Want to meet the artists who designed the newest artwork going up on select MetroBus shelters around the region?

You’ll be able to do that this Friday evening in Maplewood while you get a closer look at their winning designs. If you end up liking one of the pieces, you can purchase a copy for your home or office.

Metro Arts in Transit is hosting the 2016 MetroScapes art exhibit and reception from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. this Friday at Hoffman LaChance Contemporary. The gallery is located at 2713 Sutton Boulevard in Maplewood.

“MetroScapes is the perfect vehicle for bringing public art to the neighborhoods we serve, showcasing the work of amazing local artists and enhancing the transit experience for Metro riders – a win-win for the entire region,” said David Allen, Director of Metro Arts in Transit.

The winning artists and the titles of their works are:

• Lotus of Light by Sarah Gannobile
• Take-off: Cropped Money by Kahlil Irving
• Lido by William LaChance
• Stand United by WORK/PLAY
• Eclipse (chair) by John Early
• Red Wing Blackbird by Mark Swain
• Bird of America #3 by Adrian Aquilino
• Cotton Belt Building by Andrew Brandmeyer
• Manda’s Kitchen by Angela Vories
• Over/Under by Erica Popp

The MetroScapes program launched last year, when 11 local artists were selected as the winners from a group of nearly 100 submissions. This year, 140 designs were submitted and reviewed by a panel of artists and art professionals. The 10 winning designs will be featured for a year at more than 200 MetroBus shelters.

Before the winning designs go up on the MetroBus shelters, they’ll be on display at the Hoffman LaChance Contemporary gallery from November 4 through November 13. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase posters at the reception Friday night, or at the MetroStore in downtown St. Louis. The posters will be sold for $25 each, cash only. We hope to see you Friday night!