Hello Kitty Traditional Cache
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That's one MONUMENTAL KITTY.
The sculpture nearby is a unique part of the landscape here and has been here since November of 2010. It's a creation of a local artist named Jerome Ferretti who has lived and worked in the Corktown neighborhood of Detroit for at least the last 30 years.
The creation sits at the northern end of the pedestrian overpass that spans Interstate 75 and used to carry many folks to and from local events along Michigan Avenue as well as the now-demolished Tiger Stadium.
Since the freeway was built in the 1950's and 60's, it has 'split' the neighborhood in two and this overpass has helped in keeping the Corktown neighborhood together, as best as possible.
The inspiration for the artwork came from architecht Antoni Gaudi, as well as the many wild cats in the Corktown neighborhood. It was also inspired by the local football and baseball teams that once played at Tiger Stadium, the Detroit Lions (NFL) and Detroit Tigers (MLB). There was also some design-cues from the mighty Sphinx of Egypt, with it's half-human, half-cat appearance.
'Monumental Kitty', as it's called, is comprised of almost 3,000 bricks, some limestone pieces, and lots of gravel. Most of the materials were reclaimed and recycled from other sources, which also gives this project a 'recycled' feel as well.
Planning images for the Artwork
The dome that makes-up the head has two-layers of bricks, plus the gravel that is inside of it for support.
The process to build the sculpture required MDOT approval, many hours of work to clean-up the space needed next to the bridge-span, and then work began on the actual artwork with a ground-breaking on October 15th 2010. It was completed in a matter of days and is now seen waiting by the side of the road by an estimated 2,000-3,000 people a day that pass by the freeway nearby as well as the service drive right next to it.
Some folks have said it was a turtle, some an owl. There has been many different reactions to the sculpture, and all of it positive.
Hopefully this kitty will be here to say 'Hello' as part of a Gateway to the Corktown Neighborhood area for many years to come.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Syng cnpx VA gur cbyr