Metro bus stop shelters transform into public art

For individuals waiting to catch the bus throughout the downtown and Over-the-Rhine communities, painted depictions of scenes from popular novels will now help them pass the time.
 
Characters like Harry Potter, Willy Wonka and even Dorothy and Toto now enliven the shelters of 24 Metro bus stops.
 
“For our customers, the experience of waiting on a bus is now enhanced by beautiful artwork—it’s the talking piece when they’re sitting next to someone or just something to capture their attention to make their wait more enjoyable,” says Brandy Jones, Metro’s communications coordinator.
 
Metro and the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County partnered with ArtWorks to put six of the nonprofit’s apprentices to work by showcasing their talents while brightening the city. ArtWorks connects artists of all ages with opportunities in the arts through inspiring apprenticeships, community partnerships and public art.
 
“The students put in a lot of work and creativity, and it’s so interesting from an entire novel to see what they pulled out of it for an art theme,” Jones says.
 
Inspired designs came from a public vote the library hosted to gain information regarding the community’s favorite settings and characters. And at the end of September, the apprentices’ works were showcased and viewed by participants in a walking tour.
 
“We talked about what it means for our community to see art in everyday settings,” Jones says. “And it was a good experience for them to show off their hard work, and a good experience for the community to appreciate the youth and their positivity.” 

Do Good:
• Support ArtWorks by donating.

• Ride the Metro and view apprentices' art while waiting. There is a map located within each shelter which tells the locations for each design. 

• Support the PLCHC by signing up for a library card. 

By Brittany York
Brittany York is a professor of English composition at both the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. She also edits the For Good section of SoapboxMedia.