Launched in 2014, Canopy by Hilton is a lifestyle brand that provides guests with a modern boutique hotel experience through thoughtfully considered, locally driven properties. The brand’s portfolio has since grown to include more than 30 properties across the globe, with more in the pipeline. Here, we delve into two of the brand’s newest additions, where art steals the show.
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
The Retreat, which features shelves lined with artwork and books, provides guests a place to work or relax
Led by Chicago- and Michigan-based interiors practice Anderson/Miller, the eight-story, 155-room Canopy Grand Rapids Downtown was conceived as a love letter to Michigan. “In pulling from this rich history, [we] highlighted midcentury aesthetics [and] contemporary elements to create a new modernism,” says firm principal Laurie Miller.
The two-story lobby boasts a multimedia art tour of sorts. “It speaks to our intentions [while] providing an additional roadmap to all works in the hotel,” Miller says. “It invites guests to go on the journey we took when assembling the collection.” Michigan-based artist Lora Fosberg helped curate the space, contributing paintings and colorful sculptural slices of painted wood and bark that are composed in millwork shadow boxes in the reception area. Meanwhile, the mezzanine gallery space was designed specifically to feature local graphic artist Stephen Frykholm’s Picnic poster series for Herman Miller from the 1970s and ‘80s.
Works by Emmett Kerrigan comprising multi-dimensional painted wood elements that represent abstract landscapes are installed in the public area elevator lobbies
Outside the lobby, artist Matthew Hoffman constructed a Delft plate installation for the restaurant, which pays tribute to Dutch potters of the 17th and 18th centuries. In the guestrooms, meanwhile, colorful ropework on the headboards juxtaposes curated paintings and wall sculptures. One late addition, however, was the I Am the Greatest! sculpture by Detroit-born Muhammad Ali that guards the rooftop bar’s restrooms. Artist John Sauve oversaw its creation with students in Benton Harbor, Michigan. “Ali’s story highlights the overwhelming amount of adversity he faced in standing up for his beliefs,” Miller says. “By retelling his story, new generations are inspired to realize that they can make a difference.”
Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town
Lou Verne, Studio 11 Design’s in-house art consultancy, collaborated with artists to conceptualize many of the works on display at Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town
The 177-room Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town boasts a prime location in the Scottsdale Arts District, situated adjacent to Main Street’s Gallery Row as well as Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. For the hotel’s design, Dallas-based Studio 11 Design was tasked with creating a destination that celebrates both the local artisan community and the surrounding desert landscape.
“Our approach was to build a connection to historic Scottsdale with elements, textures, and artwork that feels intuitive, layered, and genuine,” explains Kellie Sirna, Studio 11 Design’s cofounder and principal. “A big part of Canopy’s ethos is to seamlessly blend into its respective neighborhood. Through collaborations with local galleries and artists as well as by using local materials and architectural language, we created an effortlessly genuine [link] to the area.”
Studio 11’s in-house art consultant team, Lou Verne, stepped in to assist with the project and commissioned several talents to develop custom works for the downstairs public spaces, as well as two large-scale murals found at the rooftop lounge. Orlando-based Peterson Guerrier, for example, was responsible for a dimensional wooden wall mural that abstractly depicts Arizona’s topography. A partnership with the Museum of the West also led to a number of historic black and white photographs by late politician and photography enthusiast Barry Goldwater being exhibited within the property.
The pool area is punctuated by a series of digital works by Jonathan Kimbrell
Other notable pieces include a series of digital landscape prints by graphic designer and fine artist Jonathan Kimbrell that line the pool area. Suites feature original ink drawings by contemporary artist Christopher Bingham that represent the diverse geological landscape and natural materials of Arizona, while guestrooms feature a variety of prints and paintings. The handpainted work of Mesa, Arizona-born Frank Gonzales is showcased in the 2,000-square-foot meeting space, as well as a handmade ceramic wall hanging courtesy of multidisciplinary artist Chris Jones.
“Our mission is always to bring focus to the hotel’s destination without feeling contrived,” adds Sirna. “Guests are reminded of where they are in a way that feels comfortable and true to Scottsdale’s playful edge.”
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