CTA looks to Theaster Gates for station artwork

CHICAGO — The Chicago Transit Authority is turning to an artist with a background in urban planning to pull off its largest public artwork project.

The work of Chicago native Theaster Gates includes sculpture, installations and performance art. He's also gotten attention for using community art projects to revitalize poorer areas of the city.

The CTA wants him to create two works of art for the Red Line's 95th Street station, which the agency plans to start rebuilding in 2014.

The CTA board will consider the $1.3 million art program on Monday.

The project would include a student apprenticeship program and create 10 jobs.

Gates studied urban planning and ceramics at Iowa State University.

He is director of the Arts and Public Life Initiative at the University of Chicago.