“Tres Cuervos” by Theresa Rosado (crop)
The Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL) announces its newest art installation at the REO Town Central Substation as part of its, “Art Moves REO,” project. Artist Theresa Rosado’s work was chosen for the fourth installation of BWL’s rotating art program at the W. Malcolm X St. and S. Washington Ave. structure in REO Town.
Launched in 2022, in partnership with the Arts Council of Greater Lansing and REO Town Commercial Association, “Art Moves REO” has highlighted the work of local Greater Lansing artists. The process for the project includes a call to artists to submit new or previously created artwork and the chosen work is printed on vinyl and installed on the substation.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for our area artists,” said Meghan Martin, Arts Council executive director. “We are so honored to partner on this project that offers public art to the community and adds an element of surprise to one of our most popular neighborhoods. Together, with BWL and REO Town, the project opens up opportunities for artists and bolsters the creative placemaking movement in our region, which benefits everyone,” Martin said.
Representatives from BWL, the City of Lansing, REO Town Commercial Association and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing work together to select the artwork. The collaboration provides the opportunity for continued growth of public art in the region, which increases tourism, improves neighborhoods and puts art at the heart of our communities.
“We’re proud to partner with REO Town and the Arts Council of Greater Lansing to celebrate local artists and their art on the BWL Central Substation,” said BWL General Manager Dick Peffley. “The ‘Art Moves REO’ project offers a way to bring new art to the area and add vibrancy to the substation façade and REO Town.”
Rosado’s BWL work titled, “Tres Cuervos,” which means “three crows” in Spanish, was inspired by the hundreds of crows that flock to the sycamore trees in Washington Park. “Being a part of the ‘REO Town BWL mural project gives our Indigenous and Latinx community a window to educate the community about the traditions and the unique meaning behind our art,” said Rosado. “The crow plays an important role in guiding the spirits between the two worlds.In this painting, the Washington Park crows gently guide the spirits of our departed loved ones home to us in time to celebrate their memories.”
“Tres Cuervos” was recently installed at the BWL structure and can be enjoyed by anyone heading south on Washington Ave. in REO Town.
To learn more about the “Art Moves REO” (#ArtMovesREO) project and other creative placemaking and public art opportunities, contact the Arts Council’s executive director, Meghan Martin, at meghan@lansingarts.org.