WILLIAMSBURG – Williamsburg Area Transit Authority unveiled its latest wrapped bus last Friday, showcasing the winning amateur artist design in its revived public art contest as part of the region’s 250th commemoration.
The winning design, themed “Spirit of 76,” came from Jordan Johnson, a tinsmith at Colonial Williamsburg, who said the piece aimed to broaden the story of the American Revolution beyond its most recognized figures.
“So when I saw that it was Spirit of 76, my first thought, of course, is like important documents, battles, and then I really thought about key figures,” Jordan said. “And we usually talk about, you know, people like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Lafayette, but then when I kind of thought of it broader, it’s not just the key people, it’s all the people in between. So farmers, soldiers, indigenous people, enslaved people here.”
“Without any of them, I don’t think we would get this,” Jordan added.
The design incorporates both historical documents and everyday people, highlighting a wider range of contributions to the nation’s founding.
“Some of the key players are actually starting the revolution, like Dunmore’s Proclamation, the Convention of Delegates, the Virginia Gazette,” Jordan said. “I thought this was interesting, the first kind of change from the 13 United Colonies states of America.”
Jordan, who said drawing was once a longtime passion before pursuing other artistic mediums, called the recognition unexpected.
“When I came here, I started working more in metal and history, and so I haven’t really drawn in a while,” Jordan said. “So I’m surprised this got this far.”
WATA officials said the amateur category featured nine entries judged by subject matter experts rather than public voting. The newly wrapped bus will begin service immediately, operating primarily on Williamsburg routes throughout the summer and possibly longer.
