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Cannabis companies teamed up to commission LGBTQ+ mural in Ferndale

By Steve Neavling

A VIBRANT, INTERACTIVE mural celebrating the LGBTQ + community in Michigan has enlivened the side of a brick building in downtown Ferndale.

The 40-foot by 25-foot mural, titled Polychromatic Super You, was conceptualized and installed by metro Detroit-based LGBTQ + artist Joey Salamon, whose hypnotic work often features a rainbow color palette and three-dimensional geometric shapes.

JARS Cannabis, a leading marijuana retailer in Michigan, and HYPE Cannabis, a caregiver-owned cannabis brand, commissioned the mural as an extension of their collaborative “JARS x HYPE: Smoke with Pride” campaign that originally launched during Pride Month in June.

The mural, which was unveiled earlier this month, is emblazoned on the side of a brick building at 258 W. Nine Mile.

“It’s always an extra bonus when I get to create artwork with the main intent to showcase LGBTQ + representation. For companies such as JARS and HYPE to invest in projects like this, it not only adds visibility, but it helps to create a connection to the community,” Salamon said in a statement. “For them to hire me for this specific pro ect and give me free rein on design, it not only shows their trust in my process, but it also shows their openness to having a queer artist freely express themselves without restrictions on something that is not only personal to me but also to many others in Ferndale and beyond.”

It was curated in collaboration with Chicago-based Beauty & Brawn, which specializes in custom art and mural and installation creation.

“Beauty & Brawn is both proud and honored to have partnered with JARS and HYPE for their Smoke with Pride initiative as we wholeheartedly advocate for and support movements which bring awareness to inclusivity, positivity, and philanthropy,” Lindsey Meyers, co-owner of Beauty & Brawn said. “Through the curation of ‘Polychromatic Super You’ we sought to engage viewers in a joyful, interactive, and unique visual experience. The mural highlights Joey Salamon’s vibrant and colorful personality, incredible artistic vision and talent, and generous spirit of heart which he brings to Ferndale and to cities all across America.”

The mural incorporates digital technology to drive awareness and solicit donations to support the LGBTQ + community in metro Detroit. The mural includes a plaque that features a Q R code that allows visitors to scan to donate to Detroit’s LGBTQ + safe haven, the Ruth Ellis Center, and to learn more about JAR’s initiative and resources.

Cannabis company Bloom City Club opens Ypsilanti dispensary

ANN ARBOR’S BLOOM City Club dispensary has opened a new location in Ypsi.

The new spot is located at 121 E. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, and opened earlier this month.

“Our flagship location is nearby in Ann Arbor so it just makes sense to bring the Bloom experience to our neighboring community,” says Ypsilanti location general manager Bri Donisi in a statement. “We’re excited to bring the personalized service, relaxed atmosphere, and community involvement that Bloom is known for to Ypsilanti.”

The new dispensary, which is open for adult-use customers age 21 or older, is celebrating with a “Bloom Moon” party on Sunday, Oct. , the first in a series of parties planned to coincide with the full moon. The first 100 customers spending at least $100 will receive gift bags worth at least $100 in cannabis products and accessories.

“The Bloom Moon parties are designed to be 4/20 style events every full moon,” says operations manager Angie Marshall.

Bloom City Club will also have a vendor booth at Ypsilanti’s upcoming Canna Jam festival, a cannabis consumption event planned for Riverside Park on Saturday, Oct. 8. Customers can purchase discounted tickets to Canna Jam at the dispensary.

The company has a third location in Sturgis. More information is available at bloomcityclub.com.

—Lee DeVito