His wall of angels shouldn't have caused as much controversy as it did.  But, the town fathers of Roseville, Michigan called it advertising since it was on the side of a business building.  The people spoke up and the artwork is now a pleasant sight as you drive north on Gratiot.  (It is on the northwest corner of Gratiot and Utica Road.)

I was pleased to meet the artist, Edward Daniel Stross, when I took the first photos in May, 1999.   It became very obvious that this is truly a labor of love for him.  After some health problems, he is back to painting, currently adding the faces of community people who have passed on.  Their friends and family have brought him photos of people to add to the wall.  I am happy to share these photos of a work of art in progress with everyone and hope that you can get a chance to see it in person.

In May of 2000, I returned to take more and was delighted in reviewing the new pics to discover the sweet little tribute made to Charles Shultz, which I had totally missed while taking the latest photos at the Wall.  Unfortunately, I didn't get back to take photos of his added tribute to 9/11, showing the Twin Towers with a halo over them. 

Link to a site called "Save Gonzo!:  http://www.detroitfunk.com/archives/2005/02/save_gonzo_1.html
 

2004: Now the wall as it was can no longer be seen.

Since then Edward has painted over the bottom part of the wall and added a scene from the Sistine Chapel.  The story of what occurred was covered in the Detroit Free Press, Aug. 11, 2004.  (This photo of Edward and his wall was taken by  RICHARD LEE/DFP is from the same article in the Free Press.)  He is facing more problems with the city because this scene shows bare-breasted women, which the city says was denied in their previous variance agreement with him. I can only hope that this will end positively, so that we can continue to enjoy the artwork of Edward and that he will find some peace in life, also.

TO SEE PHOTOS OF THE WALL, JUST CLICK ON THE THUMBNAIL PICTURES BELOW:

FULL MEMORY PHOTO

PRINCESS DIANA TIBUTE

CHARLES SCHULTZ TRIBUTE

JOE DIMAGGIO AND MARILYN MONROE TRIBUTE

MOTHER TERESSA TRIBUTE

JFK, JR. AND BESSETTE SISTERS TRIBUTE

EDWARD STROSS AT WORK

EDWARD STROSS AT WORK

MEMORY WALL

THE BIG LITTLE ANGEL

This shows the wall as if 5/29/99 (with Edward working behind the screen in the lower left). Princess Diana is the angel at the upper right and Mother Teresa is depicted in the lower center.

Closeup of the Princess Diana Tribute - I love the roses and the fact that each cherub is a little different. (5/00)

A detail of the Charlie Brown tribute. (5/00)

Now we know where Joe DiMaggio has gone. The faces below are some of the faces the artist is adding of local people who are now gone from us. (5/99)

Mother Teressa is a center focus of the work. (5/00)

Tribute to JFK, Jr., his wife, Carolyn, and her sister, Lauren Bessette. (5/00)

This is Edward at work. (5/99)

Same Photo with little bit closer view of the artist. (5/99)

This is the entire wall as of May, 2000.

This little angel has wings, I do not know who she is, but she is pictured on the back of the building. (5/99)

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FULL MEMORY PHOTO

This shows the wall as if 5/29/99 (with Edward working behind the screen in the lower left). Princess Diana is the angel at the upper right and Mother Teresa is depicted in the lower center.