Main & Bryan Crosswalk art project
Blue Zones Project—Pottawatomie County, in partnership with Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority; Community Renewal Friendship House; the City of Shawnee; and local indigenous artist, art curator, and educator Tony A. Tiger facilitated the installation of a painted crosswalk on July 24th. The purpose of the newly painted crosswalk is to build community pride, establish a sense of place, and encourage traffic calming. This eye-catching public art installation serves to improve the built environment for everyone, especially the student pedestrians walking to Pleasant Grove School.
The opportunity to invest in the community where many of my family, tribal members, and friends call home, was a labor of love. I had the pleasure of graduating from Shawnee High School, where my interest in the arts taught by the late William Malone began. Living in the community before leaving to teach art across the state, I realized the importance of mentoring individuals who may need a valued word and support. I had a few mentors from the area who helped me realize I had the talent to find my place in the art world,” said artist, Tony Tiger.“Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority participated in the crosswalk art installation due to the area where it is located. The neighborhood is primarily made up of our Housing Authority residents, so it made sense we helped in making a design. The artwork displayed at the pedestrian crosswalk on Bryan & Main Street can entice drivers to slow down, if only to pause to view the art, so it does improve chances of making sure drivers stop. The artwork made the crosswalk more noticeable and brings more safety for the pedestrians in the neighborhood,” ASHA Executive Director Sherry Drywater said about the project.
“I have been working closely with Community Renewal and Blue Zones Project for several years now,” Drywater continued. “Each project they involve our organization in has always been aimed at providing better health and safety for the people in our city. The Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority will always take part in those projects.”
Blue Zones Project extends a huge post-installation “thank you” to the community and the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority youth volunteers who gave their time and energy to bring this artwork to life on Saturday, July 24th. We appreciate those who were able to stop by and cheer them on. On July 26th we Blue Zones Project facilitated a ribbon cutting for the new crosswalk (last photo). Additionally, we would like to thank Blue Zones Project—Pottawatomie County sponsor, the Avedis Foundation, who strategically invests in health and well-being improvements throughout our community.
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