DETROIT -- During an Open House celebration on September 5, 2008 at 6 p.m., the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan will unveil a dynamic large-scale mural for its “New Home of Justice.” The ACLU recently moved into a new building to accommodate its impending growth.

Called "Assembly Line of Justice,” the 8 x 30 foot painting by Dearborn artist Mathew A. Sharum is a modern day civil liberties interpretation of Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry.

“We are excited and proud to share this impressive mural with the public,” said Kary L. Moss, ACLU of Michigan Executive Director. “The artist did a magnificent job articulating our mission. We hope that this beautiful work of art will bring people together, create dialogue and transform the civil liberties landscape through art.”

The mural transforms a curved conference room wall in the ACLU’s new building in Detroit’s historic Brush Park District into a colorful conversation piece. The mural is visible through windows by pedestrians and traffic on Woodward Ave.

Sharum, 34, has been an established muralist for 8 years and has been creating art for over 19 years. As a self taught artist, he moved to San Francisco and completed a 4 ½  year apprenticeship with Johan Douglass, a professional muralist in San Francisco. After his apprenticeship, Sharum moved back to Michigan to pursue his art in the tri-county area. Sharum is married to his college sweetheart and has a son. 

“I really love the customization of artwork. Creating something so personal, that sometimes, it can bring people to tears,” said Sharum. “Like every artist, I want to do what I love for a living. The ACLU has given me the opportunity to create something so unique, I will always be proud of this painting.”

The ACLU of Michigan’s Open House is a celebration to thank funders, supporters and community members for making its new Home of Justice a reality. The new facility is a 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility in Detroit’s Historic Brush Park District.

The ACLU of Michigan’s new headquarters is located at 2966 Woodward Ave. in Detroit’s Historic Brush Park District. The ACLU was previously located near Wayne State University in Midtown.

“We are thrilled to be contributing to the revitalization of one of Detroit’s oldest communities,” said Moss. “Our new central location ensures a strong local presence to deal with issues specific to our state and region.”