Stop and StART Murals Coming to Downtown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2008

For more information, contact:
Daniel Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov
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BLOOMINGTON, IN-- Six downtown traffic signal boxes will get a new look as the Bloomington Area Arts Council (BAAC) unveils the Stop and StART Project in partnership with BEAD and the City of Bloomington. Stop and StART will feature artwork, created by local artists and groups, which will be painted directly on the large, metal casings generally found at intersection corners that house the electrical wiring for traffic signals.

The Stop and StART Project is designed to transform the strictly functional and often defaced signal boxes into canvases for public art and community expression. By enlisting local artists and groups to exhibit their work on them, the project creates a sense of place, pride and community ownership in the area. It also helps celebrate the City's Be Downtown Bloomington campaign, an initiative geared to generate enthusiasm and interest in the area's projects and events. Other communities with successful traffic box mural programs include Ann Arbor, Palo Alto and San Diego.

The BAAC has served as project manager throughout, handling the call for artists, artist selection and facilitating the creation of the murals. BAAC Marketing and Development Director Ed Vande Sande said the strong response to the call for entries means Downtown visitors will see an eclectic selection of artwork.

"We've been delighted with the artist response to Stop and StART and look forward to getting these mini-murals out for the community to enjoy," said Vande Sande.

Stop and StART mural locations and artists are: 3rd and Madison - Stone Belt; 2nd and Walnut - Pinnacle School; 3rd and College - Hannah Schuler; Kirkwood and Rogers - Brett Volpp; 7th and College - Holly Drummond; and 4th and Walnut - Izzy Jarvis. Artists will begin their work in the upcoming weeks, and the boxes are expected to be completed by early summer.

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