Leticia Huerta - Helotes, TX
2004 CATS Artist in Residence
In 2004 Leticia Huerta was selected to be the first CATS' sponsored resident artist at McColl Center for Visual Art. CATS' intention was to provide her with access to the community and vice versa as she created her art concepts to be incorporated into 11 future light rail stations.
During her three-month residency, Leticia spent time at the main library and specific cultural institutions to research Charlotte's history. Her integrated art designs demonstrate the results of her research as well as her community interactions. Her work with 5th grade students at Sterling Elementary School inspired "Games" for the platform pavers, canopy column mosaics and etched windscreen glass at the I-485/South Boulevard Station, in proximity to the elementary school. The Latino population was introduced to the artist via interviews; one printed in QuePasa newspaper and a second on the Caminando television program. Leticia responded to this rapidly growing Latino community surrounding the Scaleybark Station by incorporating images derived from Mexican bingo cards juxtaposed with area symbols such as the City's "crown" and state bird (the Cardinal) labeled in both Spanish and English text.
Together, CATS and the Center created the opportunity for thousands of people to meet this out-of-state artist, interact with her or experience her creative process to integrate art into the CATS light rail project.
