Hines’ Lines

SEPTEMBER 5 – 27, 2025

Hines’ Lines features 40 artworks inspired by printing business owner and American road pioneer Edward N. Hines (1870–1938). Artists share paintings, photographs, drawings, and mixed media artworks that reflect Hines’ contributions including (1) painting a centerline on roads, 2) establishing an extensive parkway system  and (3) paving the first full mile of concrete road in the world. Visitors can participate by voting for their favorite works through People’s Choice Awards.

Join us for the reception on September 5, 5 – 8 pm with gallery presentation at 6 pm.

INTRODUCTION

Edward N. Hines (1870–1938), originally an owner of a printing business in Detroit, MI, became a pioneering American figure in road development.

Hines was instrumental in the development of modern road infrastructure, advocating for better road maintenance and tree-lined parkways. His concept of painting a centerline on roads, first implemented in 1911, became a standard practice worldwide, significantly reducing head-on collisions and improving traffic organization. His efforts also helped establish Wayne County’s extensive parkway system, including the road that now runs through Hines Park from Dearborn to Northville.

As the chairman of the board for the Wayne County Board of Roads he championed the first full mile of concrete road in the world — a section of Woodward Avenue between Six Mile Road and Seven Mile Road. Running from Detroit River to Pontiac, Woodward Avenue is a significant thoroughfare in the Metro Detroit area, with sports complexes, cultural institutions, and historic landmarks lining the route. Hines was posthumously inducted into the Michigan Transportation Hall of Honor in 1972. 

THE HINES’ LINES EXHIBITION

Artists were invited to create works inspired by three contributions of Edward N. Hines.

  1. the concept of painting a white or yellow centerline on roads
  2. Edward N. Hines Drive, the 17.5-mile-long parkway running through Hines Park from Dearborn to Northville, or 
  3. Woodward Avenue, the 21.5-mile-long paved avenue running from Detroit to Pontiac

Artists could submit works in one of two categories, with slight variations within each category.

  • Category I: All Media Exhibition includes artworks created in the last three years.
  • Category II: Plein Air Exhibition includes artworks created outdoors between July 24 – Aug 24 of this year.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS

Category I: All Media Exhibition

Dale Alcocer, Snehal Ambre, Jeannine Anderson, Danna Bowersox, Winnie Chrzanowski, Laura Fawaz, Brant MacLean, Marcella MacLean, Aleah Pieniadz, K.K. Sparks, Sandy Steed, and Pat Vartanian.

Category II: Plein – Air Exhibition

Barbara Baker, Cheryl Ann Boc-Chidester, Pat Cheal, Judy Curry, Norm Euker, Brian Fritz, Jill Hemingway, Susan Mankowski, Robert Perrish, Louisa Pour, and Lalee Vingren.

PEOPLES’ CHOICE AWARDS

Visitors can participate by voting for their favorite works through People’s Choice Awards. Select your top 3 artists in each Category. The artists receiving the most “votes” at the end of the exhibition will be recognized with awards.

Coming Soon

 

For more information or questions contact Ryan Kaltenbach, Creative Director, at exhibits@northvillearthouse.org.