Heidelberg Project apologizes to preacher for Tyree Guyton’s behavior

The Heidelberg Project apologized to a preacher for the way he was treated by artist Tyree Guyton during a donation drive for the homeless on Friday.

In an email to the preacher, social media coordinator Julia MacDonald said Guyton “has been affronted by some rather deceptive characters recently, while working on site, and I think he was just taking precaution.”

The preacher, whose identity is protected because he runs a citywide neighborhood watch, Bleach Detroit, was given permission by the Heidelberg Project to hold a donation drive near the outdoor art exhibit, most of which is on property not owned by the Heidelberg Project. But Guyton angrily approached the preacher and reduced his wife to tears, saying their “game wasn’t tight enough to collect donations for the homeless there.”

The preacher, who cut the donation drive short, provided security for Guyton after arsons began consuming his art-festooned houses between November and March.

 Here is the email apology from MacDonald:

So sorry that I’m just getting around to your Twitter message. I’ve been fighting the flu for the last few days and have been in and out of the office. I am so very sorry you were made to feel that way, especially after all the kindness you have showed us.

There was some miscommunication in the office regarding your request to use HP to collect donations and Tyree wasn’t properly informed of what your goal was, which was my fault as I was out of commission for a few days last week. Unfortunately, Tyree has been affronted by some rather deceptive characters recently, while working on site, and I think he was just taking precaution.

Regardless, we have so much love for you in our office. It pains me to know you felt anything less, especially if it was a product of miscommunication on our end or of what we have been experiencing from a few nonsupporters. We appreciate everything you do so much and we want you to know that you have our full support.

So we avoid unfortunate mishaps like this again, if you have anything you’d like to discuss with us, please contact our office directly.

Other Heidelberg Project stories:

Federal investigators captured video of latest arson at Heidelberg Project
Investigation: What the Heidelberg Project doesn’t want you to know
Arsonist burns down iconic Party Animal House at Heidelberg Project
Polka Dot Rebellion: Heidelberg Project survives on guts, vision of Tyree Guyton

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Steve Neavling

Steve Neavling lives and works in Detroit as an investigative journalist. His stories have uncovered corruption, led to arrests and reforms and prompted FBI investigations.

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