His creation in progress, called “Change for the Better,” is the police koban at Charles and Lanvale streets in Station North, which he’s covered in glass beads, and shards of stained glass and mirrors. On Tuesday, he was busy securing the pieces in place, dipping a gloved hand into a bucket of grout.

“This goes on, and then I’ll make it shine,” he said, disco music playing in the background.

As with Cornish’s other pieces—he’s the artist behind the mosaic houses near Druid Hill—it’s the meaning behind the work that makes it so significant. The eye-popping color and texture grabs your eye, but the message written with the materials is what stays with you.

“Police Give Hope Please,” one side says. In fact, “please” is repeated several times.

Cornish wanted to address the relationship between police and citizens after the unrest that broke out after Freddie Gray’s death, and promote healing. And overall, he wanted the bright colors to inspire happiness.

“We need a smile, Baltimore really needs a smile,” he said. “And it was so apropos because everyone that comes by smiles.”

The koban had been the sight of temporary installations and performances previously, but “Change for the Better” is permanent. It’s set to open July 17 for the beginning of Artscape.

And Cornish is planning a disco party in celebration. “There’s a lot of cheering up still to do,” he said.

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