Valley Metro announces that artist Heather Freitas as the newest Artsline Spotlight Artist for the 2021 spring/summer season.

Artsline celebrates creativity, culture and community throughout the rail corridor, according to a press release, detailing how Ms. Freitas came to the Valley to attend Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute of Art where she began her journey of becoming a full-time artist.

After selling hundreds of private pieces, she wanted to infuse communities with color and inspiration through her public art. Ms. Freitas is noted to be representing Artsline because of her desire to connect with people and enhance lives through her colorful artwork that highlights women trailblazers throughout history.

Each female leader is adorned with a flower crown complementing her achievement, said the release, describing the 19 women featured across several art pieces on light rail and the large-scale mural wall at the Roosevelt/Central Ave light rail station.

“Women are so powerful and I really want to uplift their voices. There’s Rosa Parks, Judy Garland…all of them offer something unique because we’re all unique individuals,” said Ms. Freitas in a prepared statement about the inspiration behind her work.

This display of influential women aligns with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. Valley Metro held a Q&A on Instagram with Ms. Freitas on March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day, the release added.

For more information about Artsline visit valleymetro.org/artsline.