TransitStory

As you ride the Calgary downtown LRT corridor you will notice a group of 30 unique figurines waiting for the train at the Center Street Station. These grate sculptures extruding from air grates are the creation of a former Calgarian, visual artist and designer Jill Anholt. She describes it as: “An artwork evoking the ephemeral presence and memory of past travellers. Like objects seen obliquely out of the corner of one’s eye, the art installation will change from every angle – at once present and absent.”   

As part of the on-going 7^th Avenue Refurbishment project to enrich and enliven the ridership and pedestrian experience, it was commissioned by Calgary’s Public Art Project and Transportation department. Jill designed it to encourage transit riders and pedestrians to have a closer look at the work itself exploring and discovering connections and relationships embodied in the site.

TransitStory is another fine example of the many unique public art projects that Calgary has to offer. I enjoy the fact that this was designed by a local artist and was fabricated and installed by a local contractor, Heavy Industries Theming Corporation. This is a project I definitely support for it helped stimulate the local economy.

I have walked passed these unique transit riders many times and was uplifted by the bright cheerful colours and liveliness. Be sure to include TransitStory exploring the many public art projects scattered around Calgary.