Long Beach Transit Adds Rotating Art to 1st Street Transit Gallery

Long Beach Transit celebrated National Art Day by launching a new public art collaboration with local artists and organizations at the First Street Transit Gallery Oct. 25.

Since its opening in 2010, the eight shelters along First Street from Pine Avenue to Long Beach Boulevard that comprise the Transit Gallery have featured a permanent public art collection of Lithomosaic designs by artist Robin Brailsford, the founder of Public Address, a public art advocacy group. Brailsford’s work can also be seen incorporated into the design of each of the Metro A (formerly Blue) Line rail stations in Long Beach.

Brailsford’s mosaics aren’t the only art displayed in the gallery. Poetry by various authors with a connection to the city are also on display.

The permanent artwork reflects the city of Long Beach as a vibrant and diverse coastal community.

In addition to the permanent installations, new art exhibits will be added each quarter. Each transit shelter in the First Street Transit Gallery will feature art in partnership with local cultural and educational institutions.

“The First Street Transit Gallery is an important transportation hub for the City of Long Beach and the region,” said LBT Board Chair Colleen Bentley. “LBT’s longstanding commitment to the communities it serves is reflected along First Street with beautiful public art and the connections to many places in Long Beach and beyond.”

The first installation is in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach and will display images of the mosaics made by Long Beach Unified School District students through the Eye on Design Program. Eye on Design is a 15-week public art education program for third-graders that encourages civic involvement, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving through a customized residency program.

“The arts play a critical role in the development of students and communities, and arts education strengthens creativity and critical thinking, and inspires innovation,” said Bentley. “I encourage the community to wear a mask, hop on a bus and stroll the Transit Gallery to see the existing and new public art.”

New installations of art to the gallery debuted on National Art Day, celebrated Oct. 25 honoring the birthday of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Between professional and local art installations, the heart of Downtown Long Beach’s transportation hub looks to draw in its patrons with beauty and words creating a unique ambiance as they travel through the city.

eric@beachcomber.news