As part of the 95th Street Terminal Improvement project, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has tapped internationally recognized Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates to create the largest public art project in the agency’s history. As part of that effort, the CTA and Mr. Gates will host a series of meetings to discuss the historic artwork plan with members of the communities near the 95th Red Line terminal.
Working with the CTA, Mr. Gates has created a unique, catalyst program that will foster community engagement, provide jobs and offer training to art students. The two original artworks to be created under this initiative will be permanently displayed at the new 95th Street Terminal, construction for which will begin next year.
The artwork envisioned for the 95th Street terminal include an architectural feature integrated into the terminal building structure, and an independent artwork for the terminal or one of its walkways.
Local residents are invited to attend the following meetings, which are part of the artist’s goal to engage and promote dialogue among community residents, architects and designers.
Wednesday, October 9
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Arts Incubator at Washington Park
301 East Garfield Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60637
Friday, October 25
* Special Event *
Garfield Park Conservatory
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
300 North Central Park
Chicago, IL 60624
Note: this is an evening reception event and part of Chicago Artists Month (more info)
Saturday, November 2
10AM – 12 p.m.
Chicago State University
9501 South King Dr.
Chicago, IL 60628
Monday, December 9
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
St. James AME Church
9256 South Lafayette Avenue
Chicago, IL 60620
Tuesday, December 17
5:30PM - 7:30PM
Chicago Park District, Abbott Park
49 East 95th Street
Chicago, IL 60628
The estimated $240 million construction project will expand and greatly improve the 95th Street Terminal, which is one of CTA’s busiest rail stations and a vital anchor and gateway to Chicago’s South Side. The new 95th Street Terminal will be a showcase station of the CTA and the premier multimodal transportation terminal in the region. This artwork—and the community-driven process that will create it—will be a strong complement to the new terminal.
Construction of the new terminal, funded by local, state and federal dollars, is expected to begin in 2014, after completion of the Red Line South reconstruction. The terminal project is expected to be completed in 2016.
Information about this project is also available at www.transitchicago.com/95thTerminal/.
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