Pima Association of Governments manages the Transportation Art by Youth Program, which incorporates art into regional transportation projects. The program allows youth to acquire both artistic experience and valuable work ethic. PAG member jurisdictions work with summer youth programs, local school art programs or Las Artes Art and Educational Center, and partner with professional artists to design and construct projects.
Each summer an average of 40 to 50 youth benefit from the program, which was established in 1995. The students' concepts and techniques are aimed at humanizing the roadway system, enhancing urban gateway features, and helping define the unique identify of their respective communities. The maximum amount of funding is typically $25,000 per year per PAG member jurisdiction.
Projects recently completed include:
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Free-standing ceramic tile mosaics with a native plant and animal theme located on highway 95 at the eastern approach of Ajo in Pima County.
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Desert botanical tiles enhance iron wall structures along north La Canada and Tangerine Road in the Town of Oro Valley.
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Yaqui culture and history displayed in visual tile mosaics located along Calle Tetakusium and at major roadway entrances to the Pascua Yaqui Tribe reservation.
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Decorative tiling of benches located along Thornydale between Ina and Orange Grove roads in the Town of Marana.
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Southwestern-style town entry monument along Abego Drive on the southern boundary of the Town of Sahuarita.
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Cartoon features added through tiles and other artistic elements to sidewalk, street furniture and pedestrian refuge areas along 5th Street at McKinley Avenue in the City of Tucson.
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Mosaic tiled murals placed along 4th Ave. in the City of South Tucson.
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Welcome signs to the Tohono O’odham Nation along State Route 86 are pending installation.
Major benefits of the program include both the quick and effective implementation time frame as well as the high visibility of resulting artwork along major transportation corridors. There also is a strong sense of community pride in the work efforts undertaken, coupled with a sense of accomplishment for the youth involved since the result of their artistic efforts will be appreciated and endured for many years to come. |