Project honors the legacy of Henry Marsh, Saginaw’s first Black mayor and one of the earliest Black mayors in the United States.
Located near the Dow Event Center, the redesigned plaza transforms a once-blighted corridor into a safe, accessible, and inclusive gateway to downtown Saginaw. Supported by a $1 million state grant and guided by collaboration among the City of Saginaw, Michigan Department of Transportation, and Go Great Lakes Bay, the project celebrates civic pride while fostering unity and remembrance in the heart of the city.
Other Saginaw County Honorees
Saginaw County’s spirit of renewal was further recognized through two additional Keep Michigan Beautiful award recipients:
• Cass River Trailhead Park (Bridgeport Charter Township): A newly developed riverside park blending historic preservation, recreation, and accessibility, complete with restored 1950s architecture, picnic facilities, and scenic trail connections.
• Pine Island Design Building Project (Frankenmuth): A privately funded Main Street restoration that transformed an outdated office into an ADA-accessible, beautifully landscaped structure harmonizing with Frankenmuth’s historic Bavarian character.
A Celebration of Community Transformation
Together, these five Saginaw County projects exemplify the Keep Michigan Beautiful mission—turning vision into visible change, restoring community pride, and creating spaces that welcome residents and visitors alike.
“Each of these projects demonstrates the power of partnership, creativity, and local pride,” said Ann Bruzewski, President and CEO of Go Great Lakes Bay in Michigan. “They show what’s possible when people come together to honor Michigan’s beauty and invest in its future.”
About Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc.
Keep Michigan Beautiful is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to promoting, recognizing, and encouraging environmental improvement and beautification throughout Michigan. The annual awards highlight outstanding community efforts that enhance the state’s natural and built environments.
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