LiveBuchanan in collaboration with the Buchanan District Library, will unveil a new public mural by artist Justin Johnson on Saturday, June 7, at 6 pm. The unveiling will feature drumming by Gabriel Loonsfoot, Pokagon Band Youth Council Chairman.
This mural project is a celebration of both artistic expression and cultural heritage. Created by Justin Johnson, a citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and lifelong visual artist, the piece draws from the Woodland or “Legend Painting” style—a powerful visual tradition of the First Nations and Great Lakes Anishinaabe people. Johnson’s work reflects themes of balance, respect, and the spiritual ties between people, animals, land, and spirit.
In his artist statement, Johnson states, “Nature is a constant source of inspiration for me—its rhythms, colors and spirit are ever-present in my art… Through this visual language, I seek to honor ancestral traditions while offering a contemporary reflection on balance, harmony, and the unseen energies that connect us all.”
This mural marks Johnson’s first public mural installation and is located on the exterior of the Buchanan District Library. Organizers from LiveBuchanan and the Library emphasized the importance of partnering with a Native artist to remind viewers of the deep cultural and spiritual significance of McCoy Creek, which runs along Days Avenue and directly beneath the mural wall. For generations, the creek and surrounding natural elements have held sacred meaning for Native peoples, and this artwork serves to honor and preserve that connection.
The community event will include remarks from the artist, musical drumming by Gabriel Loonsfoot, and an opportunity to meet the artist and celebrate Buchanan’s growing public art scene.
“We are thrilled to be able to highlight Justin’s art” said Mayor Weedon.” Live Buchanan’s Chair Annie Tuite said “His work powerfully reflects the values of our community—connection to nature, respect for culture, and the importance of storytelling.
This mural is part of “Art on Days,” which brings a new mural to downtown Buchanan’s Days Avenue each year. This ongoing public art initiative is designed to celebrate local creativity, enrich public spaces, and engage the community through accessible and meaningful art experiences in Buchanan. Community members who wish to support this growing public art initiative can make a donation at Buchanan District Library : Art on Days https://www.buchananlibrary.org/support-us/art_on_days
The mural project is made possible with support from the Sarah Butus, Janet Kuhn, City of Buchanan, Honor Credit Union, Buchanan Masons Lodge No. 68, Lifted Craft Cannabis Market, McCarty Well Drilling, River of Life Yoga, and Sturgis Bank.
Event Details: What: Mural Unveiling & Community Celebration When: Saturday, June 7th 6 pm Where: Buchanan District Library, 128 E. Front Street, Buchanan, MI | Please meet outside library along Days Avenue Cost: Free and open to the public For more information, contact info@livebuchanan.com
