DETROIT – Eastern Market has unveiled a new public artwork celebrating the history, culture, and people who helped shape the historic Detroit marketplace.
The mural, a collaboration between Marrow in the Market and Detroit artist Tony Whlgn, was dedicated Wednesday (Aug. 5) night during “First Wednesdays at the Market,” a monthly event featuring music, food, drinks and art.
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The artwork pays tribute to Moses Primus Sr., the first known Black butcher at Gratiot Central Market.
Surrounded by imagery connected to the butchery trade, the mural highlights the history of the craft that has long been central to Marrow’s identity while honoring the contributions of workers who helped build Eastern Market’s legacy.
The mural serves as a lasting tribute to Eastern Market and the people who have shaped its history.
Whlgn, an artist and designer from Detroit’s Eastside, worked with Marrow to create the piece as a celebration of the market’s past and present.
The mural dedication was held at 6:30 p.m., followed by a happy hour event at Marrow as part of First Wednesdays at the Market, which ran from 6-9 p.m.
Chef Noelle Prater of Marrow also offered food during the event, including walking tacos featuring pork pastilla served over corn chips with charred corn queso, pickled Fresno peppers, lime-pickled cabbage and crispy chicharron.
A vegetarian option was also available.
The new mural adds another public artwork installation to Eastern Market, a district known for its food, community events and long-standing role in Detroit’s history.