In Transit newsletter: Art elevates mass transit

I just got back from a family in vacation in New Mexico, where we my kids got a kick out of touring "Breaking Bad" filming locations in a Heisenberg-inspired RV, and posing with cardboard cutout space aliens in Roswell. But for my wife and I, who met as art students in college, the best part of the trip was walking around Santa Fe. With the highest concentration of art galleries per capita in the U.S., every block we traversed was filled with beauty and inspiration.

It was during our trip that I learned of the death of Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese artist responsible for the 120-foot long glass mosaic that adorns the customer concourse at Grand Central Madison. Having first toured the new Long Island Rail Road Manhattan terminal around 15 years ago, when it was just blasted-out caves and knee-deep muck, I remember gazing at the colorful sunbursts in Kusama’s piece titled "A Message of Love, Directly from My Heart unto the Universe," and thinking: Now this place is ready to welcome commuters.

Unlike Santa Fe storefronts and museums, LIRR stations aren’t necessarily the kinds of places you visit in search of fine art. And yet, they’re the places where they can be most appreciated.

For many daily commuters, waiting for a train on a crowded station platform while rushing to get to work or back home can represent the lowlight of the day. In such a uniquely stressful environment, a little beauty can go a long way.

That’s one of the driving philosophies behind MTA Arts & Design, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority department responsible for commissioning more than 400 art installations at transit stations throughout the region, including many LIRR stops. In one of the most fun assignments I’ve had on this beat, I got to see many of those works on an art tour of the LIRR system years ago.

The latest addition to the railroad’s collection is at the newly constructed Yaphank-BNL station. The mosaic, titled "Initium," with its clusters of radiating stars, is a nod to the scientific exploration taking place at nearby Brookhaven National Laboratory.

For painter Karen Arm, having her art displayed at a train station represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reach the people who may not normally encounter her work.

"It's not so rarefied, you know? I know people, the general public, are kind of intimidated by galleries sometimes. And I feel like my work is very approachable," said Arm, of Shelter Island, whose permanent installation greets riders as they approach the station from the parking lot. "Hopefully, it makes people stop for a second and breathe maybe for a little while."

Transportation news

• If you want to skip the LIRR, or driving, altogether, you may one day be able to walk from Manhattan to Montauk on a dedicated path.
• Texting while driving is illegal, but you might not know that from how rarely a driver is charged for using a cellphone before a crash.
• Long Islanders will soon be able to fly nonstop to eight new European destinations — if they’re willing to leave from Newark.
• A Copiague man was charged with DWI after crashing into a Suffolk police vehicle.

Travel watch

• The Port Authority reminds commuters that today is the last day they can use a MetroCard or SmartLink card to pay for a trip on a PATH train. The cards are being replaced by a phone tap-and-go system.
• The LIRR’s new fall timetables, which include many schedule changes, take effect Sept. 8 and last through Nov. 8. They’re available here.

Readers speak out

Last week, I shared my story of recently driving to Buffalo and back with my son, and asked for your favorite road trip stories. This reader’s tale made my 800-mile journey seem like a stroll around the block.

My absolute favorite road trip I ever made was 8,063 miles long: Farmingdale to Yosemite to Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Death Valley, White Sands, Carlsbad Cavern, Gateway Arch, Hot Springs and New River Gorge National Parks, and I know I'm missing a lot. But, I spent those days driving with my best friend, my husband. Everyone I know has said, "I could never do that. I would kill my spouse." We never had an argument or sharp word. Conversation came easily and often. We've driven several 2,000+ miles trips before. One is planned again in 2 weeks. Our country is so diverse, that I can't imagine seeing it any other way than driving.

Happy and safe travels,

Christine Tarantino, Farmingdale

Eight thousand miles?! I hope you got an oil change before hitting the road. Thanks for sharing, Christine! Have some favorite road trip memories of your own you'd like to share? Send them to transit@newsday.com.

By Alfonso A. Castillo

alfonso.castillo@newsday.com@alfonsoreports

Alfonso Castillo has been reporting for Newsday since 1999 and covering the transportation beat since 2008. He grew up in the Bronx and Queens and now lives in Valley Stream with his wife and two sons.