10/7/03
With original self-portrait paintings adorning the platform of the Brown Line ? Chicago Avenue 'L' station, the Chicago Transit Authority welcomed Marwen as the newest participant in the CTA's Adopt-A-Station program today. The ?Lines of Communication? exhibit showcases art and mosaics created by students of Marwen, an organization dedicated to providing a quality art education free of charge to Chicago's under-served youth.
?We are pleased to welcome Marwen to the Adopt-A-Station family," said Cindy Kaitcer, CTA general manager of Advertising, Marketing and Promotions. "The Chicago Avenue station is more attractive and inviting thanks to Marwen's talented staff and students. Through the Adopt-A-Station program, area residents have another reason to take pride in their community and CTA passengers can enjoy a unique gateway to the neighborhood."
The exhibit includes two 10-foot high glass mosaics that are installed inside the station house columns and 16 self-portrait murals along both sides of the 'L' platform. During today's ceremony, Marwen was presented with a plaque recognizing the agency for its efforts to enhance the Chicago Avenue station.
?The CTA will continue to work with community leaders and organizations encouraging them to adopt stations," Kaitcer added. "This project provides valuable skills to children and gives them a chance to make a difference."
The CTA launched the Adopt-A-Station program in 1997 to develop partnerships between community organizations, local businesses and individuals. The program helps create rail stations that reflect the history and diversity of the communities served by the CTA. Stations are adopted for two years.
Adopting organizations are offered an opportunity to enhance and revitalize the appearance of CTA rail stations by commissioning local artists to create murals, sculptures, mosaics, paintings or photographs or to help plan station improvements.
Currently, 27 CTA stations are under adoption. The Red Line's Chinatown Station highlights masks and statues that capture the area's Chinese roots; theGreen Line's Conservatory-Central Park Drive station is adorned with mosaic murals created by neighborhood youth; and the Brown Line Merchandise Mart station displays photography by Columbia College students.
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