​​​People Mover Locally Rooted Art Initiative: Phase II

​Thank you to all the artists who applied! Anchorage People Mover received an incredible range of mock-up concepts from artists across Alaska. Each submission offered
a meaningful and creative expression of Anchorage's land, culture and community. We're grateful to every artist who shared their work and vision.

Meet the Finalists

A panel of reviewers, representing public art, education, practicing artists, museums and community leadership, evaluated all eligible submissions and selected three
finalists to move forward. Finalists were chosen based on the strength of their concepts, how well their ideas fit the flag-shaped sign and how thoughtfully they reflected
Anchorage's identity and connection to the land.

Jasmine Edelle Ross is a Dena'ina Athabascan and Filipino artist from Eklutna whose concept centers on cultural identity and village life. Her pitch incorporates traditional
Dena'ina symbols, local landmarks and themes of community connection. Her work reflects her ongoing relationship to her home community and her commitment to
uplifting Dena'ina stories through contemporary design.

Julia Ditto, an Anchorage-based natural science illustrator, proposed a design that highlights the habitats surrounding Anchorage, from the alpine to the inlet, and the ways
the Dena'ina people moved through and relied on these landscapes. Her work draws on her background in ecology and her lifelong connection to Anchorage's trail systems
and natural spaces.

Dean Potter is a longtime Anchorage graphic designer whose concept uses abstracted folk motifs inspired by the cultural diversity of Anchorage and its transit riders. His
design approach emphasizes openness and interpretation, allowing viewers to see their own stories reflected in the patterns. Potter's work is informed by his years designing
for Alaska nonprofits and cultural organizations​ and by his own experiences navigating the city car-free.

The winning design will be announced in early 2026. Follow People Mover on Facebook, Instagram and through our newsletter to stay up to date on the project's progress.

Thank You to Everyone Who Submitted

We received 77 submissions from artists across Alaska, each offering a meaningful and creative expression of Anchorage's land, culture and community. We're grateful to every
artist who contributed to this project and helped make Phase I such a strong showcase of locally rooted art.

Below, you can click through a slideshow featuring mock-up designs submitted during Phase I. Finalists mock-ups are not being shown at this time to give those artists space to
continue developing their work, but will be shared during the Phase II reveal.​​​

​What Happens in Phase II

​Finalists will now develop full versions of their proposed artwork, expanding on the sketches and written pitches submitted in Phase I. Designs must continue to reflect
Anchorage's culture and community identity and include "People Mover" or a recognizable logo element.

Once completed designs are submitted, the judging panel will review them using the project's rubric, which evaluates craftsmanship, originality, creativity, required elements
and Anchorage cultural connection.

The panel will then select one artist to receive an additional $4,000 award, and the winning design will be installed on more than 680 People Mover bus stop signs in 2026.

Questions?

If you have questions about the project or the selection process, please email the project team at PeopleMover@ThompsonPR.com.

Celebrating Locally Rooted Art & Culture in Anchorage

​Anchorage People Mover is launching a new public art initiative to bring original​ artwork to our bus stop signage. This project celebrates Anchorage's identity, honors the Dena'ina people as the original stewards of this land and hig​​hlights the living traditions and creativity of locally-rooted artists. We are looking for artwork that reflects the land, the culture and the comm​unity of Anchorage - work that tells stories of place, honors heritage, and inspires connection for ​thousands of transit riders each day. What We're Looking For The flag-shaped bus stop sign is the primary canvas for this project. A design template will be provided for you to create a sketch mock-up of your concept along with a written description of your vision. Artwork may also extend onto the back of the flag, though some areas may be covered by the pole. Your design should: Honor the Dena'ina people and acknowledge their enduring connection to this land. Reflect traditions, cultural values, and stories connected to Anchorage. Draw inspiration from local nature, history, and community identity.​

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