THE ART ON THE BUS GOES ROUND AND ROUND. A new collection of kids’ art will grace the interior of EC buses.

If you’ve ever tried to avoid awkward eye contact with a stranger on the bus by looking up, then you’ve probably noticed art that is on display instead of the regular old ads. “Art on the Bus” is a community public arts project that was started in 2000 by Paula Gorski. In partnership with Eau Claire Transit, the project gives elementary school children a chance to have their work on display in some of Eau Claire’s city buses.

This year, the artwork being featured was created by children from Lakeshore Elementary School and children from Altoona who took part in the R.A.I.L.S Summer School Program. One of the best parts of this program is the sense of pride kids get from having their art put up on display.

“It’s just a wonderful project,” Paula told me over the phone. “The kids really love seeing their art up on the bus.”

Since this is the children’s first time getting to exhibit their work, “Art on the Bus” is even more exciting. When the project started in 2000, it began as an exhibit for a handful of local artists and has grown into an art exhibit for youngsters. “Art on the Bus” has featured children’s work from Flynn, Montessori, Memorial, Longfellow, and Roosevelt schools.

There are several people involved in making this project possible. Jenae Werner, who is the art teacher at Lakeshore, picks out the art that goes on display. Deb Lewis is the partnership coordinator at Lakeshore. She loves the project, and Deb has been an important part in making it happen. A photographer takes photos of the children’s art, blows them up into posters, and Paula makes sure they are put on for display. With the help of all these people, “Art on the Bus” becomes a reality.

Paula told me that bus 525 will be particularly interesting. One of the city’s hybrid buses, this one will feature work Paula created with a group of student’s at Altoona during the R.A.I.L.S Summer School Program, which was influenced by the late Austrian artist Hundertwasser. With the environmental display covering the exterior of the bus and the “Art on the Bus” exhibited inside, this will make for a very striking display.

Overall, the exhibits are received very well by the community and folks appreciate a change from the ads that are normally up. Whether you are a student who takes the bus to the university or need a ride to work, the newest exhibit is sure to make your trip all the more pleasant. The art is already up for display, so check it out the next time you take advantage of Eau Claire’s public transportation.