Help us protect this gift to the sky!

The massive effort of Secret Sky added an important and beautiful feature into the Thumb of Michigan. At both day and night, it celebrates the incredible iconic barns of the region offering a destination and a celebration of the agricultural landscape. While creating the slice that is Secret Sky, the effort taken on by the team included significant stabilization to the existing foundation, a restructuring of the members within the structure, and careful attention to its maintenance. Reaching nearly a century in age, the barn’s original roof structure has been exposed to the Michigan weather for a very long time. It is in need of repair. Shingles have peeled in the sun, blown off in the strong winds, and suffered water damage over the years. Cracks in the roof are allowing water to enter the structure and along with the extreme  wind and snow, these openings are getting larger. 53North and Alibi Studio are seeking to replace the current roof shingles with a metal roof, preserving the barn and Secret Sky for many years to come. This effort includes hiring a local contracting company to tend to the original roof and add a new metal roof on top of the barn, coordinating with the slice of Secret Sky. 

We are still talking to contractors and seeking out a metal roofing material manufacturer. While we are working hard towards looking for material donations and sponsorship, we are facing the difficult reality that the cost of replacing the roof of Secret Sky will land between 35-45k. 

This includes:

• General Construction costs

• Demolition of the previous layers of crumbling asphalt and cedar shingles

• Rough carpentry to support the metal roof

• And the roof, our necessary moisture protection.

The Alibi Studio team will work by gifting their own time and money for:

• Removing and replacing the solar panels

• Communicating with contractors 

• Raising the funds

• Coordinate contractors, materials, and on-site questions

We are working hard to reduce all costs possible. 

Any help in any form would go a long way for allowing Secret Sky to remain a true gift to the Thumb of Michigan.

All donations are going to the Port Austin Artist in Residence 501c3 and will be used for repair of the roof and tax deductible letters will be sent out.

Thank you for your contribution!

Project Team:

Catie Newell (Alibi Studio)

Charlie O’Geen (etC Construction Services)

John Gruber (Sheppard Engineering) 

James Boyle, Chris Boyle, Cindy Patrick, Brandt Rousseaux, Carl Osentoski (Greater Port Austin Art and Placemaking);

Alibis of Alibi Studio: Mike Chin, Maksim Drapey, Julia Jeffs, Oliver Popadich, Kelly Gregory, and Ryan Craney

Pete Maley (bricklayer)

Terry Boyle (volunteer lead) with David Gilbert, James Schmalenberg, Tom Schmalenberg, Don Jones, Carol Breitmeyer, Chip Newell, Esther Yang, Scott Hocking and Jon Rees (volunteers)

Phil Cooley and Paul Arnet (construction support)