DART program moves to the suburbs with new Ankeny art shelter, more to come across metro

Chris Higgins, Des Moines Register
·2 min read

A central spot in Ankeny just got a little more colorful.

City officials announced in a news release Thursday the installation of a new bus shelter that also functions as a work of art. The new shelter is part of the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority's art bus shelter program, which calls on artists to transform bus shelters into public art.

It's also the first outside of the Des Moines city limits.

The shelter on West First Street near the Ankeny Market & Pavilion, 715 W. First St., and the Albaugh Family Senior Community Center, 150 N.W. Ash Drive, has become "Growing in all directions" by New York-based artist Béatrice Coron, who is known for her public art installations and vibrant work with paper cutting. The shelter is near Uptown, the High Trestle Trail and Hawkeye Park.

A new art bus shelter, with work by Béatrice Coron, has appeared in Ankeny, the first in the suburbs under a DART program to promote public art. More than 50 are expected across the metro.
A new art bus shelter, with work by Béatrice Coron, has appeared in Ankeny, the first in the suburbs under a DART program to promote public art. More than 50 are expected across the metro.

With abstract figures bathed in soft colors, "Growing in all directions" reflects Ankeny's rapid growth and its future possibilities. The piece includes nods to recognizable people and activities like construction workers, bicyclists going over a bridge, and families standing outside an ice cream truck. There's also some whimsical elements like a floating house and a person in a parachute.

"We are thrilled to have Béatrice Coron's artwork in Ankeny," Economic Development Director Derek Lord said in a statement. "It brings a sense of wonder and inspiration to our city and enhances the daily commute for commuters, as well those who use the nearby High Trestle Trail.  We are grateful to DART and Bravo Greater Des Moines for their investment in public art."

DART service in Ankeny includes an on-demand service and the 98 express bus between downtown Des Moines and the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Ankeny.

More: Ankeny students add a pop of color to Uptown with a new mural on the Leaning Tower of Pizza

Where are there art bus shelters in the Des Moines metro?

There are now 10 art shelters in the metro, Matthew Harris, business and community partnerships manager for DART, told the Register, including:

  • Five art shelters along Sixth Avenue.

  • Two art shelters in the area of University Avenue and Drake University.

  • Two art shelters in the Roosevelt Cultural District area around 42nd Street.

  • One art shelter in Ankeny.

There are 18 more art shelters on the way this year throughout Des Moines, Johnston, Urbandale and Windsor Heights.

Art shelters are expected to appear around Altoona, Clive, Des Moines and West Des Moines in 2024 — with more than 50 in total across eight cities when the project is complete.

DART officials approached Ankeny about including the shelter in the art program given its visibility and location along the High Trestle Trail, according to the news release, and the Cultural Arts Board selected the piece from a short list. The City Council approved the project in May 2022.

Chris Higgins covers the eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: First DART art bus shelter in Ankeny opens on First Avenue