Waiting For the Bus: Art Takes Shelter In Miami Public Transportation

Locust Projects

Poster art by Anya Kielar for previous Locust Projects Bus Shelter Project

In the midst of Dade's astoundingly efficient transit system, one can expect to find a slew of interesting (or not so interesting) things: a four dimensional space with a bench, a roof, one of those nifty "No pagues ese ticket" ads, hobo urine -- you know, the bus stop basics.

But the usual amenities of public transportation will be taking a creative turn, now that Locust Projects in conjunction with Site95 has put together an exhibit of city-wide proportions.

More than 30 bus shelters around Miami will feature the work of Washington, D.C. based artist John James Anderson. The Bus Shelter Project is part of Locust Projects' public art initiative Out of the Box, in which artists are commissioned to create original work for Miami's public spaces. In addition to this, a three-part exhibit by Anderson as part of Site95's City Limits, a multi-city series, will be on display in the Project Room at Locust throughout September and October. It's all just in time to celebrate Locust's 15th anniversary. Yay, art!

Locust Projects

Poster art by Liam Gillick for previous Locust Projects Bus Shelter Project

Anderson's work will be on display in bus stops that surround the Design District and Miami Beach and border downtown.

"People kind of come upon it unexpectedly and sometimes they don't even know it's art. It's a great way to engage people who wouldn't necessarily step foot into a gallery space," Chana Sheldon, executive director of Locust, said of the public initiative.

Meaghan Kent, director and chief curator at Site95, thought Anderson would be a perfect addition to City Limits, which seeks to engage artists who are thinking about the urban environment in relation to their work.