The Metro: Local photographer showcases Detroit Lions with giant portraits during NFL Draft

While the event showcases the best up-and-coming football talent, it’s also providing an opportunity for Detroit to showcase the work of local artists.

Detroit Lions portraits by photographer Lisa Spindler will be on display through May 19 on the exterior of Detroit’s landmark Bedrock buildings near the NFL Draft stage.

Detroit Lions portraits by photographer Lisa Spindler will be on display through May 19 on the exterior of Detroit’s landmark Bedrock buildings near the NFL Draft stage.

The eyes of the sports world are on Detroit this weekend as the city hosts the 2024 NFL Draft. 

While the event showcases the best up-and-coming football talent, it’s also providing an opportunity for Detroit to showcase its own homegrown talent and artistic flair. 

One big example — in more ways than one — is the series of larger-than-life photographs of Detroit Lions players adorning downtown buildings, created by fine art photographer Lisa Spindler

Spindler joined The Metro on Thursday to tell us more about the project. 

“I really want to do the portraits of the lions to honor them, whether they win or they don’t go to the Super Bowl I just, we love them,” Spindler said. “I’ve seen the spirit of the city and let’s celebrate and welcome the people coming here for the NFL Draft, and blow them up large so we can all, you know, enjoy who these men are.”

Use the media player above to hear the full interview with photographer Lisa Spindler.

More headlines from The Metro on April 25, 2024: 

  • The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network recently opened the 707 Crisis Care Center, providing direct specialized care for those in crisis and to ease the pressure off emergency departments. Vice president of Crisis Services at the organization Grace Wolf joined the show to talk more about the center. 
  • It’s the 10th anniversary of the event that led to the Flint water crisis. And the question remains 10 years later: Is Flint’s water safe to drink? Reporter Steve Carmody went to Flint to follow the story
  • The Loser Show is an immersive exhibition that’s constructed with thousands of losing Lotto tickets. Detroit artist Laura Quattrocchi’s exhibit will open May 4 with the goal of visually reinterpreting a familiar habit, leaving viewers asking questions about luck, loss and hope. She joined the show along with Andy Arts Co-Director Joshua Bisset. 
  • How much can Vernors Ginger Ale cure? Can it cure anything at all? On the latest episode of CuriosiD, WDET’s Amanda LeClaire investigates the rumored health benefits of the sweet and bubbly soda.
  • The NFL Draft in Detroit kicks of today, with the first round beginning at 8 p.m. And that means a lot of people will be flocking into the downtown area. WDET’s Alex McLenon reported on the important logistics fans need to know as they navigate the city.

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