South LRT line gets new art

Allison SALZ, QMI agency

22 Aug 2012, -- 24 Hours Edmonton -- Source

THIRTY PIECES OF ART ARE TO BE INSTALLED TO ADD SOME ‘PIZZAZZ’ TO THE DRAB AREA

Riders will soon be treated to some artwork along the south LRT line — but one resident says he’s worried it will become a huge distraction for motorists in the area.

Thirty pieces of art are set to be installed on monuments adjacent to the south LRT line between 111 Street and 57 Avenue and 29A Avenue and Saddleback Road.

Three First Nations artists — Aaron Paquette, Jason Carter, and Bluebird Chloe Mustooch — contributed the pieces, which are part of a special project not commissioned under the city’s Percent for Art program.

The city says they’re hoping to add some “pizazz” to a drab space — while showcasing some talented local artists.

“We are happy to have worked on this project and especially pleased to be showcasing these young Aboriginal artists who have strong connections to Edmonton,” said Kristy Trinier, public art director for the Edmonton Arts Council.

“There is significant talent here, and the results are beautiful.”

But 58- year- old Darwyn Pearson— who has lived in the area for over 21 years — says between the LRT line itself and the heavy traffic flow, the new addition spells trouble.

“It’s a major distraction on an already narrow road,” he said.

“Drivers might then think they want to look at this artwork maybe. That takes the eye off the car in front, and I can just see a major mess happening down there.”

The city contributed $40,000 and the Edmonton Arts Council contributed $10,000 to the creation and installation.

Scott Hennig from the Canadian Taxpayer’s Association says the price tag isn’t as outrageous as the infamous Talus Dome, which cost $600,000, but adds that the city could have looked at other avenues to fund the LRT murals.

 

“It’s not as crazy expensive, so that’s nice. We’d always prefer that it would be paid for by a non-profit or a corporate sponsor, because the city is crying poor constantly,” he said.

 

“I think there are options that the city could look at to get the artwork into these places.”

 

City art has often ruffled feathers — the most controversial being the Talus Dome, a pile of 900 steel balls, which sits at the corner of White mud and Fox Drive.

 

The structure stands nine metres high, and was funded by the Edmonton Arts Council as part of the Quesnell Bridge Expansion.

 

It has become somewhat of a running joke among residents, one even posting a giant price tag on the structure that read, “$600,000 — Edmonton, have you lost your marbles?”

 

The city also unveiled a parade float for this summer’s Capital Ex Parade that left many shaking their heads.

 

The $80,000 balloon float featured more than a dozen spheres symbolizing local culture, sitting atop green and blue strips — meant to represent the river valley. While Mayor Stephen Mandel called the float “brilliant,” one resident said it looked like “a giant pair of lips.”

 

Just last week the city unveiled the first of six colourful garbage trucks wrapped in art, which will roll through neighbourhoods across the city.

 

 

The trucks cost $ 9,000 apiece to wrap and were designed by three artists hailing from Edmonton, Lethbridge and Calgary.

DG, doesn't the LRT have issues especially during the winter months?

In Calgary, the E train runs down the center of the highway and I was informed that winter months can take its toll on the train and tracks.

Also some issues with traffic at times.

Scarborough has a LRT and we have the same problem.

Cain .. Edmonton does not have much difficulties as other systems in Canada. Much of the system is underground, though with expansions, new sections are above-ground, but well protected.

There were a few accidents and errant issues, but it is quite safe and efficient.

Ahha, underground/well-protected ( by that I'm sure you mean it has some covering) Our LRT runs above ground and so does the one in Calgary, there lies the problem.

We've had fights between building more LRT's above ground or subways. For me, subways are a bit costly but in the long run, better for business.

The only thing negative about subways are the jumpers. It seems each week someone tries to stop the train by jumping in front of it.

We don't hear much of this on the news but I have buddies who go to the scene and take on the dirty task of power washing parts of the tracks.

Yes indeed, Cain .. underground, well covered and protected.

The system is well designed in that a person can walk underground to numerous places through the network passageways to transact business, eat at well established places, purchase numerous things including groceries, etc..

Cain, I heard Canada is running low on cash. You guys can invest in Jagdeo's begging bowl. It works for Guyana and it can work for Canada as well. Begging is the equivalent to the Nigerian con game with a puppy dog face on. 

Come on Cobra, you're getting the wrong info.

You heard that a good blackman is one that doesn't breathe.

You then heard that Mitt Romney will win the USA election

Now you're hearing that Canada is going broke.

Banna you see this is what's happening to you, you've been listening to the wrong people.

You gotta start listening to the good guys here, I'm sure you know who I mean, correct?

I gotta go, bed's calling.