Here are five things to know about the artworks-in-progress for the future Martin Luther King Jr. Station. The artworks will contribute to a welcoming environment for future riders and connect the station to surrounding neighborhoods.

Detail of in-progress artwork design by Mara Lonner for Martin Luther King Jr. Station, street level.

Mara Lonner – Glass Entrance Pavilion

1. Artist is a long-time Leimert Park resident and design concept was inspired while walking her dog through the neighborhood.
2. Artwork is a collage of design elements found on the local streets
3. Design elements include Japanese landscaping, house embellishments, weathervanes, stained glass window inserts and signage.
4. Some signage is from businesses that evoke memories from many generations of residents.
5. Artist will work with area youth to record oral histories of long time neighborhood residents (to be presented online—announced here at later date).

Detail of in-progress artwork design by Shinique Smith, concourse level.

Shinique Smith – Concourse Wall Mosaic

1. The elegant yet playful design collages elements from popular culture, fabrics, and calligraphy
2. Includes words from Martin Luther King Jr’s inspiring speeches
3. Process is akin to yesteryear practice of creating something of beauty from bits and scraps.
4. Reflective mirror-like pieces within the mosaic will bring the movements and reflections of viewers into the piece in a lively ever-changing artwork
5. Representation of fabrics interwoven into the design are drawn from many cultures, reflecting the diversity of the area

Detail of in-progress artwork design by Eileen Cowin, platform level

Eileen Cowin – Platform Level Porcelain Enamel Steel

1. The artist’s photography is known for suggesting stories, created by combining a few well-chosen images.
2. Her artwork design for this project mirrors the format of filmstrips, to be installed as a series of non-linear stories that spark the imagination of transit riders
3. The artist held several photo-shoots in businesses and locations along the corridor, enlisting local residents as models for her photography
4. The artwork will feature 14 filmstrip-like stories running along the platform, 7 on each side
5. The goal is to create multilayered imagery, allowing different interpretations with each new viewing as people using the station daily spend more time with it.

Click here for more information about the Crenshaw/LAX Art Program.

Click here for more information about Metro Art.

Past Crenshaw/LAX artwork stories on The Source:

Fourteen artists selected to create art for Crenshaw/LAX Line project

How you can be part of the artwork

Metro Art hosts free design workshops with local teens