Flint’s Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) and VSA Michigan unveiled a bronze sculpture at the MTA’s Flushing Your Ride Service Center that pays homage to persons with disabilities. The statue, entitled, “Friends,” depicts two people, one of whom is in a wheelchair, holding a representation of the state of Michigan. On the representation, there are carvings of various items associated with Michigan.
The initial talks about artwork for the Flushing Your Ride began with VSA Michigan of Genesee County in 2013. VSA Project Coordinator Randee Pieper recruited organizations to participate, located funding sources and over saw the entire process.
The MTA used monies from the Art in Transit program, which received state and federal discretionary funds. Unfortunately, funding was running low for any artwork. VSA Michigan in Genesee County, which is the state organization on Arts and Disability, offered to assist the Mass Transportation Authority as the Flushing Your Ride center was designated with the theme of honoring persons with disabilities.
The community came together, with organizations, agencies and individuals providing generous donations and contributions. Student artists from the Genesee Intermediate School District’s Business Arts Classes at the Transition Center, Freedom Works Opportunities of Genesee County in Flushing, The Disability Network, Genesee Health Systems Home Avenue (Serendipity), the Flushing Senior Center and the VISTA Center worked to create the artwork.
Former students and families from the VSA Michigan worked to create the sculpture known as “Friends." Two former students of Pieper’s, worked on applying the clay to the wheelchair together, along with all the textures.
“The MTA is so very proud and grateful to all of those who contributed and donated to the creation of this sculpture. We could not possibly have foreseen where this journey in art would take us. But, thanks to the artists, and the contributions and donations from very generous people, we are very fortunate to be able to unveil this amazing work of art,” Ed Benning, MTA general/CEO.
