Fashion, Farmers Market Mix in Birmingham to Benefit Heidelberg Project

Last summer, Lahser High School freshman and budding artist/designer Tess Garcia said she was struck by just how much impact the famed Heidelberg Project had on children from Detroit's east side who watched her and other volunteer artists paint. And she was determined to keep that going earlier this month when she saw a significant portion of the inspiring project that repurposes abandoned homes with art destroyed by a suspicious fire.

“These children live in a city full of crumbling buildings and abandoned homes. Heidelberg Street has offered them a new outlook on the city they live in," she said. "It shows them beauty can take shape even in the darkest of places. I want to do whatever I can to show people what The Heidelberg Project has shown me: that art can bring a community together in ways that other things can’t.”

That desire and effort culminates this Sunday at the Birmingham Farmers Market with Fashion at the Market, a charity fashion show featuring local students in high-end apparel from several local retailers. There is no admission fee, but all donations will benefit The Heidelberg Project charity, which revitalizes abandoned homes on Detroit's east side by creating artwork with discarded items. on Sunday, June 2 at the Birmingham Farmers Market. The show will feature local students wearing apparel from several 


Birmingham retailers, including Lexi Drew, Bridget & Stacie, Lyudviga Couture, J. McLaughlin, Dbl Up, and Restyle 


Child. Hair styling will be provided by Luigi Bruni salon. No admission fee will be charged. All donations from the show

One of the larger structures in the neighborhood, know as the "Obstruction of Justice," or "OJ" house, burned to the ground on May 3 in what creater Tyree Guyton said he believes was an arson fire.

“I’ve worked with The Heidelberg Project before, and have seen the impact they’ve made on the people of Detroit, particularly the children,” Garcia said. "I hope to ensure the destruction of the OJ house will not get in the way of that mission.”

Mixing art and fashion is nothing new for Garcia, who started her own started her own business called Pop Can Couture as an eighth grader at East Hills Middle School. Using pop can tabs collected over an entire year, Garcia created bracelets, necklaces, earrings and hair clips that sold at multiple Birmingham stores. She then donated 20 percent of all proceeds to Preservation Bloomfield for its ongoing restoration of the Barton Farmhouse at the the Bowers School Farm.

Given her history and continued drive, it wasn't too difficult for Garcia to get people involved. Several local businesses are already sponsors, including Restyle Child, Hall & Hunter Realtors (Lanie Cosgrove), Friends of Preservation Bloomfield, attorney Thomas G. Hardy, and Harp’s Lingerie.

“This is a unique partnership,” said John Heiney, executive director of the Birmingham Principal Shopping District. “Tess came to us with this idea and we have enjoyed working with her to bring it to fruition. We are pleased to see our businesses stepping up and helping out as well.”

Garcia is still seeking more sponsorships. Contact her at Tegarcia12@gmail.com, and call 313-974-6894, or email Information@heidelberg.org for more information about the Heidelberg Project.