Six pieces of art commissioned for the transit station at Sixth Street and Central Avenue are now part of the city’s civic art collection. There are five art pieces on display inside the station and one outside on the bus shelters.
The pieces are “Field Spirit” by David Anthony, “Tracy Steamer” by Frank Cameron, “People and Places of Tracy” by Gordon Huether, “Birds in Transit” by Anné Klint, “Arrivals and Departures” by Mark Knize and Steve Mudge and “Travel Through Time” by Pauline Tolman.
Work on the art projects began in the fall 2009 after a call for proposals from artists. Designs were open to public discussion and review, and fabrication work began in September 2009. Funding for the art came from transportation grant funds that helped build the station.
Most of the art pieces are finished and installed at the station — the outdoors art still has panels under way.
The art consists of metal sculptures and panels of various sizes and themes depicting the history and people of Tracy and its transportation history through the years.
“The project has a connection to the people and history of Tracy. I am very proud of the work and people involved in the project — it was a team effort,” said William Wilson, the Grand Thetare Center for the Arts gallery supervisor. “The artworks at the transit station encourage congregation, provide interesting reference points and grow pride in our community.”
The six pieces to be dedicated at the ceremony will reside permanently at the Tracy Transit Station. There are plans to add temporary exhibit displays.
The dedication program is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. at the station and will feature comments from Mayor Brent Ives and Wilson. Local artists who were involved in the station will be on hand to meet the public after the dedication.
Centennial celebration events continue at 9 a.m., when the first of three bus tours of Tracy historic buildings will leave the transit station. At a glance
• WHAT: Tracy Transit Station civic art dedication
• WHEN: 8 a.m. July 24
• WHERE: Tracy Transit Station, 50 E. Sixth St.., in downtown Tracy
• INFO: 831-6858 or www.cityoftracycentennial.com
Would love to see the past artists view in the first opening of the rail in Tracy to present artist view of the new station?
There ought to be newspaper reporting of when the first rails were placed and put into full operation... growth and decline of America... now it is smart green growth in conserving energy.
I think TurtleCreek gave a great idea, to use the room to display the talents of the Grand Theatre artists!
Go for it, attract the tourists, business people can't complain if there's increased foot traffic?
CN