ARTstop: Spotlighting Arts in Bethlehem

The SouthSide Arts District (SSAD) is unveiling its latest community enhancement project, the ARTstop, an interactive public art and wayfinding installation designed to encourage visitors to explore Bethlehem’s arts and cultural attractions.

Led by the SouthSide Arts District’s Design Committee, the project transformed a decommissioned LANTA bus stop into a creative wayfinding solution that celebrates the neighborhood’s creative identity while connecting visitors with its creative sector.

One side of the ARTstop displays a high-contrast illustrated map which highlights the area’s key attractions and landmarks. QR codes are spread throughout the installation, instantly linking visitors to SouthSide’s galleries, music and performance venues, as well as public resources such as the Bethlehem Area Public Library’s SouthSide Branch. The reverse side of the fixture (to be installed at a later date) will serve as the District’s bulletin board and showcase upcoming festivals, events, and promotions from local businesses and organizations.

Located at 3 E. Fourth Street, ARTstop occupies one of the SouthSide Arts District’s busiest pedestrian intersections, just steps from the nationally recognized music venue Godfrey Daniels and several popular restaurants.

“Thousands of people come here every year to enjoy our food, music, and festivals, but the Arts are part of everyday life for our SouthSide residents,” said Katy Knibbs, Assistant Manager of the SouthSide Arts District. “ARTstop gives us a new way to spotlight our creatives and encourage folks to explore our arts scene.”

Easton-based artist Danny Finocchio, known for his signature illustrative and playful artistic style, was commissioned to create the installation’s custom artwork.

“The approach for the illustration was to create a stacked map so that each entity/building could be celebrated on an equal footing, all the while imbuing the piece with an inviting, energetic color palette that would grab a phone-scrolling pedestrian’s attention on the street,” Finocchio shared in an Instagram post.

Community members are invited to meet Finocchio and celebrate the project’s completion during the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 30, at 11:30 AM. The ceremony will be followed by a casual luncheon reception at the newly opened Uno Taqueria, located at 15 E. Fourth Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015. The event is open for all to attend.

The ARTstop project was made possible through a Main Street grant from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

About SouthSide Arts District
The SouthSide Arts District (SSAD) is a 501(c)(3) program of the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation. SSAD’s mission is to build upon the community’s entrepreneurial, cultural, and artistic heritage to support economic development for the businesses of South Bethlehem.

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