| Describe the location and your goals for your Decorative Crosswalk. |
The MARY Project is a Crosswalk Mural Traffic/Pedestrian Safety Initiative by Los Angeles based artist Sarah Chang, in collaboration with Arts Bridging the Gap, an organization globally committed to art experiences that empower children, connect communities and bridge the achievement gap. The artist was inspired to create The MARY Project, after her younger sister, a child at the time, was struck by an intoxicated driver in a horrific accident, while crossing the street to her school bus stop. We believe that our vision matches perfectly with the People’s Street Initiative because we are bringing awareness of traffic safety to one of the most vulnerable demographics of traffic fatalities, children.
The overall vision is a series of 15 Public Art - Crosswalk/Intersection Mural – Installations, eventually one in every council district of Los Angeles, as well as a Pedestrian and Transportation Safety workshop by Arts Bridging the Gap created in partnership with LAPD, LADOT and local community centers or schools to teach traffic safety and accident prevention methods through art.
The Crosswalk/Intersection Murals have the opportunity to improve Traffic Pedestrian Safety, unify and celebrate communities, infuse neighborhoods with interactive, site-specific public art experiences that educate and inform, and bring further support to LADOT and the City of Los Angeles Safety Initiatives.
The intersection on Reseda Blvd and Devonshire is stated as one of the most dangerous intersections in the state, with drivers exiting off the 118 on to multiple lane streets. It also acts as a focal point for commercial shopping centers in between CSUN college nearby and the
freeway exit. The crosswalk mural will not only encourage individuals and locals to actively teach, partake in and contribute to neighborhood safety but will also spark vibrancy and community pride to this location in a practical, safe and fun way by creating an
engaging atmosphere.
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