Article by Student Intern Addie Smith
The Germantown Public Art Program, in partnership with Houston High School, is launching the long-anticipated Creative Crosswalks project, bringing both art and safety to city streets. Advanced art students, guided by renowned artists Kong Wee Pang and Anthony Lee, began working on this initiative two years ago. Since then, students like Morgan Montgomery and John Pera, who have now graduated from HHS, have designed vibrant crosswalks for Wolf River Boulevard.
“Living Between the Lines” by student artist Madison Montgomery, will be the first to be installed in October 2024. Madison, a senior at Houston High School, has been passionate about art from a young age. Her interest in abstract art stems from a love of vibrant colors and creating pieces that invite viewers to interpret their own stories. "Living Between the Lines" features a dynamic composition of green, blue, orange, and pink lines, representing houses, trees, and people. Madison explains that the design embodies the idea of playing hide-and-seek within a neighborhood, challenging the viewer to let go of common sense and embrace imagination.
Although Madison plans to pursue a career in the medical field, she plans to continue painting. Throughout her high school years, she has developed her skills in landscape painting, watercolors, and ink drawings. Her creativity and unique perspective are evident in her crosswalk design, which will be the first in a series of artistic crosswalks in Germantown aimed at enhancing public safety while showcasing local talent.
Kong Wee Pang and Anthony Lee played a key role in guiding the students. Pang, originally from Malaysia, has exhibited internationally, while Lee’s bold, vivid works are inspired by his West Indian roots. Their mentorship has been instrumental in helping students develop designs that will add lasting value to Germantown’s public spaces.
Funding for the project comes from the Shelby County Milton Community Enhancement Grant and the Germantown Public Art Fund, ensuring the continued beautification and safety of Germantown’s streets through art.
Madison’s design will serve as a lasting symbol of the intersection between art and community, bringing color, safety, and pride to Germantown’s streets.