Once a year VIA Transit holds an art contest exclusively for its employees to participate in. First though, the location for the exhibit is worth the visit in and of itself. VIA spokeswoman Lorraine Pulido explains.
"We are at The Grand. This is a very historic building. It used to be a railroad station. An excellent location in which to feature art exhibitions," she says.
VIA's beautiful west side headquarters was once a Great Northern Railroad station and features a central exhibition space, overseen by three massive windows at the north, south and east.
"When you walk into this beautiful place, you're greeted by the most gorgeous masterpieces of stained glass windows," she says.
VIA holds several art contests every year, none of which VIA employees can participate in.
"This one is specifically so that they can showcase their creativity, and they look forward to it every year," she says.
Looking around, you'll see really traditional stuff, but you'll also see some really quirky things, too.
"The artwork is amazing because it does range the gamut from sculpture and paintings to photography. There's a tractor with longhorns, there's also a little horse that looks to be from a merry-go-round that somebody painted beautifully. You can't help but be inspired," Pulido says.
With its free parking lot next door, the exhibit is quite accessible during business hours.
"This exhibit is open Monday through Friday, except on holidays, from 8 to 4:45 p.m., here at The Grand, located at 123 N. Medina, across from our Centro Plaza," she says.
