A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the unveiling of "Polychromatic Super You," a 40-foot-by-25-foot mural by Michigan artist Joey Salamon in a downtown Ferndale alley at 258 W. Nine Mile Rd. Commissioned by JARS Cannabis and HYPE Cannabis, the artwork honors Pride and the LGBTQ+ community while tying into their Smoke with Pride campaign. Proceeds from specific products fund Detroit's Ruth Ellis Center, which provides safe spaces and support for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.
Artwork Sparks Community Connections
Joey Salamon's vibrant mural fills the alley space with bold colors and themes of queer expression. JARS Cannabis Marketing Director Stefanie Michels described it as a Pride-inspired piece designed to ignite discussions on the shared histories of cannabis and LGBTQ+ communities as countercultural forces. A QR code on the mural links visitors to details on the Smoke with Pride initiative, resources, and direct donation options for the Ruth Ellis Center.
Campaign Drives Tangible Support
The Smoke with Pride partnership directs 10 percent of HYPE product proceeds from JARS locations to the Ruth Ellis Center, with full proceeds from the JARS x HYPE Smoke with Pride Kit also benefiting the organization. Companies urge direct contributions as well. This effort underscores corporate investment in visibility for LGBTQ+ causes, particularly in Ferndale, a Michigan hub known for its progressive stance and welcoming environment for queer residents.
Artist Highlights Trust and Representation
Salamon emphasized the personal significance of the project: companies granted full creative freedom, signaling trust in a queer artist's vision. Such commissions boost LGBTQ+ representation in public spaces, fostering community ties beyond Pride month. The mural stands as both artistic statement and call to ongoing support, reflecting broader cultural shifts toward inclusive corporate philanthropy in counterculture spaces.
