The process for selecting art for the new Fullerton CTA station continues this week with a public meeting at 6 p.m. on Tue., June 9, at the Lincoln Park Branch Library, 1150 W. Fullerton Avenue. The community is encouraged to attend this meeting to review art proposals and provide feedback to guide the selection.

Following two public meetings in July of last year and January this year, Michael Dinges was commissioned for a mosaic artwork for the Fullerton station. A second, sculptural piece is now being selected for the station.

Artists / Artist-Teams nominated as finalists for the artwork competition for the Fullerton Station (north side/outdoor plaza):

• Actual Size Artworks (artist team of Gail Simpson / Aristotle Georgiades) (resides Stoughton, WI)
• Mary Brogger (resides Chicago, IL)
• Michael Dunbar (resides Springfield, IL)
• Michele Goldstrom (resides Chicago, IL)
  

Streetfilms has created a mascot of sorts for the livable streets movement with the mocumentary video below. The Zozo is a very clever and effective illustration of the issues with our human habitat that likely resonates well with the Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers generation. I only hope there will be a Zozo children's book in the near future to accompany Planetizen's Where Things Are, From Near to Far.

With short sleeve weather finally within reach, are you planning any excursions to get outside and enjoy spring? If so, please don't forget to log in and share your trip on Carfree Chicago! We want to know about your carfree trip experiences and ideas, whether you're just visiting a neighborhood outside your normal stomping grounds, taking the Metra to explore a streetcar suburb, or escaping to the beach in Michigan. Carfree Chicago is a community blogging site -- use it to post your ideas for others to read or share tips from your trip. And don't forget to take some pictures for us!

Take a look at Excursions from past years.

Reading Stephen Markley's piece in the RedEye last week, All aboard—it's the Love Train, I was wondering how many suburban drivers would experience this same phenomenon. As evidence that many other CTA commuters feel the same way as Stephen, I submit the following blog devoted to checking people out on the CTA: R.O.C.K. on the C.T.A.

I have to disagree with Stephen's initial statement that "no one likes the train or bus ride to work in the morning." I enjoy my commute because it lets me read, listen to music, or totally zone out while staring out the window at our city's incredible scenery. But his observations of attraction on the train reminded me of one of the great advantages of an urban environment -- namely the abundance of opportunities for diverse social interaction.

I had a lively phone conversation last night with Christa, a woman in San Diego who'd emailed me last week after reading Lee Crandell's profile: Jill, the Carfree Realtor. Christa is looking to start a car-free consulting biz and wanted my advice.

In fact, last week three people contacted me after reading the profile. I was so inspired by a profound feeling of interconnection--all at my fingertips--that I posted the following entry on my blog: Car-free Gaining Mileage