Glass mural at Istanbul Metro

U.S. Artists and Children Create Art for Istanbul Metro

September 26-October 16, 2005

Public Affairs Section Istanbul, in cooperation with Istanbul foundations that promote art for children and the  Greater Istanbul Municipality, sponsored the creation of a large glass mural by U.S. artists working with disadvantaged Turkish schoolchildren September 26-October 16. The idea was conceived by U.S. glass artist Mark Eckstrand, who has completed similar projects around the world.  Working with American, Turkish, Bulgarian, and Lithuanian artists, Eckstrand first took the children to a local zoo to make sketches. The artists then helped students turn the sketches into a colorful compilation of glass animals, snakes and birds. The piece was unveiled on October 15 at the metro exit of Istanbul's centrally-located and extremely busy Taksim Square.

The project provided an unusual opportunity for American artists to work with young people and to collaborate with Turkish organizations on taking art to underprivileged children.