A construction staging area filled with concrete conduits to support the building of two new roundabouts got a creative makeover with Canvas Along the Corridor, a public art project featuring 40 Green Local Schools students’ works. Vibrant portraits, colorful collages and whimsical paintings showcased in museum-like gilded frames dress a 400-foot canvas along CVS Drive — a spirited spruce-up amid the dirt and dust.
The project has prompted an outpouring of support and appreciation. Each student’s artwork was blown up to approximately 4 feet by 5 feet. “The joy that is behind the artwork comes through and makes it even more pleasant,” says Shannon Bowman, Green Local Schools department chair of visual art for kindergarten through 12th grades. “It’s really playful and special to bring that excitement from the kids to the community.”
The project is a partnership between the City of Green and schools, with cooperation from XPO Logistics, which owns the chain-link fence that became a platform for the art. Valerie Wolford, Green’s communications manager, says XPO’s team members are equally appreciative. “Their drivers love seeing it, and it elevates their spirits as they pull onto CVS Drive,” she says.
Bowman hopes this initiative spurs more public art projects in town. “Maybe we can continue this trend and find some new places to add art for people to enjoy,” she says.
