Bright Spot in the Storms of Life
Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry has a new bright bench located near the Bus Stop in front of GHCCM, courtesy of The City of Hickory’s Public Art Commission’s “Art on the Bench” program.
The bench that graces the bus stop in front of GHCCM was painted by Michelle Shield, and is an abstract design of reds, oranges and yellows. It is entirely appropriate for GHCCM, since we are a “bright spot in the storms of life” for thousands of our fellow citizens.
According to Mandy Pitts, Hickory Public Information Officer, since the fall of 2008, artists from the Greater Hickory area were chosen by the Commission to paint the benches, many of which are located at bus stops, in their own unique styles. The artists received a $400 stipend for painting supplies, and spent three months on their masterpieces. The 40 benches were designed by David Zagaroli, designer and former Public Art Commission Chairman. They were crafted from steel donated by Benco Steel Company and constructed by Valdese-based Baker’s Waste Equipment Company.
GHCCM, through a pilot project with the Western Piedmont Regional Transit Authority/ Greenway Public Transportation system, now sells tickets for fare riders, offering a convenient location for clients and others who live in the area and who rely on public transportation. Riders can purchase tickets with cash, debit, or credit cards from GHCCM's Thrift Store. Now, riders can rest easy until the bus arrives and departs.
Special thanks to Donna B. Cullum, Staff Liaison to the City of Hickory Public Art Commission, David Zagaroli, Benco Steel, Valdese-based Baker Waste Equipment Company and artist Michelle Shield, and Mandy Pitts for the information on the program.