[Photo by Flickr user thisisbossi]
Apparently, Tysons isn't the only place in the metro area looking for artistic ways to make their concrete structures more visually stimulating. NoMa's getting in on that action as well and is actively seeking submissions for ways to turn their underpasses into art installations. Although Greater Greater Washington referred to the potential murals on the Tysons pylons as lipstick on a pig, it's a) almost certainly better than not having them and b) gotten us to thinking about which other areas would benefit from public art. With the understanding that probably any area would benefit from public art, some neighborhoods are already rich in sculptures, murals and other installations, so we've made cases for three different parts of D.C. that aren't.
Union Market:
The Market is a booming social microcosm (particularly over the weekend) and a central community point for several different neighborhoods. However, the buildings immediately surrounding the market are abandoned and run down and the ground is covered in layers of old garbage and broken glass. Some sort of artwork might brighten the road to this Northeast gem.
Georgetown:
Walking through the old neighborhood and retail mecca is means marveling at beautiful architecture. But head to Water Street and you're walking under one giant underpass. Georgetown BID has made it clear that they want to create a better entryway to the neighborhood and revitalize the C&O Canal. Perhaps some sculpture might help out.
St. Elizabeth's:
Neighboring Anacostia does pretty well in the public art department (and art gallery department, for that matter), so why not spread some of that love south toward Congress Heights? The city has put a lot of effort into both bringing several government agencies to the area and making the Gateway Pavilion a community focal point. Some sort of installation, temporary or permanent could work well here.
· Fairfax County considers turning the Silver Line into a massive public art project [WaPo]
· Lipstick can help the Tysons pig, a little [GGW]
· NoMa to turn neighborhood underpasses into art installations [WBJ]
·
Mapping Twelve Stellar Examples of D.C.'s Public Art [CDC]
· Here's a Guide to Some of D.C.'s Lesser Known Monuments [CDC]
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