Sample mosaic piece of the David Lee Csicsko proposal

The sad removal of Csicsko's "Belmont 2000"

Detail of Amy Mayfield's proposal

A well-attended community meeting this evening at Ann Sather demonstrated overwhelming support for the return of David Lee Csicsko's cheerful aesthetic to the Belmont station. The CTA Arts in Transit program solicited community feedback at the meeting on the selection of public art for the station, presenting proposals from six artists. The CTA said the chosen work would be installed this summer. Neighbors had plenty of time at the end of the meeting to provide feedback on the artwork. As people around the room took their turns voicing their opinions, it seemed the one work everybody loved, receiving the vast majority of comments (only one negative), was the proposal by David Lee Csicsko, who's "Belmont 2000" recently decorated the Belmont station before construction forced its removal.

Csicsko's tile mosaic work featured a train filled with diverse characters that would be placed centrally at the main stairwell, as well as large eyes and faces that would adorn two of the cement columns in front of the stairwell. Those in attendance thought the work was cheerful, communicated Lakeview's diversity, defined an aesthetic that is uniquely associated with Lakeview, and made an instant impact, which many recognized would be important considering how quickly people pass through the station. Riders and residents who miss the "Belmont 2000" piece (myself included) would be happy to see this proposal selected.

Though I did love the Csicsko proposal, there was another one from Amy Mayfield I loved more that didn't get as much of a response from the community. Her piece was fanciful, bright, simply beautiful, and I thought would speak more to the youth culture Belmont is known for. I still have my fingers crossed for her proposal, but I've also bookmarked her site so I can follow what else she produces in the future.

I personally wasn't a fan of the other four proposals, though one other work came in a very distant second in community feedback behind Csicsko. This was a mosaic of the skyline made up of large tiles imprinted with sprockets. I found this work too conservative and bland -- it could be placed anywhere and doesn't seem to fit the vibrant and colorful nature of the neighborhood.

The CTA also revealed that part of the art budget would go toward restoring a sculpture, Space Junction of Energy, which was removed from the Kimball station for their reconstruction and will find its new home next to the restored historic Belmont station house on the north side of Belmont.

If you live near the Fullerton station or use it regularly, don't miss your chance to give your input on that station's artwork selection next Thur., Jan. 29. Visit the CTA's Arts in Transit page for details.

Thanks to the number of you in attendance who saw my post about the meeting through Gapers Block and stopped by to voice your opinion. Glad you could participate!