'CarTunes on Parade' Premieres to the Public at the Parade Studio for a 'Movin' & Groovin' Exhibit' April 30-May 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

DETROIT, April 11 -- For the first and only time, more than 90 colorful "CarTunes on Parade" car-shaped sculptures with musical themes will be unveiled and on public view at a "Movin' & Groovin' Exhibit," surrounded by America's Thanksgiving Parade floats at The Parade Studio April 30-May 1 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The "Movin' & Groovin' Exhibit" weekend at The Parade Studio is open to the public. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5 per person. (Children three and under are free.) "CarTunes on Parade" is a public art project, and its sculptures will add a festive look to the streets of Detroit and Windsor from June 1-Sept. 30. The Parade Studio is located at 9500 Mt. Elliott, Studio A in Detroit. For information or directions visit http://www.theparade.org/ , and click on contact, or call: 313-923-7400.

The Parade Studio will be transformed into a "Movin' & Groovin' Exhibit" where visitors will be among the first to see the fun and creative "CarTunes on Parade" sculptures designed by Detroit and Windsor area artists. The weekend will be full of family fun events at the Parade Studio including make- and-take crafts such as poodle purses for girls and race cars for boys. Diner delights include hot dogs, nachos and cotton candy. Groovy games will add to the atmosphere with "the striker," "roll-a-score," "double shot out," and "punks on a rock." Rockin' entertainment will be provided by local high schools, dance troops and local quartet singers. Families can sign and put their handprints on The Parade Company's "CarTunes on Parade" sculpture, "Rhythms & Rhymes," for display at Hart Plaza during the Target Fireworks event June 29.

"The timing couldn't be better between America's Thanksgiving Parade(R) and the Target Fireworks in June," says Joan A. LeMahieu, president of The Parade Company. "The Parade Company is thrilled to open our doors for the public to see the parade floats up close and personal as part of a long-time Michigan tradition, and get a preview of an exciting public art exhibit for this summer."

The 218,500-square-foot Parade Studio is home to the Parade Company, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding, creating and executing the best family events in metro Detroit. The Parade Company's larger-than-life floats, giant inflatable balloons, papier-mache heads and whimsical characters have delighted millions each year at America's Thanksgiving Parade(R) on Thanksgiving morning.

"CarTunes on Parade" is a distinctive outdoor art exhibition in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario from June 1-Sept. 30, 2005 featuring approximately 120 colorful car-shaped sculptures. It is the first international public art project of its kind, showcasing both cities' passion for cars and music. Each full-size sculpture is seven feet long by four feet tall by three and a half feet wide and made of ABS plastic shell, sprayed with foam lining for rigidity.

In Detroit, "CarTunes on Parade" sculptures will be in the Cultural Center/Midtown area, downtown and along the riverfront. In Windsor, sculptures will be in the City Center and along the riverfront. Maps will identify the location and profile each sculpture. A "CarTunes on Parade" auction is Oct. 26, 2005 at the GM Wintergarden in the GM Renaissance Center. Proceeds from the auction will be divided between the artist, the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit's YArts program or the Windsor Endowment for the Arts, and a variety of arts and cultural groups.

The event was inspired by public art projects such as "Cows on Parade," Chicago, 1999, and "Moose in the City," Toronto, 2000. The exhibit goals are to increase appreciation for public art; recognize and support local artists; benefit both the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit's YArts Program and the Windsor Endowment for the Arts; and boost local tourism.

Ford Motor Company, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors are supporting "CarTunes on Parade" with major corporate sponsorships, along with many individuals and organizations. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For details, contact Vic Gutman, project manager, at 313-275-5226 or visit http://www.cartunesonparade.org/ . Sponsors' names will be displayed on the back license plate of "CarTunes on Parade" sculptures.

Media sponsors include: Comcast, Detroit Free Press, The Windsor Star, WDIV Local 4, The New WI, Oldies 104.3 WOMC and AM 800 CKLW.

The development of the Educational Outreach curriculum is a significant part of the project, and 13 high schools are involved with creating sculptures which will be part of this summer's public exhibition.

"The CarTunes on Parade" Steering Committee is comprised of experts from Detroit and Windsor's art, education, municipal and business sectors including the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau and Windsor Essex County & Pelee Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. The exhibit would not be possible without their talents and support. For a list of committee members and their organizations, click on the ABOUT menu of http://www.cartunesonparade.org/

For Detroit and Windsor visitor information on the web, go to http://www.visitdetroit.com/ or http://www.visitwindsor.com/ .