New art installations on bus shelters feature work by local Indigenous artists

Kevin PowellArts & Culture, City, Transit

There are 10 new works of art along the streets of Lawrence, and they can be enjoyed by people going about their daily journeys. Six local Indigenous artists created the 10 pieces, which were applied to glass bus shelters throughout the city.

Lawrence Transit staff expressed that it has been a privilege to work with the Indigenous Community Center (ICC), project partner for this round of bus stop beautification. The ICC led the artist outreach and selection process and has been integral to the realization of this project.

“Lawrence Transit is for the community, and it’s a wonderful moment when even our bus shelters can reflect that,” said Felice Lavergne, Transit Planner II. “We have a number of glass shelters across Lawrence, and it’s exciting to have so many of them showcase works by local Indigenous artists.”

With the completion of this project, almost half of Lawrence Transit’s glass bus shelters will feature art created by members of the community.

The Indigenous Community Center conveyed, “It feels really good to see Indigenous artwork throughout our community. We were more than happy to help facilitate this project by bringing local artists forward!”

Following is a list of the artists, title of each artwork, and the location where they can be viewed. Read more about the artists and the inspiration for their pieces.

Artist: Aubrey Anne Bell

  • Title: Tree N A
    Location: Bus stop 183 – 6th & Lawrence

Artist: Zoe Bell

  • Title: Waste Cave Story
    Location: Bus stop 180 – 6th & Wisconsin

Artist: Iris Cliff

  • Title: Mishibizhii
    Location: Bus stop 118 – Massachusetts & 17th
  • Title: The White Buffalo
    Location: Bus stop 196 – Locust & N 3rd

Artist: Mona Cliff / HanukGahNee

  • Title: Dear Deer
    Location: Bus stop 63 – HINU
  • Title: Baker Wetlands Wildlife
    Location: Bus stop 72 – Haskell & 23rd

Artist: Tokeya Waci U (Comes Dancing First) Richardson

  • Title: Less’ Riiide!
    Location: Bus stop 213 – Iowa & Harvard
  • Title: The Sky’s Awake
    Location: Bus stop 189 – 6th & Kasold

Artist: Odessa Star Comes Out

  • Title: Sunkawakan (Horses)
    Location: Bus stop 7 – 33rd & Iowa
  • Title: Wogligleya (Design)
    Location: Bus stop 193 – 6th & Monterey Way

Many thanks to the Douglas County Community Foundation for providing funding for this project through the 2021 DCCF LiveWell Community Wellness Grant.

For more information, visit www.lawrencetransit.org or call (785) 864-4644. Find Lawrence Transit on Facebook: @LawrenceTransit and on Twitter: @TransitLawrence.

Contact: Felice Lavergne, Lawrence Transit, flavergne@lawrenceks.org