MBTA Green Line Extension - Seven GLX Stations
In 2014, I was awarded the art-integrated commission for the outdoor glass elevator for Ball Square Station, Somerville, part of the new MBTA Green Line Extension (GLX). The Green Line Extension, with art from different artists at each station, is now open to the public. More info. See video: https://vimeo.com/656752209
My inspiration for art at Ball Square Station came from the neighborhood’s colorful shingled houses adorned with angular rooflines and railed porches. The result was a series of 45” x 90” paintings, Tour Jeté I, II and III (see available paintings), which provided the imagery for the elevator glass. Two of the paintings will be re-created in enamel on 4’ x 8’ metal panels on the train platform. The work illustrates my style of geometric abstraction with dancing motifs reminiscent of machinery, automation and movement. More info.
I worked closely with General Glass International in NJ to fabricate these paintings in glass for the elevator. GGI’s room-size 720 DPI printer digitally jets colored ceramic frit onto the glass surface, which is then baked during the tempering process.
The transportation industry is part of my family history. Two great-grandfathers designed or built horse-drawn carriages in Amesbury, MA. My grandfather, father and uncle designed automobiles and airplanes in Detroit. With my first public art project at Ball Square Station, I am delighted to continue my family’s connection to transportation through my art.
--Christine Vaillancourt, Boston, MA