A MASTERPIECE IN WEST PHILADELPHIA

& EASTERN DELAWARE COUNTY

Inspiring...Uplifting...Creative

46th St Station - Barbara Bullock

 

SEPTA’s reconstruction of the El in West Philadelphia and eastern Delaware County from 46th Street to Millbourne Station is scheduled to be complete by Fall 2009. The new stations, along with a streamlined single-column structure, enhance the landscape, and invite people to ride, shop and visit. As part of this work, SEPTA launched an Art-in-Transit Program that brings permanent art installations to these renovated stations. The commissioned works will seek to reflect the diversity and individual character of the surrounding communities and neighbors.

Artists were selected to create artwork at each station through an open competition known as a “Call for Artists.” Using art as a focal point, SEPTA is seeking to establish a partnership with the people we serve, to strengthen our identity as a public transit service provider, and to foster neighborhood pride and ownership at each location. Community members participated in the program process by attending community meetings where they suggested themes, ideas and concepts for the artwork. This information was shared with the artists to inspire them as they completed the creative design phase of work.

“Call for Artists” - Click Here for the 63rd St. Station Call for Artists Brochure

52nd St Station - Henry and Erica Loustau

The “Call for Artists” is a brochure that identifies:

• The station or stations.
• The type of art sought, i.e. murals, sculpture, lighting, etc.
• The location or locations within the station where art can be installed.

Responding artists were asked to submit a resume and slides showing samples of work when they respond to a “Call for Artists.”

The “Call for Artists” were mailed to all artists who expressed an interest in participating in SEPTA’s public art program for the El Reconstruction and other station projects. The Calls were also made available at The El SEPTA @ WORK Community Information Center, 56th Street Station Mezzanine or The Enterprise Center, 4548 Market Street.

A panel made up of arts professionals, community members and SEPTA staff reviewed the submissions and selected the artist commissioned to complete the work.

Creating Artist Interest

56th St Station - Edward Hughes

SEPTA actively worked to identify artists and artisans living and working in THE EL SEPTA @ WORK Reconstruction Project area to invite them to respond to the “Call for Artists” that were issued for 56th, 60th, 52nd, 46th Street and Millbourne Stations. Artists have been selected for all of these stations. A “Call for Artists” for 63rd Street Station will be issued early to mid 2009.

If you are interested send your name and mailing address to:
Art-in-Transit Program Director
SEPTA
1234 Market Street, 10th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107.

A Local & National Initiative

SEPTA’s Art-in-Transit Program combines the Federal Transit Administration and City of Philadelphia: Percent for Art initiatives. These programs support the allocation of funds to enhance station construction plans through the introduction of art. The Art-in-Transit Program is an integral part of SEPTA’s community outreach for its capital construction projects.

For more information about THE EL SEPTA @ WORK, contact: Rhonda Johnson, SEPTA Community Relations Coordinator 215-580-7013

60th St Station - Victor Johnson and David Stephens

 

Community Meetings

Millbourne Station

SEPTA Communications & Community/Government Relations held an Art-in-Transit (AIT) Community Meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at the Millbourne Borough Hall located at 9 Park Avenue. The purpose was threefold: to discuss SEPTA’s Art-in-Transit Program; to present the City Year Mural Arts Program; and to solicit community input about art that will be placed at the station and on the retaining wall leading to the station.  

SEPTA’s AIT Program will install a specially-designed commissioned piece of art at the station for enjoyment of residents and riders.   

The City Year Mural Arts Program is a separate project that will create a mural reflecting Millbourne’s history and the diverse cultures of its residents. Approximately 170 City Year Corps Members (between the ages of 17-24) will sketch and paint the mural on the 500-foot retaining wall.  This will be one of the largest murals that City Year has ever done.   

During the meeting, the community spoke freely about their expectations for the art and provided information about what the community means to them and how it is seen through their eyes

Click here for more information about Millbourne Station Artists Joel Erland and Kate Kaman

52nd and 46th Street Stations

On November 29, 2007 and April 3, 2008, SEPTA Communications & Community / Government Relations held Art in Transit Meetings for 52nd and 46th Street Stations at The Enterprise Center located at 4548 Market Street. 

The purpose of these meetings were to encourage community participation by soliciting thoughts, ideas and opinions on the unique character and heritage of the stations and give artists a chance to get perspectives and ideas from members of each community.

Click here for more information about 52nd Street Station Artists Henry and Erica Loustau

Click here for more information about 46th Street Station Artist Barbara Bullock

56th and 60th Street Stations

Commissioned artist Edward Hughes for 56th Street Station and Victor Johnson and David Stephens for 60th Street Station both provided first hand knowledge about the Art-in-Transit program process.  The artists also shared their public art displays with the community and answered questions regarding their work.

The selected artwork will be seen by thousands of El riders and stakeholders who live and work in the area and will foster a sense of community pride.

Click here for more information about 56th Street Station Artist Ed Hughes

Click here for more information about 60th Street Station Artists Victor Johnson and David Stephens

63rd Street Station

An Art-In-Transit (AIT) Community Meeting was held on February 12th at Memorial Gospel Crusades Church at 6224 Market Street.  The meeting was held to give residents a chance to tell SEPTA and potential artists about the icons and institutions that make the Cobbs Creek Community unique. The meeting began with a brief presentation chronicling the History of the El and a Spring 2009 construction activities update.  Community residents then spoke of images and ideas that could be included in the artists’ concepts. They also spoke of the importance of Cobbs Creek Park as a community asset and the concept of the 63rd and Market Street intersection as a gateway to Philadelphia.