OH: Metro and Artworks to Turn Bus Shelters Into Art

Waiting for the bus is about to become an artistic experience at 12 Cincinnati Metro bus shelters downtown and in Over-the-Rhine.

ArtWorks, a Cincinnati non-profit that employs and trains local youth and talent to create art and community impact, and Metro are working together to transform the shelters into colorful public art this summer.

With shelters near the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, the art will be based on a literature theme. Metro and ArtWorks are now seeking community input on what books should be used as art inspiration. Bus riders and area residents are encouraged to complete a simple, three-question online survey about books to inspire the shelter art before June 30.

Metro’s maintenance department will begin shelter repair and painting in July. Six ArtWorks youth apprentices from the greater Cincinnati area, ages 14 - 21, will work under the direction of project manager Ryan Little and teaching artist Brandon Parker to create art to be installed in the shelters later this summer. The project dedication and community celebration will be held in September.