SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Art student Sara Parras says she just wants people to realize how small and special the world is, and how carefully and respectfully it needs to be treated. Student Laura Moyer hopes that by creating thought-provoking artwork using reclaimed and organic materials, she can inspire others with the message that we can make a difference if we just try.

These two interior design students, along with three other graphic design students from The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles, have created a new series of environmentally inspired art works now on display at the Big Blue Bus transit store at 223 Broadway in downtown Santa Monica.

Drawing inspiration from this year's 80th anniversary of the Big Blue Bus and how it has influenced and transformed the city, the students decided to create several new art pieces that showcased the old with the new.

The pieces range from:
*  A giant "world" suspended from the ceiling containing all 300+ Big Blue Bus employees' names and years of service
*  A display of stylized suitcases made from recycled materials and hand screened with colorful retro bus images
*  Several oversized collages using materials such as antique bus tokens, old newspapers, black and white photos, fabric and beach-inspired materials like sand and seashells from the city's own beaches.

"When you look at these pieces, you come to realize that they are basically beautiful works of art that also happen to be about transit," said Dan Dawson, customer relations manager for the Big Blue Bus. "These students are really talented up-and-coming artists, and their interpretations clearly point to how their generation views transit. The response so far has been incredible."

Dawson noted the importance of being able to offer the students a showcase for their work, and said the transit store has also benefited from their youthful energy and insightful take on important environmental issues. "We're really enjoying our partnership with them, and can't wait to see what they come up with next," said Dawson.

From graphic design student Amanda Rios' perspective, bringing attention to the environment is important, not only for how it improves the surroundings, but also in how it helps bring the community together.

"Because sustainability affects everyone, we decided to use specific recycled and organic materials in our exhibits. Art can say so much, and we really hope people enjoy what we've created," said Rios.

Laura Moyer, an interior design student, reflected that through their art, the students are trying to let people know that even through small actions, it's possible to change the world.

"These may be issues that we are already aware of, but it is time for us to stop putting it off for the next generation to take care of. It's time for us to step up and accept our responsibility as humans and do all that we can to preserve our world," said Moyer.

The students said working on this latest project, which was inspired by the Big Blue Bus' 80th anniversary this year, was important to them for many reasons. Said Parras, "Celebrating the anniversary of a company that promotes positive changes and conservation is something I am proud and honored to be a part of."

Added student Daniela Gill, "We all put a lot of effort and emphasis in making the art speak about how much the Big Blue Bus means to the people of Santa Monica." Graphic design student Victoria Nishikawa agreed, saying, "Green is the future, and the Big Blue Bus has been a great leader in helping to make change happen here in Santa Monica."

The art exhibits will remain up for several more weeks at the transit store, and people are encouraged to come by and enjoy them.

The Big Blue Bus transit store is located at 223 Broadway near 3rd Street in downtown Santa Monica. For media inquiries and high-resolution photos of the exhibits, please contact Francine Pares at 949-481-7559 or 949-244-4574, or fpares@intelibrand.com. For more information about the Big Blue Bus, visit www.bigbluebus.com.

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About the Big Blue Bus
The Big Blue Bus operates a fleet of over 200 energy efficient vehicles, transporting more than 80,000 passengers a day across a nearly 52-square mile service area. Nationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to a cleaner environment, the entire fleet operates on alternative fuels, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), which helps cut emissions by over 80 percent. Serving Santa Monica and the Los Angeles area since 1928, the Big Blue Bus has an 86 percent on-time performance record and has won numerous national awards for its customer service, safety and efficiency.

About The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles
The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals.