By Marshall M. Fredericks, America’s Public Sculptor
Dedicated in 1958
Marshall M. Frederick’s Spirit of Detroit is undergoing conversation. Conservation is the practices and techniques used to preserve, protect, and safeguard art ensuring its longevity while protecting its cultural, historical, and artistic intents.
The Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority owns and manages the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center and is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Spirit of Detroit sculpture. The iconic bronze statue, dedicated on September 23, 1958, requires maintenance every fifteen years to clean the bronze and reapply the “Marshall Fredericks” green patina. Starting in August of 2024, Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum curators and restoration artist, Robert Zahorsky, began the conservation process. Currently, the conservation for the sculpture has been completed as of mid September while the landscape around the sculpture is being restored and is expected to be completed in October for the 66th dedication anniversary.
Spirit of Detroit work is being completed by Robert Zahorsky, Restoration Artist.
PATINATION
When Marshall Fredericks created the Spirit of Detroit, he applied a protective patina to prevent corrosion. A patina is a natural, or artificially applied, protective layer on metal that protects it from corrosion. However, outdoor exposure can cause the patina to become uneven or damaged over time. During conservation, the sculpture is assessed for structural issues, which are addressed while the patina is off. Repatination restores the protective layer, preventing further corrosion and ensuring the sculpture’s longevity.
See more works by Marshall Fredericks at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.
Check out our virtual tour of Marshall’s artwork, located at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum!
For Media Requests: Please contact Megan McAdow, Museum Director at mmcadow@svsu.edu or (989) 964-7125.