The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Arts for Transit program—now widely recognized as MTA Arts & Design—has transformed New York City’s subway system into one of the largest public art galleries in the world. Launched to enhance the daily transit experience, the program invites artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to create site-specific works that reflect the character and culture of local neighborhoods. Starting in 1996, Willet Studios was selected by the MTA to bring many of these artistic visions to life through the medium of stained glass.
Project Scope & Artistic Collaboration
This long-term collaboration called for the translation of two-dimensional and mixed-media artwork into durable, large-scale stained glass installations across the transit system.
Artist Partnerships: Willet worked closely with a wide range of local and international artists, including contributors like Maria Dominguez, to faithfully interpret their original designs in glass.
Design Translation: Each project required a careful balance between preserving the integrity of the artist’s vision and adapting compositions to the structural and material requirements of stained glass.
System-Wide Impact: To date, Willet has fabricated and installed stained glass works in 28 stations spanning eight subway lines, embedding art into the fabric of everyday urban life.
Fabrication & Technical Execution
The complexity of these projects demanded both artistic sensitivity and advanced technical expertise, particularly in the use of faceted glass.
Faceted Glass Technique: Many installations utilized thick, sculpted glass set in epoxy or concrete matrices—an approach well-suited to the high-traffic, high-vibration subway environment.
Durability Engineering: Panels were designed to withstand constant exposure to vibration, temperature fluctuations, and heavy public use, ensuring longevity without compromising visual impact.
Precision Craftsmanship: Willet artisans translated a wide variety of artistic styles—from abstract compositions to figurative works—into glass, maintaining fidelity to color, scale, and detail.
Art in Motion: Enhancing the Transit Experience
Through its partnership with the MTA, Willet Studios helped redefine how stained glass can function in contemporary public spaces. These installations bring moments of reflection, beauty, and cultural connection to millions of daily commuters, transforming routine travel into a more engaging and human experience.
A Living Collection
The MTA Arts for Transit program continues to evolve, and Willet’s contributions remain an integral part of its legacy. By collaborating with artists from outside the traditional stained glass world, the studio has expanded the possibilities of the medium—demonstrating its adaptability, resilience, and relevance in one of the most dynamic urban environments in the world.
Associated Resources:
Program Overview: MTA Arts & Design
Collection Highlight: Art Underground – Explore MTA Arts for Transit
