IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         
Contact:  Judy Dellert-O’Keef (704) 432-0477
Jean Leier (704) 432-0496

CATS SEEKS INPUT ON ART FOR LIGHT RAIL EXTENSION STATIONS

Charlotte, NC, March 13, 2009 - Charlotte Area Transit System’s (CATS) Art-in-Transit program is focusing on the LYNX Blue Line Extension light rail project and the potential art for each station and the surrounding area.   CATS invites you to come learn about the transit art program and share your knowledge of the proposed stations’ past, present, and future.

Community representation is a critical component of the artist selection process.  Collaborations with community centers, neighborhood associations and local residents provide the historical content and social perspectives that guide a selection panel's decision-making process.  Artists, too, engage in community research and interaction to make the connections reflected in a finished project.

“CATS is excited about the art opportunities for the LYNX Blue Line Extension,” said Pallas Lombardi, CATS’ Art-in-Transit Program Manager.  “Public art offers vibrancy to the community.  Area residents, business owners and transit patrons are the beneficiaries of these inviting spaces.”  At meetings with neighbors and community members who are interested in the station art, CATS seeks stories and ideas about each station area, a place that may inspire or influence a commissioned artist to capture something unique. 

Meeting times and locations are as follows:

Tuesday, March 24
University Hills Baptist Church
1500 Suther Road
Fellowship Hall
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 31
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church
101 West Sugar Creek Road
Fellowship Hall
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

 *Please note that the same information will be presented at both meetings.

The LYNX Blue Line Extension is proposed to run from 9th Street in Center City to I-485 in Northeast Charlotte.  To learn more about CATS and rapid transit planning call 704-336-RIDE (7433) or visit www.ridetransit.org.