A day's drive through southeastern Michigan's scenic Irish Hills can provide an exciting introduction to an unusual art form called Trabajo Rustico. Performed in the 1930s by Mexican traveling artists, Trabajo Rustico shares roots with the better-known Diego Rivera murals at the Detroit Institute of Art and the New Deal murals in Michigan's public buildings.
The July/August 2008 issue of Michigan History magazine tells the story of how Trabajo Rustico came to southeast Michigan and where you can see beautiful examples today. Also in the current issue are stories about the rise and fall of the U.P.'s Blaney Park and how a historic cannon came to Alpena.
For more information or to order a subscription to Michigan History call (800) 366-3703 or visit www.michiganhistorymagazine.com. Individual copies can be purchased at Barnes & Noble, B. Dalton and Borders bookstores throughout the state.
Michigan History is published by the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries. Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy, the department also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
On the cover: This bridge in Hillsdale's Emery Park appears to be made of tree branches, but is in fact cement that has been crafted to imitate wood. The medium, known as Trabajo Rustico, was introduced to Michigan by Mexican sculptors in 1929. Photo Ronnie Jones, Jr.
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A day's drive through southeastern Michigan's scenic Irish Hills can provide an exciting introduction to an unusual art form called Trabajo Rustico. Performed in the 1930s by Mexican traveling artists, Trabajo Rustico shares roots with the better-known Diego Rivera murals at the Detroit Institute of Art and the New Deal murals in Michigan's public buildings.
