Bus Shelter Art Show

Calling all artists!

Ben Franklin Transit is seeking art for its busA rubber-tired transit vehicle designed for roadway operation to transport a large number of persons for public transportation service. In most cases, it operates with a self- contained source of motive power. More shelters! All local artists are invited to help us beautify our busA rubber-tired transit vehicle designed for roadway operation to transport a large number of persons for public transportation service. In most cases, it operates with a self- contained source of motive power. More shelters and celebrate the many communities that make up the Tri-Cities.

Q4 Theme

The Quilt of Life: To close out the year, we encourage artists to reflect on the patchwork of experiences that make up a person, and the patchwork of people that make up a family or community. A quilt is made beautiful not by any individual textile, but from the combination of many different pieces, made whole. Quilts convey comfort, love, home, and warmth. They can be eclectic or curated, well cared for or well worn. Submitted artwork does not need to contain literal depictions of quilts to be considered.

This call for art is part of a year-long campaign to celebrate diversity in the Tri-Cities by giving a voice to artists of all backgrounds. Artists are invited to respond to any aspect of this theme that inspires them.

Eligibility

This call is open to all artists of all ages living in Kennewick, Richland, West Richland, Pasco, West Pasco, Finley, Prosser, and Benton City. Artists may submit up to three artworks.

Media Preparation

All 2-D art mediums are accepted. Work must be 8×10”, vertical orientation. Submissions must be JPEG/JPG and 600dpi. If selected, we may request you bring in your artwork so we can digitize it. AI-generated images will not be accepted. Artwork must be delivered via email to marketing@bft.org with subject line “Q4 BUS SHELTERAlso see passenger shelter More SUBMISSION.” Use the following file naming convention: ArtistName_ArtworkName_1.jpg. In the email, please include:

Artist’s name

Artwork title

Medium(s)

The city in which you live

Please note: Artworks must be suitable for all ages — no advertisements, no religious, sexual, violent, or political content allowed. Ben Franklin Transit reserves the right to deny any submitted artwork.

Deadline: Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 11:59PM

Previous Themes:

Q3 Theme

Dancing to Your Own Rhythm: Dancing can be an expression of joy, passion, or celebration. It can be deeply intuitive and personal, or it can be a way of coming together with others. Dancing implies music, motion, and rhythm. Submitted artwork does not need to contain literal depictions of dancing to be considered.

View a map of the Q3 artworks responding to the theme Dancing to Your Own Rhythm:

Q2 Theme

Blooming Community: We want to acknowledge and celebrate the many communities, big and small, that form the greater culture of our cities. Like a garden, a community is made beautiful by diversity and variety. “Bloom” connotes springtime, growth, and life.

View a map of the Q2 artworks responding to the theme Blooming Community:

Q1 Theme

Our Future is Radiant: The word Radiant indicates light, warmth, or brightness, and it’s also used to describe the way people affect one another: “she radiates hope,” “his smile is radiant.” We each play a role shaping the future of our community. We don’t just imagine a positive future – we create it.

This call for art is part of a year-long campaign to celebrate diversity in the Tri-Cities by giving a voice to artists of all backgrounds. Artists are invited respond to any aspect of this theme and may choose to reflect upon how the theme relates to Black History Month (February), and/or Women’s History Month (March).

View a map of the Q1 artworks responding to the theme Our Future Is Radiant:

Looking for info about our Student Art Contest?