MTA Announces 'Words on Wheels' Winners

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) on April 30 announced 15 winners of the annual “Words on Wheels” competition.

For the 16th consecutive year, the MTA has collaborated with Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) to celebrate poetry and art in transit. The “Words on Wheels” event will highlight poetry of BCPS students as interpreted with artwork created by Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) students. Students’ poems and artwork will be displayed as posters on local MTA buses. The Words on Wheels (wrapped) MTA bus will be stationed outside of 1515 Washington Boulevard for a planned photo op with the student poets and artists at the close of the event.

The “Words on Wheels” program underscores MTA’s commitment to BCPS students,” said Interim MTA Administrator Ronald L. Barnes. “This unique platform offers them a highly visible way to express themselves. We are proud to offer this service to our MTA customers. The winning poems are always original and enrich our riders’ transit experience.”

Founded in 1826, The Maryland Institute College of Art is the oldest continuously degree-granting college of art in the nation. MICA has become the leader in the education of artists and designers by fostering a community of talented, creative individuals committed to redefining the boundaries of art and design and to expanding their own vision and perspective through rigorous study.

“This unique partnership between the MICA, MTA and the BCPS system brings to life a poetry and art program that celebrates ideas and images that move us,” said Whitney Sherman of MICA. “This collaboration of ideas – the combination of powerful words and beautifully conceived art – gives these works their power to engage an audience.”