Staten Island Station revamped with glass art

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Keri Sheheen, a Staten Island native and versatile artist, has significantly contributed to the rejuvenation of the New Dorp train station with her creative expertise. Her artwork, titled “Creeping On Where Time Has Been,” is a remarkable installation that spans approximately 350 square feet, incorporating glass and metal. This project, realized in collaboration with Mayer of Munich and Ferra Designs, Inc., showcases Sheheen’s multifaceted talent in the field of art.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Art & Design, a program dedicated to integrating art into New York City’s transportation infrastructure, selected Sheheen for this significant project. In her role, Sheheen was responsible for designing metal railings that lead to the station’s newly installed elevator and creating six windows, three on each side of the station.

The station’s Tottenville-bound side features a walkway adorned with nine metal panels and colored glass in blue, yellow, and red. This vibrant design pays homage to the stained glass of the original 1889 station house, which was relocated in 1965. The glass panels and their colorful borders are a nod to this historical element.

In her design, Sheheen drew inspiration from New Dorp’s past as a beach resort. The metalwork displays an ivy backdrop with beach bungalows, echoing the aesthetic of historical landmarks like Lang’s Hotel and the Cedar Grove Clubhouse. Conversely, the St. George-bound side of the station celebrates the area’s agricultural roots with a prominently featured rooster. This side also honors Nathaniel Lord Britton, a noted botanist, with a depiction of Britton Cottage, while the Tottenville-bound side showcases a deer near the Vanderbilt Mausoleum, paying tribute to Cornelius Vanderbilt’s influence on Staten Island’s commuting history.

Sheheen’s deep ties to Staten Island, from her education at Staten Island Tech to her family’s history in New Dorp and her current residence and studio there, heavily influenced her artistic vision. Her inspiration stemmed from Staten Island’s verdant past, the relocated original station windows, and the region’s historic architecture, including the once-common beach bungalows.

Drawing on historical photographs of ivy-clad farmhouses, Sheheen weaves a visual narrative that connects the window and railing designs. The artwork’s title, derived from Charles Dickens’ “The Ivy Green,” poignantly reflects the theme of enduring nature and time, a consistent element in Staten Island’s evolution.

Sheheen’s artistic pursuits extend beyond traditional gallery spaces. She collaborates with Coney Island USA, contributing hand-painted banners to the Mermaid Parade in Brooklyn, and participates in local art markets and fairs with her traveling print company, Parlor Trick Prints LLC.

[Image Source: silive.com]

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