The Riders, Artist: Junjie Verzosa, Fall 2024

About this artwork

Riders and their communities are at the forefront of local artist Junjie Verzosa’s artwork that is taking center stage at the Roosevelt/Central light rail at First Friday on Nov. 1. His work, “The Riders,” a 10-piece collage reflecting the faces of public transit, awarded him the Fall 2024 Artsline Spotlight Artist recognition. Verzosa said he drew inspiration from the scenes he observed while riding light rail. Every day, he took his sketch pad and drew fellow riders who he came to know along the way. Over time, he met students, parents, families and friends, who shared part of their stories with him. “The train became my new studio as I took their photos and talked with them as I sketched,” Verzosa said. “This wall is a gallery of those passengers who represent and build this diverse, interesting community. It is a collage of moments from inside the train, giving riders a chance to be represented through this community project.”