Local artists infuse a touch of flair to the Rosslyn Station with temporary art installation
ROSSLYN, VA (May 22, 2024) – A new pop-up exhibit launched at the Rosslyn Metrorail Station, where customers and the community can enjoy the vibrant colors and creations of eight local artists. Today, Metro’s Art in Transit Program in partnership with Rosslyn Business Improvement District (BID), revealed the temporary new exhibit during a ribbon cutting celebration. The new Rosslyn initiative, Art Elevated, in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington and the Arlington Artists Alliance is a dynamic installation designed to elevate public spaces with art.
The art installation, sponsored by American Real Estate Partners and Rosslyn City Center, located above Metro, adorns the eight-foot construction panels surrounding the station’s entrance escalators. The series of artworks will serve to enhance the visual appeal and customer experience inside the station while work is underway to replace the four escalators.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Rosslyn BID to turn a functional construction site into a canvas for artistic expression that will enliven the look and feel of the station for customers and the surrounding community,” said Metro Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience and Engagement Officer Sarah Meyer. “Projects like this provide the public with an opportunity to enjoy the arts as part of their daily lives.”
The art installation is Art in Transit’s fourth construction project to incorporate art and features more artists than any previous installation.
"The Rosslyn BID is proud to collaborate with the Metro Art in Transit program to bring this incredible local artwork to the Rosslyn Metro station" said Mary-Claire Burick, President of the Rosslyn BID. "We believe that art has the power to transform spaces, improve experiences, and create a welcoming and vibrant place. This project not only beautifies the neighborhood but showcases the positive impact of the BID’s convening role in bringing community partners together."
Metro’s Art in Transit Program works with visual and performing artists, other arts professionals, architects, engineers, community organizations and representatives, and jurisdictional arts councils to develop projects and performances that reflect the spirit and vitality of the region.
“The Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is honored to partner with Metro and the Rosslyn BID to bring dynamic contemporary art into public spaces for our community to enjoy,” said Catherine Anchin, the museum’s Executive Director. “Johab Silva, one of MoCA Arlington’s Artists-in-Residence, is advancing the global contemporary art scene through his work and we’re delighted that so many visitors and residents of Rosslyn will have a chance to see it every day.”
"We are excited to partner with the Rosslyn BID and Metro’s Art in Transit on this project," said Christina Papanicolaou, Executive Director of Arlington Artists Alliance. "By supporting local artists and bringing art to unexpected places, like the Rosslyn Metro, we can engage the community in new and exciting ways. This collaboration is a testament to the power of art to enhance experiences and create a sense of belonging."
The pop-up art exhibit will be seen by thousands of Metro customers each day, with nearly 15,000 trips taken to and from the Rosslyn Station on an average weekday.
"Fostering creativity and enhancing public spaces in and around our properties is fundamental to AREP’s core mission, and we are honored to sponsor the Art in Transit project,” said Paul Schulman, Principal & COO at American Real Estate Partners. “Today's unveiling celebrates the remarkable talent and creativity of local artists, infusing the Rosslyn Metro station with some much needed vibrancy during this construction period. We look forward to expanding our work with Rosslyn artists as we strive to create even more lasting impressions for the people who live, work and explore in Rosslyn.”
By enhancing the experience of customers, Metro’s Art in Transit Program supports the goals of the Strategic Transformation Plan to provide excellent service and promote regional partnerships.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
The artists use a range of mediums, drawing inspiration from various themes including nature, sustainability, equality, mythology, and folklore.
Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
Johab Silva, artist in residence.
The Unbroken Stone No. 1-6, explores the vital significance of natural resources in our modern era, reflecting on the processes of extraction and consumption and their implications for both present and future generations.
Anna Radjou
Sway, depicts a dreamy, surreal scene in which a girl has a moment of deep introspection while listening to the colorful forest around her, to help guide her on her journey of self-awareness, pride, confidence, and peace.
Anya Getter
City walk, inspired by the artist’s love of cities and all the "accidental art" they hold. Like an old building wall with peeling paint, graffiti and remnants of old posters makes a glorious piece of abstract art with a rich history.
Chica Brunsvold
Roundabout, begins with painting in a non-objective manner, freely splashing paint and making good use of textures and colors. The artist then looks for images. Most often whimsical birds appear and are enhanced so others can see what the artist sees.
Eleftheria Easley
Snippets of Conversation, inspired by the spontaneous beauty of scraps that accumulate on Eleftheria Easley's worktable and it serves as a playful reminder of how easily we can incorporate sustainable practices into our daily lives.
Mary Shand (1929-2003)
Untitled, Ambiguity, mystery - the enticer, exciter of life - how to express it and the pulse and energy, inexpressible but felt in all nature.
Untitled, paint flows to a center to express love and it sprang back alive in branching veining patterns of the artist and all of nature.
Pedro Ledesma III
Mr. T.J. Dingle at Longstreet's Deli, inspired by the photographer’s series Petersburg: A Rich (African) American History. After sighting a pink cowboy hat at a well-known bar named for a Confederate General in Petersburg, VA, there sat an amazing, inspiring, and brave T.J. Dingle.
Veronica Barker-Barzel
Tea Time, reflective of the places the artist has experienced and stimulated by her personal background. Her work resonates with a bit of Eastern European folklore, Greek mythology, and occasionally fused with her own version of urban surrealism.
MORE INFORMATION
Metro’s Art in Transit Program