Metro News Release

For immediate release: June 30, 2004

Artist makes a departure for Branch Avenue Metrorail station

" Departure" is exactly what customers will get when they exit the Branch Avenue Metrorail station on the Green Line. A colorfully painted metal and molded acrylic hanging sculpture suspended from the ceiling, " Departure" is the latest installation in the Metrorail system. The sculpture by Seattle artist Clark Wiegman creates an aesthetic pause for Branch Avenue station users. Residents from communities surrounding the station participated on the art review panel to select the artwork. The community wanted artwork installed in the station that would be fun to experience, especially for daily commuters. " The artist was able to do just that with a bright palette, whimsical shapes and animated patterns creating a constantly changing interplay of color and reflection," says Metro’s Art in Transit Manager Michael McBride. 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. The Art in Transit Program 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 June 30, 2004.