Bill Cole Mayor at City of Billings | Facebook Website
Bill Cole Mayor at City of Billings | Facebook Website
Art sculptures by Billings’ first artist-in-residence, Terri Porta, are set to be installed soon as part of the Mobilize the MAGIC City project. The first two sculptures will be installed on new bulb outs at the intersection of 10th Ave. N and Ave. C on Friday, April 19, with the third installation date currently being scheduled.
Porta, selected through a competitive process in late 2022, focused on engaging the community and creating creative placemaking hubs along Billings’ first neighborhood bikeway. Her inspiration came from working with children in the community, with whom she collaborated to feature their artwork in her pieces.
In Porta's words, "these sculptures are more than a piece of art in a park, they are a conceptual exercise of childhood recognition and a journey into universal principals."
The art pieces, named "Kids’ Fridge" and "Funky Frames," prominently showcase the artwork of local students and aim to encourage community involvement and empowerment. "Kids’ Fridge" features artwork from 180 students on spinning tiles at 10th St. W and Ave. D, while "Funky Frames" at N. 32nd St. and Ave. C features collaborative works from students in the Highland United Way CARE Academy.
Both installations incorporate a vibrant pink frame, reflecting one of Porta's signature colors and symbolizing the bitterroot flower, Montana’s state flower.
Porta, alongside the Mobilize the MAGIC City leadership team and community partners, engaged in various events to gather input for the installations. The community highlighted neighborhood beautification, community pride, and crime prevention as the top three values they see in public art for the Billings area.
In addition to Porta's work, artist Mariah Gladstone will be installing two sculptures at 7th Ave. N. and N. 22nd, featuring traditional Blackfeet symbols and elements representing the local tribes.
The project was funded through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Our Town grant program and private donations. A series of ribbon-cutting ceremonies will be scheduled for this spring and summer to celebrate the new art installations.
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