Metro News Release
For immediate release: February 17, 2006
Metro approves new art project at Dupont Circle
Congress Heights sculpture is being installed this week
The words of two famous poets will be carved in stone at one of Metro’s busiest stations before the end of spring.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Board yesterday approved having two poems etched in granite at the Dupont Circle station, located at Connecticut Avenue at Q and 19th Streets in Northwest Washington. The poems selected are Walt Whitman’s "The Wound-Dresser" from his 1876 book Leaves of Grass and "We Embrace" written by Howard University Professor E. Ethelbert Miller.
Mr. Miller’s poem will encircle a large round bench, which will be installed near the entrance of the station. The Whitman poem will be engraved in the granite circular entrance of the station.
The theme for the project was people who care for others suffering from devastating illnesses. A committee of community and local art and design professionals chose the two poems.
"I and others in the community picked these poems because they are reminders of the importance and significance of caring for those suffering from illnesses," said Jim Graham, Metro Board member and D.C. Council member. "We have been working on this project for three years, and it’s wonderful to see it move forward."
Metro began installing permanent pieces of art in rail stations in 1995. So far, 22 stations have art displays, including murals, mosaics, stained glass panels and sculptures.
Metro’s Art in Transit program aims to display artwork that captures the spirit and vitality of the region -- making travel by Metro more attractive and inviting.
Installation of the latest artwork is expected to be completed tomorrow at Congress Heights. The 22 foot high abstract, steel sculpture entitled "East of the River: Connections" was created by Anne Allardyce. It was inspired by the Anacostia River and will stand on a grassy knoll at the entrance of the station, located at Alabama Avenue and 13th Street in Southeast Washington.
The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities funded both projects. Metro is paying for the large circular bench at the Dupont Circle station at a cost of several thousand dollars.
THE WOUND-DRESSER
Thus in silence in dreams’ projections,
Returning, resuming, I thread my way through the hospitals;
The hurt and wounded I pacify with soothing hand,
I sit by the restless all dark night - some are so young;
Some suffer so much - I recall the experience sweet and sad...
Walt Whitman, from Leaves of Grass, 1876
WE EMBRACE
We fought against the invisible
We looked to one another for comfort
We held the hands of friends and lovers
We did not turn our backs
We embraced
We embraced
© E. Ethelbert Miller, 2005
News release issued on February 17, 2006.