A scene from the panel discussion. (Photo by Caitlin Behm/NFTA)

We’re excited to announce the selected artists for Your Utica Station, El Museo’s art-in-transit project! The artists are Obsidian Bellis, Bleu-Ruby Daniels-Taylor, Tyshaun Tyson, and Imani Williamson.

The project, funded in part by BNMC Spark, a micro-grant program of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, will place artwork in advertising space in NFTA Metro Rail’s Utica Station, creating a temporary public exhibition that showcases the artistry of four local, emerging artists of color. Thanks to additional support by NFTA and Lamar Advertising, we were able to include four artists, up from the original three, and extend the exhibition period to eight weeks.

Our selection panel evaluated thirty-five applications based on artistic merit and potential, project fit, and the applicants’ description of their relationship with public transit in Buffalo. The panel members were John Baker (artist, curator, educator, and President of the WNY Urban Arts Collective), Helen Tederous (Director of Public Affairs at NFTA), and Rebecca Wing (artist and Art Education Coordinator/Curatorial Assistant at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center).

In the coming weeks, El Museo will work with the artists to develop a piece for the space, and coordinate with Lamar Advertising and NFTA for production and installation. The artists will also be paid an artist fee for their participation. A public unveiling is set for later this fall; more details will be announced soon!