The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will host two upcoming meetings to allow members of the communities surrounding the Illinois Medical District (IMD) Blue Line and Diversey Brown Line stations an opportunity to provide input and meet renowned, Chicago-based artists Jason Messinger and Mathew Wilson who were hired to commission new works of art for each location, respectively.
In October, the Chicago Transit Board approved the award of contracts as part of CTA’s ongoing commitment to have artwork at all rail stations within the city of Chicago and other key transit locations throughout its service region. These works of art will further enhance the travel experience for commuters, while also adding to the character of the surrounding communities.
To assist the artists as they begin preparing their project renderings, the CTA will host a public meeting, where customers, residents and neighbors will have the opportunity to meet the artists and share input on the art being commissioned for each location:
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Diversey Artwork Meeting |
IMD Artwork Meeting |
*Both facilities are accessible to people with disabilities.
CTA issued a Call for Artists in December seeking local, national and international artists to submit their qualifications and portfolios for consideration. Chosen from a competitive field of more than 350 artists, Mr. Messinger and Mr. Wilson were selected by an evaluation committee based on their artistic merit, qualifications, professional recognition and their written statements of interest.
Under the leadership of Mayor Emanuel, CTA’s collection of public art has nearly doubled since 2011 – currently boasting more than 60 works of art across all eight rail lines. It includes mosaics, art glass and sculptures created by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, many of whom are local. Over the next few years, CTA’s public art collection will further expand to include nearly a dozen new works of art.
