Some artists work on canvas, others in ceramics, marble or steel. But a few young Glendale artists found their inspiration in one unusual medium: fire hydrants.
Proving that fire hydrants can be works of art, 836 Glendale school children submitted designs for repainting fire hydrants in Glendale's Centerline District, along the Glendale Avenue Corridor from 43rd to 67th avenues and between Ocotillo Road and Myrtle Avenue.
Of the 836 submittals, 59 fire hydrants have been selected to represent the 59 square miles that Glendale services today. The painting began in March, making Glendale the first city in the Valley to turn fire hydrants into public art.
The project was coordinated by Glendale's Economic Development Department in partnership with the Glendale Fire Department and Glendale Elementary and Glendale Union High school districts. The designs were submitted by students in kindergarten through 12th grade and were reviewed by a group of local artists and city employees. The winning designs will be painted by professional artists who have participated in Artwerks First Saturdays.
"The fire hydrants will add an exciting element to the artistic vibe that helps define the Centerline district," Justine Cornelius, Glendale Arts District Coordinator, said. "They will be a point of pride, not only for the students who designed them, but for the whole area. It's just one more initiative that's helping revitalize the Centerline District. We felt that these ideas needed to come from the community itself with the arts educating and empowering the children of our first city."
Centerline also plays host to Artwerks First Saturdays, which showcases artists at work in the renovated walkway just east of downtown Murphy Park, 58th Avenue. First Saturdays will continue through the month of May, breaking for the summer and resuming the first Saturday in October.
Glendale's Centerline District is a dynamic live/work/play redevelopment project in the heart of Glendale. The Centerline project area is located along Glendale Avenue from 43rd to 67th Avenues, between Ocotillo and Myrtle. The long-term goal of the project is to revitalize the Glendale Avenue corridor by encouraging private business investment, job creation and the development of shopping and recreational opportunities. The project will also result in enhanced infrastructure, public facilities, open space and neighborhoods.
shorty426 posted at 12:07 pm on Thu, Jun 23, 2011.
Hi, my name is Dana and i was one of the winner's of the fire hydrant contest. I was wondering if there is any way someone could tell me where my fire hydrant is located at? Or if it's painted yet?
thank's
Dana Van Bruggen