Royal Oak Mural Celebrating Dream Cruise To Be Unveiled Friday

ROYAL OAK, MI —On the eve of Saturday's return of the Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise, which was canceled last year because of the pandemic, a business in Royal Oak will be unveiling a mural that pays tribute to the annual automotive celebration and to historic Woodward Avenue.

On Friday afternoon, the public will get its first look at the 950-square-foot masonry and spray-painted mural located at the Advia Credit Union's Royal Oak Branch, 27100 Woodward Ave, which was painted by Detroit-area artist Samar Salam.

The mural will be unveiled during a noon to 1 p.m. ceremony at the credit union, which will feature remarks from Salam, Erica Chisholm, manager of marketing for Advia Credit Union and Tavia Underwood, the Royal Oak branch manager.

The event will serve as the launch of Advia's charitable campaign. Through Sept. 13, the credit union will make a $25 donation to the Children's Miracle Network for each photo taken in front of the mural and shared on social media using the hashtag #AdviaMural.

According to her website, Salam is a Lebanese American oil painter and muralist whose work has been featured in group exhibitions and whose mural work can be found around Metro Detroit.

Growing up surrounded by diverse historic buildings, Salam has developed a passion for culture and design, and much of her artwork is influenced by vibrant colors and textiles, as well as her personal connection to nature, according to the website.

This is reflected in the Woodward Avenue mural, which includes a classic car, local buildings, including the Royal Oak Theatre and Birmingham 8 theatre, a map of the Dream Cruise route and flowers.

"My artwork often portrays bold and complex architecture combined with vibrant patterns," Salam is quoted as saying on her website. "In my work, I use floral motifs and patterns inspired by textiles, such as curtains, wallpaper, etc."

People interested in attending Friday's unveiling ceremony can RSVP online.