Art in Transit

Franz Mayer of Munich, with over 160 years of experience, has left the artistic community in awe, again. Mayer windows can be found all over the world, having made their mark internationally with studios in London and New York. They have also received recognition from Pope Leo XIII, who called their company a “Pontifical Institute of Christian Art,” for their stained-glass contributions to the Catholic Church.
It is with great fortune that one of their most recent pieces—a glass mosaic entitled “See it Split, See it Change”—has become a public art installation as part of New York’s “MTA Arts for Transit” program. This program has created a mutually beneficial relationship between the rider and the Metropolitan Transit Authority, encouraging continued usage of mass transit with enticing art pieces which make each trip a more stimulating and pleasurable experience. The 425 specially fused glass-block mosaic, by Doug and Mike Starn (also known as the Starn Twins), is located in the heavily frequented South Ferry Subway Station in Manhattan. Now, those rushing to catch the 1, R, or W train have the pleasure of becoming part of the glass art experience. Whether the subway riders are aware of the materials or skills necessary to create this artistic piece no one can be certain, but it goes without saying that none can deny the tranquility it has rendered in this ordinarily fast-paced environment where every step is part of the race to keep up in “The City that Never Sleeps.”