Selected public art graphics will grace new Prímo bus shelters
SAN ANTONIO (March 28, 2018) – VIA Metropolitan Transit announces the selection of entries for its first Art in Transit Program. Artists from throughout Texas and the United States created site-specific art pieces to be installed at new Prímo bus shelters along Zarzamora Street and Military Drive. The 46 winning entries will be fabricated into laser-cut metal windscreen panels as components of the Prímo shelters to promote local culture and influence transit use. Art in Transit initiatives enhance VIA facilities and the local community.
The contest attracted 157 total entries from artists of all ages. The submitted graphics addressed various topics, including water, botanicals, family, childhood games, animals, military, Hispanic heritage, and life in San Antonio and the region. Artists for the selected entries received a cash prize, and the top five winners (listed below) earned special recognition, with additional prizes.
First Prize: Tracie Fleming, Houston – “Churches in Lace”
Second Prize: Maria I. Rodriguez, San Antonio – “Agua es Vida: Water is Sacred”
Third Prize: Beatrice Lebreton, New York City – “Let’s Play/Vamos a Jugar”
Honorable Mentions: Luis Valderas, San Antonio – “Almost Home”; Peter Bernick-Albritton, Houston – “Dotted Landscape”
A selection committee scored the winning designs based on quality/originality, impact on transit customers and community, metal cutting feasibility, and design intent. Three instructional workshops were held to assist the community in understanding the concepts of translating graphics to a laser-cut method.
The VIA Art in Transit program reflects VIA’s commitment to art and design enhancements at transit facilities. The most recent Art in Transit projects include the Five Points Transfer Stop, “Guardians of Five Points” ceramic totems by Diana Kersey, and the recent Ingram Transit Center additions to the building interior and outdoor activity area, by Leticia Huerta. In addition, an art component for the Brooks Transit Center is currently being developed, and a Call for Artists to establish a roster of artists for future VIA projects will be forthcoming this summer.
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About VIA Metropolitan Transit
VIA provides regional multimodal transportation options that connect our community to opportunity, support economic vitality, and enhance quality of life throughout our region. VIA, recognized by the Texas Transit Association in 2016 as the outstanding Metro Transit Authority of the year, serves 14 member cities and the unincorporated areas of Bexar County, operating seven days a week on 92 routes. Last year, VIA provided nearly 40 million rides across the region. VIA’s AAA bond rating reflects the organization’s sound management and financial practices. Visit VIAinfo.net for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
CONTACT: Lorraine Pulido, Ph.D.
c 210-380-6895