"Detroit Through Our Eyes"

48"x48"

Grand Prix banners on canvas

$600 or donation. Proceeds go to the scout accounts of the girls who worked on the project! To offer a donation offer, call (248) 709-2697 or email: amandakossart@gmail.com.

As part of my Creative Compass program—an initiative I created to help young minds navigate creativity with confidence—a group of enthusiastic GSSEM Girl Scouts joined me in the studio to explore the world of collage. Creative Compass is designed to empower youth through hands-on, meaningful art experiences that connect them with their communities, their voice, and each other.

Each girl created her own unique collage using a mix of materials—magazines, treasures from Arts and Scraps, and, most notably, repurposed pieces of Grand Prix banners. Their personal works went home with them, but the girls also came together to co-create something larger: a 48"x48" collaborative artwork that celebrates Detroit’s vibrant identity.

With my guidance (and plenty of glue), the girls incorporated beloved Detroit landmarks like The Spirit of Detroit, the Renaissance Center, the Joe Louis “Fist,” and the Horace E. Son Memorial Fountain. We added playful elements too—like a Faygo bottle, the GSSEM badge, a Detroit Lions player cruising in the back of a car, and even a road with foam backing for a 3D effect. One clever detail: the outline of the car was formed using the durable edge of the Grand Prix banner itself, grommets and all.

Even more special? Former Girl Scouts who now volunteer for the Grand Prix joined us, bringing the experience full-circle. Through Creative Compass, this workshop became more than just an art project—it became a celebration of connection, creativity, and the lasting impact of giving back.