South Central Light Rail Extension Will Showcase Art by Phoenix Residents
The Valley Metro Light Rail is undergoing an artistic facelift thanks to 14 artists chosen to represent different aspects of community, 10 of which hail from Phoenix, according to the Phoenix New Times.
The artwork will be featured along a five-mile rail extension between Central Avenue in Downtown Phoenix and Baseline Road. Meant to intrigue passersby along light rail stations and power facilities, the artists will work with community members, the City of Phoenix, and Valley Metro to create designs that reflect local neighborhoods and cultural history.
Several artists are well known for their street art including Thomas “Breeze” Marcus, a Phoenix mural artist whose work reflects his Tohono O’odham and Akimel O’odham heritage.
Only three artists chosen were not from Arizona. They include Brooklyn artist George Bates, who has appeared in several national publications.
The light rail extension is scheduled for completion in 2023.