A ribbon cutting for a unique artistic collaboration will be held on Monday, May 20th from 1:00 – 2:00pm at the triangular pocket park just west of McKinley School in Billings. The artwork, titled Funky Frames, is the creation of Billings’ first-ever Artist in Residence, Terri Porta. Students from McKinley Elementary School, led by art teacher Elizabeth Fisher, worked with Porta to create designs for the sculpture. The installation includes a cement pad featuring quotes about the power of the arts by local artists.
Terri Porta reflects on the experience, “I am so excited to bring this new public art sculpture to our beautiful community. I love that the residents and neighbors will get to enjoy the added color and fun this sculpture represents. Our culture is changing, but this art, created through the innocence and playfulness of children stands to give us hope for a kinder future.” 
Funky Frames is one in a series of public art being installed along Billings’ first neighborhood bikeway. The purpose of the installations is to celebrate Billings, revitalize neighborhoods, and to reduce traffic speeds by activating key points along the bikeway. Funding comes from the National Endowment of the Arts and local donors. Partners include the City of Billings, Billings Arts Association, Healthy By Design Coalition, Triia, and Artist in Residence Terri Porta. To learn more, visit www.billingsmt.gov/3093/Mobilize-the-MAGIC-City-Project or www.terriporta.com