The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) plans to install two new bus shelters along University Avenue that will feature artwork commissioned by Drake. The DART maintenance team will prepare and clean the sites on Thursday, April 29, with installation scheduled for Friday, April 30, through Sunday, May 2.
The shelters will be located on the north side of University Avenue near Aliber Hall and Cole Hall. The initiative is part of the city of Des Moines’ infrastructure and streetscape project on University Avenue spanning 25th Street to 31st Street. DART collaborated with Drake, who engaged Liz Lidgett Gallery & Design, to plan public artwork on the two bus shelters.
The artwork by artists and Iowa natives Mollie Wallace and Dana Harrison feature campus and neighborhood inspired designs made possible through funds raised privately by the University. The artwork was reviewed by the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation in their capacity as the advisory body on all public art matters for the City of Des Moines and recommended to the Des Moines City Council for approval.
The art project is another example of the recent investments made in the area surrounding campus by the city, developers, local businesses, non-profits, and Drake.
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Wallace created a collage that represents the Drake neighborhood. Viewers will be able to spot iconic locations, and noteworthy details that create a snapshot of what you are able to see when riding a DART bus through the area.
Harrison’s piece is reminiscent of his street art style. Images like mature trees and the architecture that is special to the Drake neighborhood can be seen throughout the artwork. Viewers will be able to spot representations of many places and things special to all those residents who have called the wonderful neighborhood home.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Mollie Wallace was born and raised in Des Moines and graduated from King-Perkins Elementary, Callanan Junior High, and Roosevelt High School. After earning her art degree from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y., she spent 15 years in New Orleans where her art can be seen in signs, murals, and banners throughout the city. Wallace has served as the artist in residence at the Erin Rose, an iconic French Quarter bar that has been featured in Bon Appetit and many other publications, for the past decade. She has designed everything from Mardi Gras tuxedos to guitars to food trucks. She was the festival artist for the internationally-renowned Internationale de Lousiane in Lafayette, La., in 2018. Her painting became the festival poster. Wallace and her family returned to Des Moines last year.
Dana Harrison (Limone) a Jefferson, Iowa, resident, started writing graffiti in 1996 in his home town of Fort Dodge, Iowa, and studied under the late Sazko from Hamburg, Germany. With almost 25 years of mural experience, you can find some of his recent work at the Edna Griffin building, 10th Street bridge, Platinum Kutz, and much more.
— Michelle Huggins, Facilities Planning & Management