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Local artists show off their work that was featured on Airdrie bus passes last year.

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Airdronians encouraged to submit work to Art in Motion

Art in Motion organizers are once again calling for local residents to submit their finished pieces for the opportunity to see their images in the hands of hundreds of Airdronians.

After a successful inaugural year, Airdrie Transit and Creative Airdrie are once again teaming up to feature local artwork on monthly bus passes starting in September 2012.

“Last year was the first time in its 30-year history that Airdrie Transit’s passes were more than just a way to board the bus,” said Chris MacIsaac, Airdrie’s transit coordinator.

“The passes last year were vibrant, exciting and displayed the immense visual art talent in our community. We are delighted to provide this opportunity again in our next series of passes.”

According to MacIsaac, last year’s campaign garnered a great deal of interest from local artists. Art in Motion featured 21 images submitted by painters, sculptors, photographers, textile artists and mixed-media artists.

The response from customers was positive, with the tickets becoming collectors items for some, said MacIsaac.

This year, 24 images will be featured on monthly passes for both the regional Intercity Express (ICE) and local transit services.

Artists are asked to submit high-resolution JPEG images of their original artwork to info@creativeairdrie.ca until June 15. The winning images will be selected on June 21. Artists may submit as many images as they wish because multiple images from the same artist may be selected.

According to MacIsaac, although similar campaigns exist in larger centres such as Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver, Art In Motion is unique for a city of Airdrie’s size.

He added the City would like to see the program grow to include public art in future bus shelters and other transit facilities.

“It is important that we continue to build relationships in the community,” he said. “We are starting small… but we hope it evolves into something bigger.”

Linda Bruce, Creative Airdrie’s executive director, is pleased with the continuation of the campaign.

“Creative Airdrie is thrilled that Art in Motion is an opportunity to put Airdrie Artists and their art in the hands of so many people,” said Bruce.