Berkeley, California (Monday, April 17, 2006)  -  The Selection Panel for the West Berkeley Rail Stop and Transit Plaza Public Art Project is pleased to announce that John Wehrle has been chosen as the artist for the West Berkeley Rail Stop and Transit Plaza Project. Mr. Wehrle is a noted muralist and his work can be seen throughout the Bay Area, around Los Angeles, and on his website at troutinhand.com.

This public art project aspires to create a welcoming and friendly entrance into the West Berkeley Rail Stop and to enhance the commercial and new residential development in the vicinity. The project will represent the local history and environment including the Ohlone Indian settlements. Mr. Wehrle’s proposal is to unify the space under the University Avenue overpass by combining painting and poetry.  Wehrle will paint the seventeen columns in the parking area leading to the train stop and will create a mural that will be placed on the east wall. A poem by Betsy Davids, poet, will be written on the concrete beams above the columns, which according to Wehrle “refers to a journey, departing, and arriving.” 

The funding for this project is from a 1.5% public art allocation from the City of Berkeley Redevelopment Agency.  The amount of the total commission for the proposed artwork is $43, 750. 

For more information on this public art project and the selection process, please see the Civic Arts web page or contact Mary Ann Merker, Civic Arts Coordinator, (510) 981-7533.

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