Sculptures, paintings and murals showcases art teacher Jennifer Ramirez’s work, and the city of Madison Heights honors her.

“She has contributed to the community in so many ways, outside of just the mural she really has made the community of Madison Heights somewhere where people want to drive through and be,” sculpture and art teacher Nancy Druia said. 

The many murals and drawings on Ramirez’s privacy fence and public buildings are found throughout the community. She also created a snow shark sculpture that Peoples Magazine covered which caught the attention of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Madison Heights honored Ramirez by naming International Artists Day Jennifer Ramirez Day on Wed Oct. 25. 

“A lot of attention is being brought to Madison Heights in a good positive way,” Ramirez said.

Her dedication to the community shows in many of her art pieces around the area. 

“They all have a special place in my heart. I know that sounds so cheesy and stupid, but they do. But if I had to pick one, I’d probably pick Rosie’s Park, which is an abstract kind of Cubism with a bunch of animals, life and nature,” said Ramirez. 

 Ramirez’s hard work and commitment carries on outside of Madison Heights as well.  Ramirez sponsors the Fashion Club started by senior Milena Dharte.

“She works so hard. She puts in a lot of time and effort into everything that she’s doing even when helping me with fashion club and stuff,” Dharte said. “So, for her to get recognized is really amazing.”

Ramirez’s impact on the city of Madison Heights and the school is respected by her close peers and students, according to Druia.

“A lot of teachers are intimidated by her in a good way because she is so powerful, what she has the kids doing and what she does herself being a practicing artist,” Druia said. “I think it’s really impactful on students because they are able to see what you can do outside of school and where art can take you”.