State Journal staff report
September 10, 2024
An open house for the new Frankfort Transit Center, which features the mural “Floral River” by eco-artist Xavier Cortada, will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday. A ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 5:15 p.m.
The mural, “Floral River,” encourages reflection on human connection to Kentucky’s rivers and native flora. Cortada has installed numerous public art pieces that integrate themes of nature and environmental stewardship into community spaces across the globe.
Cortada, a pioneering eco-artist, leverages art’s elasticity to work across disciplines and engage communities in addressing environmental and social concerns. A Florida Artists Hall of Fame inductee, Cortada raises awareness of critical issues such as climate change, sea level rise and biodiversity loss.
Over his three-decade career, the Cuban-American artist has created more than 150 public artworks and projects, including installations at the North and South Poles. His collaborations with scientists have earned him recognition, including the 2024 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Excellence in Science Communication Award.
Thursday’s ribbon cutting and grand opening event will include food trucks, a scenic Frankfort photo opportunity and facility tours available until 7 p.m.
