Metro News Release

For immediate release: May 18, 2004

Light Rail arrives at Suitland Metrorail station

" Light Rail" is in the air at the Suitland Metrorail station where the stainless steel and light-weight tempered plastic moving sculpture was installed inside the Green Line station this month.

Colorado-based artists George Peters and Melanie Walker designed the colorful piece to move like a large mobile, as a result of both natural wind and the wind currents created by the passage of trains through the station.

The permanent piece spans across the 250-foot-causeway of the station and is suspended above the heads of passersby. The wind-driven circular movement of the sculpture was designed to evoke images of spinning train wheels on suspended tracks. " Light from the overhead skylight will reflect on the piece’s panels to recreate an array of subtle flashing color along the length of the station’s mezzanine," said Michael McBride, Manager of Metro’s Art in Transit Program. Metro’s Art in Transit Program installs artwork throughout the Metrorail system to enhance the travel experiences of Metro customers. Metro works with artists, community groups, government agencies, and businesses to develop art projects that make public transportation and neighborhoods more attractive and inviting. Metro customers enjoy safe and dependable transit while their travel is enhanced by the beautiful murals, sculpture, and other artwork on display at Metro stations.

Mr. McBride works with area communities to support art projects that reflect their artistic and cultural interests " offering transit customers a glimpse of daily life in the region.

News release issued on May 18, 2004.