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Rosslyn BID and the Art Institute of Washington Partner to Create Colorful Trail to Artisphere

~ Student Project Adds Vibrancy and Interest to Wilson Boulevard ~

Rosslyn, VA –– The Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID) has partnered with students from the Art Institute of Washington, a branch of the Art Institute of Atlanta, to beautify Wilson Boulevard with colorful Rosslyn-centric images on temporary planters leading to Artisphere.

“We are enhancing Rosslyn’s streetscape and creating a sense of place with Artisphere as Arlington’s cultural center,” said Cecilia Cassidy, Rosslyn BID executive director. “We want those who live, work and play in Rosslyn to enjoy our amenities and all Rosslyn has to offer.”

Graphic design students from The Art Institute of Washington (AiW) executed a beautification project for the Rosslyn BID this spring to create artistic wrappers for the temporary planters around CentralSpace, the future site of Central Place – a mixed-use development project anticipated to begin construction in 2013. Students used various mediums to illustrate Rosslyn themes – development projects, historical monuments, art and culture, and landmark views.

“We are grateful for the partnership between The Art Institute of Washington and the Rosslyn BID on this project which provides an experience where our students were able to use their creative talents in a real-world environment,” said Art Institute of Washington President Todd Cunningham. “The BID does a great job of beautifying our landscape and public spaces. I am pleased our students could play a role in that effort.”

The beautification project was part of the BID’s initiative to direct people to Artisphere by creating an orange “bread crumb trail,” using the cultural center’s brand colors. The orange orbs decorating the sidewalk lead people from the Rosslyn Metro station, across the street to CentralSpace and along Wilson Boulevard to the cultural facility.

“What a creative way to respond to the public’s request to help them find their way to Artisphere,” said José A. Ortiz, Artisphere Executive Director.
“We are thrilled that the BID partnered with the Art Institute of Washington students to involve them in a project that promotes Rosslyn’s cultural atmosphere.”