Original artworks by local artist Obi Kaufmann to be featured in ad spaces at BART stations

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Three original watercolor paintings by celebrated poet-artist-naturalist Obi Kaufmann are now enlivening BART stations by taking over ad spaces across the system. The artworks are being released in tandem with the launch of the spring 2025 One Book One BART book club. The club's official selection is Bay Area Wildlife: An Irreverent Guide by Jeff Miller, which was illustrated by Kaufmann.

The unveiling of Kaufmann's artworks marks the relaunch of BART's Poster Art Program. The goal of the program, which has featured original works by Miwako Nishizawa, Monico Chavez, Josh Ellingson, and Owen Smith, is to enhance the physical environment of BART stations and celebrate the wealth of artistic talent in the Bay Area. The program is a joint effort between BART Communications, BART Marketing, and the BART Art Program.

Kaufmann's original paintings feature some of the local species found in the natural and urban spaces accessible by transit, including San Francisco, Don Edwards Wildlife Refuge, and Mount Diablo. Each panel is themed around a different group of wildlife: "Big, beautiful birds of the Bay Area," "Our wildlife neighbors of the Bay Area," and "Endangered species of the Bay Area."

"Transportation agencies throughout the United States and internationally have seen the importance to community and customers in bringing art and culture into transit spaces," said BART Chief Communications Officer Alicia Trost. "Bringing art to our system also builds a sense of safety and belonging, as we have repeatedly heard from our Not One More Girl initiative outreach."

"Artworks enhance the travel experience with education, joy, information about, and celebration of a particular location and its unique characteristics," added BART Art Program Manager Jennifer Easton. "Obi's artwork demonstrates his deep appreciation and passion for our neighbors in the wild, reminding us that reducing our environmental impact by using transit can help preserve their critical environments."

On Saturday, May 3, from noon to approx. 1pm, Kaufmann will partner with BART to lead a first-of-its-kind BART Train Expedition. The free, family-friendly ride on an in-service passenger train will take us on a journey through the East Bay's mosaicked, ecological landscape - all through the windows of a Yellow Line train. During the ride, Kaufmann will transport us through "deep time" as he tells stories about the area's ecosystems, water, fire, infrastructure, volcanic history, trees, and more. RSVP here and scroll down to learn about other upcoming One Book One BART events.

Kaufmann's original BART paintings will be available for purchase as 11x14 art prints, coming soon to BART's merchandise store Railgoods. Railgoods will also sell unique "Animals by BART" t-shirts featuring the fauna displayed in Kaufmann's paintings. Sign up for the mailing list at the link above and follow BART on social media to be alerted to the release of the prints and t-shirts.

Oakland-based Kaufmann is known for his illustrated books on ecology and geography, including the award-winning California Field Atlas and his latest, The State of Fire: Why California Burns. Kaufmann brings his signature style - soft watercolor illustrations and handwritten titles that mimic field guides of yore - to the paintings he created for BART.

"Growing up in the Bay Area as a young naturalist, I relied on BART to get me to the parks, open spaces, and wild landscapes that inspired me to become the writer and artist I am today," Kaufmann said. "So many decades later, I am happy to report that those same places are accessible, and teaming up with BART to celebrate the Bay Area's rich wildlife legacy is a dream come true."

In addition to celebrating ecology, Kaufmann's works are an urgent reminder that the Bay Area is home to many at-risk wildlife populations. Sustainability is one of BART's core values, and it has been since our system was founded. As highlighted in our Transit Saves campaign, if it weren't for BART, we'd have to plant a forest the size of San Francisco every two years to offset the CO2 that would be generated from increased vehicle emissions. The people of the Bay Area need BART, and so do the plants and animals that reside here.

"We want people to think of our stations not solely as liminal spaces to mindlessly pass through, but places where you can experience art, culture, and even a sense wonder," said BART Principal Marketing Representative Michelle Robertson, who spearheaded the relaunch Poster Art Program project. "Some of my fondest transit memories involve riding BART to regional green spaces, and I'm grateful to Obi for giving all of us a reason to celebrate transit and the wealth of experiences it takes us to."

The artworks also serve as inspiration and encouragement for people to use public transit to get outside! To get going on your next outdoor adventure, visit bartable.bart.gov/outdoors and discover a wealth of hikes, bike rides, and outdoor itineraries by BART stations.