A ribbon-cutting ceremony in downtown Ferndale marked the debut of "Polychromatic Super You," a vibrant 40 ft. by 25 ft. mural by Michigan artist Joey Salamon. Located in the alley at 258 W. Nine Mile Rd., this Pride-inspired artwork, commissioned by JARS Cannabis and HYPE Cannabis, highlights corporate commitment to LGBTQ+ causes and underscores the power of public art in fostering inclusion.
The Mural and Unveiling Ceremony
Commissioned to celebrate Pride and support the LGBTQ+ community, "Polychromatic Super You" transforms a Ferndale alley into a beacon of color and expression. The mural features bold, polychromatic designs that invite passersby to engage with queer narratives. A QR code integrated into the artwork links to resources, details on the Smoke with Pride campaign, and direct donation options for Detroit's Ruth Ellis Center, a vital hub for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.
Corporate Initiative and Community Impact
JARS Cannabis and HYPE Cannabis launched their Smoke with Pride campaign to bridge cannabis culture—long intertwined with counterculture movements—and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Key elements include:
- 10 percent of HYPE product proceeds from JARS locations donated to Ruth Ellis Center.
- 100 percent of JARS x HYPE Smoke with Pride Kit sales directed to the center.
- Encouragement for direct donations to amplify year-round support.
"JARS Cannabis is thrilled to unveil this incredible Pride-inspired mural," said Marketing Director Stefanie Michels, emphasizing its role in sparking conversations about shared histories and ongoing allyship.
Artist Joey Salamon's Vision and Trust
Michigan-based queer artist Joey Salamon views the project as a milestone. "For them to hire me for this specific project 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," Salamon said. This freedom allowed unfiltered representation, adding visibility in a region where public queer art remains essential for normalization.
Broader Cultural Significance
Public murals like this one reflect a growing trend where businesses leverage art for social good, particularly in progressive enclaves like Ferndale, known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Historically, cannabis communities have overlapped with queer spaces as sites of rebellion against norms, from 1970s San Francisco discotheques to modern dispensaries. By investing in such projects, companies like JARS and HYPE not only boost community ties but also normalize queer expression in everyday urban landscapes, potentially inspiring similar initiatives amid rising calls for inclusive corporate responsibility.
