New York City Transit seems an unlikely patron of the arts but for years they have supported various art and musical projects Think about all the musicians who perform underground and the art work and murals gracing the walls and tiles of the subway going as far back as the Great Depression.
For their latest project, The Metropolitan Transit Authority's Arts for Transit program has commissioned children's book illustrators Sophie Blackall and R. Gregory Christie to each create a poster for the Big Apple's subway cars. Each artist created his or her own story and vision to enhance the experience of New Yorkers’ underground experience. Now families can enjoy colorful banners with “rainbow-hued musicians, fish, and a cornucopia of straphangers” as they trek through The Big Apple.” Gregory Christie, the recipient of three Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards is also a subway rider. “"I wanted to create something adults, kids and teens would be interested in looking at, but would be modern and striking in a gray under dwelling."
Sophie Blackball was inspired by the sketchbooks she has filled riding the subway over the years to create a poster that features 30 New Yorkers, including two Muslim students, a fisherman, a Hassidic man, and even her own children - with her son carrying a skateboard and sporting a blue helmet, and her daughter decked out in bright yellow tights. "This was one of my dream jobs, apart from a New Yorker cover."
Now everyone can enjoy their work as you travel underground in the city, and if inspired can buy a copy of the posters at http://www.mta.info/mta/aft/posters/artcards.html
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