Metro in Cincinnati recently partnered with ArtWorks, a local non-profit that employs and trains youth to create art that has a positive effect on the city, and the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County to transform 24 shelters in the Downtown and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods into colorful public art featuring popular books.

In addition to Willy Wonka, Harry Potter, and L. Frank Baum’s Dorothy, literary subjects that inspired the bus shelter art include Alice in Wonderland, Where the Wild Things Are, The Scarlet Letter, and The Odyssey.

ArtWorks lead artist Ryan Little and teaching artist Brandon Parker led the six apprentices between the ages of 14 and 21 in designing the graphic prints for the Metro Art Shelter Project.

Metro Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Terry Garcia Crews said, “We are thrilled to partner with ArtWorks to transform downtown bus shelters into works of art. We believe our customers and the community will enjoy the whimsical art created by these talented young people…and it’s a great reminder to read and ride.”

“This has been a dream project in every aspect,” said Katie Labmeier, ArtWorks public art manager. “The ArtWorks apprentices and teaching staff were a great team and wonderfully collaborated to produce so many exciting designs for the shelters. And Metro has been an amazing partner throughout the entire process."

Participants in dedication ceremonies for Cincinnati Metro shelters featuring art created by youth apprentices were, from left, ArtWorks Chief Executive Officer Tamara Harkavy; Project Manager Ryan Little; youth apprentices Annabelle Gordon, Jalyn Hill, and Tyler Dunbar; Kim Fender, director, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County; Metro CEO Terry Garcia Crews; ArtWorks Public Art Manager Katie Labmeier; its Vice President Colleen Houston; and Alecia Townsend Kintner, chief operating officer, ArtsWave, an organization supporting Cincinnati area arts organizations.