Inspired by such public art projects as Chicago’s “Cows on Parade” and Louisville’s “Gallapalooza Sidewalk Derby,” the Katy Heritage Society and ARTreach are asking local artists to take part in “All Aboard Katy.”
The goal of the project is to place a series of six-foot-tall locomotives, decorated by area artists, in prominent locations throughout the Katy community. The locomotives are intended to reflect Katy’s railroad heritage.
Artists will submit designs to be painted onto the locomotives. Designs chosen by a panel of judges will then be placed into a portfolio for selection by sponsors.
Sponsors will underwrite the cost of placing the locomotives at locations throughout the Katy community.
Each locomotive will be nine feet long, six feet tall and 33 inches wide. The forms weigh less than 150 pounds and will be weighted down by sand placed in their bases.
The local effort is also looking for a committee of volunteer “conductors” to help with the project. Committee members will handle such duties as advertising, public relations, accounting, merchandising, creating a website and securing sponsors.
The project is also looking for a “roundhouse” where locomotives can be stored before they are painted and installed in their permanent locations.
Informational packets and applications are available at the Katy Heritage Arts Center on George Bush Drive or by e-mailing ARTreach at art.reach@earthlink.net.
