In Progress
As CATS continues to expand transit options in the area, Art in Transit works to enhance the future rider’s experience by integrating public art into most capital improvement projects. Each requires a process that includes selecting artists, proposal development in conjunction with the Art in Transit Advisory Committee, community outreach, fabrication, and installation. Throughout these phases, staff works closely with the artists and project team to ensure the art is of high quality and brings interest to otherwise standard elements.
Bus Shelter System Updates
Local artists Nico Amortegui and Bree Stallings will incorporate their art into updated bus shelters throughout the system. CATS introduced the artists through a community survey asking what people wanted to see represented in the art, and then held in-person and virtual Community Meetings at the VAPA Center sharing the conceptual designs for further community feedback. The goal is to also refresh the panel designs with new local artists every 3-5 years, since the new shelters will cover such a large footprint over a multitude of years, giving more opportunity for local artists and visual diversity within the system.
10’ Shelters
Artist, Nico Amortegui (Charlotte, NC) – The art illustrates a woven, whimsical urban forest that is representative of the Charlotte region and what one may see while using public transit. The plant iconography also signifies the growth of the region.
15’ Shelters
Artist, Bree Stallings (Charlotte, NC) – The artist is representing the idea of a bus stop as a liminal space where users may pause for reflection, and the motifs represent common themes in our shared culture that people wish on: dandelions, stars, certain birds, rainbows. This further ties to the idea of wishing for a brighter future for our community and seeing the bus stop as a great equalizer and symbol for that.
Hambright Park & Ride
Artist, Anna Dean - Fort Mill, SC
Local artist Anna Dean was inspired by Huntersville’s proximity to beautiful Lake Norman and how water and the idea of “flow” relates to public transit. After engaging with the Huntersville Public Art Commission and collecting feedback from a community survey she sought to create designs that honored and reflected the natural environment.
Her art will occupy the passenger shelters and the façade of the driver’s comfort station. It will be made of laser cut metal with flowing lines also representing the passage of time and the space between origin and destination. Reflective gazing spheres will also be incorporated, creating beautiful reflections and further dimension.
South End Station - Blue Line
Artist, Christopher Weed - Colorado Springs, CO
Sculpture artist Christopher Weed drew inspiration from neighboring Atherton Mill and the rich textile history of the Charlotte region. Vibrantly colored spool and cog imagery honor the industrial roots of South End, its ongoing transformation, and its vibrant future. The designs in the windscreen glass, column cladding, shelter finials, and sculptural seating captures the spirit of innovation and progress, while the bright colors and dynamic forms convey a sense of energy and whimsy that is unique to South End.
West Blvd. & Remount Rd. Mobility Hub
Artist: Jamil Dyair Steele
Four bus shelters at the intersection of West Blvd. and Remount Rd. will include etched art glass designed by local artist Jamil Dyair Steele. His designs will honor the legacy of prominent African American figures that contributed to the West Charlotte community. The black areas will convey as an opaque etch, gray areas 50% etch, and white areas will be clear glass.