Jersey Barrier Public Art Project by The Art of Life

Jersey Barrier Public Art Mural Project

In the winter of 1998, The Art of Life was commissioned by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, to paint murals on 45 jersey barriers. These barriers would be placed end to end and bisect Kennedy Plaza - the very heart of downtown Providence.

Appropriately titled 'Trans-Forms', the mural features for the most part a variety of different forms of transportation. The mural also 'Transforms' an unattractive construction site into a lively, attention-getting work of art.

The murals on the jersey barriers were painted in the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority garage. They were then sealed with a clear coat protective finish, and transported to Kennedy Plaza. Stretching 450 feet, this was Rhode Island's longest mural.

The barriers remained in place for at least a year while Kennedy Plaza was being renovated. The jersey barriers were then removed, and we are uncertain of their fate. We do believe, however, that they are still out there, somewhere - turning heads....

Following are just a quick sampling of the 45 jersey barriers: