Trestle Art Getting Some TLC By Emily Bishop
Article reposted from the Lamplighter When I moved to Cooper-Young back in
1988, the abandoned train trestle over
Cooper Street was an unwelcome symbol of
the struggles this neighborhood had endured
during the 60s and 70s when families fled
the city for the new suburbs.
Visitors heading south on Cooper from Union Avenue could see little reason to venture past Central under the rusty, graffiti-covered entry gate. In 1995, the CYCA held a series of meetings with neighborhood stakeholders to identify needs in the community as part of the Eagle Project. Out of this, the abandoned train trestle over Cooper was identified as an eyesore at the gateway of the neighborhood and in 1997 the CYCA applied for a grant from the Community Foundation to turn it into a beautiful gateway. The CYCA raised the required matching funds and the Urban Art Commission conducted a national call to artists for the project. Jill Turman, a local metal smith, won the job with her idea to create metal replicas of twelve buildings in the neighborhood. The sculptures would feature backlit windows to symbolize the life inside the community. |
The Trestle Art was dedicated in October of 2000 and quickly became the icon of Cooper-Young. This public art, owned by the CYCA, comes with the responsibility to maintain it and keep it beautiful. Insurance costs tripled after September 11th and vandalism has added to the annual maintenance costs. The Trestle Art is scheduled to get special attention this spring including repainting from top to bottom and new windows. The painting and repairs will cost around $20,000. The Art for Art’s Sake Auction is a fundraiser for the CYCA, who pays the bills for the public art. Help us raise the money we need to keep this artwork beautiful and welcoming by attending this year’s Art for Art’s Sake Auction on Saturday, April 11th at the Young Avenue Deli. |
The Trestle Art is an important symbol for the community that can continue to be a beacon of hope and progress as we strive for a more sustainable solution to its operation.
Coming soon: an exclusive look into the inner workings an emerging project.