AAA-ACG Highlights Local Artists on Billboards in Detroit

From Canvas to Billboard: Pensole Lewis College, AAA-The Auto Club Group, and the National Black Footwear Forum Join Forces to Elevate Creative Detroit Talent Through the MARTK’D Program 

Pensole Lewis College (PLC), AAA - The Auto Club Group (AAA-ACG), and the National Black Footwear Forum (BFF) have partnered to highlight the three winning artists from the MARKT’D: Art on Canvas program, which took place in Detroit in September 2024 during the BFF event. This collaboration aims to elevate the artists' profiles by publicly showcasing their work and utilizing AAA-ACG billboards and digital media to reach millions.

The event featured twenty talented artists, each given one hour to bring their visions to life on blank canvases in front of a live audience. After the hour concluded, four special guest judges evaluated each piece based on aesthetics, depth, theme, and storytelling. Ultimately, three finalists were selected from the original twenty: Mila Lynn, Redd, and Torrence Jayy.

The initiative will celebrate these artists by offering them a unique career opportunity to share their artistic visions. They will create original artworks that AAA-ACG will review and prominently display on billboards throughout Detroit.

In recognition of Black History Month and the ongoing need for awareness, artists will create pieces celebrating Black culture’s influence on society. They will highlight the importance of access to higher education, which aligns  aligning with the missions of PLC, BFF, and MARKT’D, and acknowledge AAA-ACG’s commitment to community advocacy, inspiring others to make a positive difference.

Dion Walcott, Founder of MARKT’D and Director of Partnerships at PLC states, “The MARKT’D program at Pensole Lewis Detroit goes beyond the realm of sneakers. This initiative offers artists a platform to express themselves and provides unique vantage points that emotionally move viewers. What better way to shed light on the narrative we are conveying?”

The Auto Club Group focuses on membership, insurance, and travel to help individuals navigate life safely. As a responsible corporate citizen, AAA-ACG addresses critical community needs such as education, food security, and financial literacy.

“Education is the groundwork of progress, and when rooted in purpose, excellence, and determination, it becomes the power that shapes generations,” said Kenneth Mathies, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for AAA – The Auto Club Group. 

About PLC Detroit 

Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design is a vital resource for career education and professional development in the creative industry. We lead the way in fostering creative vision and progress. At PLC, we focus on improving the industry through innovative educational experiences and the creation of exceptional products. We prepare and empower a diverse talent pool of creatives to enter the industry, making it better for future generations. For more information, visit www.plcdetroit.com.

About MARTK’D

Since MARTK’D inception in 2013, the brand has created programs and partnerships internationally with the mission of providing access and awareness to artists to showcase their talent. What started as a passion for sneakers has grown to become a community for artists from all walks of life to get exposure, build networks, and access career opportunities. Visit, www.martkd.com 

About The National Black Footwear Forum

The Black Footwear Forum (BFF) seeks to enhance access, education, and awareness to increase opportunities for Black professionals to influence, lead, and impact the global footwear industry and consumer culture. The Forum is intentional in its efforts to promote diversity within the industry, ensuring that it not only caters to Black consumers but is also well-represented by Black voices and leadership. Visit, www.blackfootwearforum.com