Metro News Release
For immediate release: February 18, 2010
Public art approved for Farragut West and Takoma Metrorail stations
Metro works with community groups to select art
A Metro Board of Directors committee today, Feb. 18, approved two Washington-based artists’ proposals for public art that will be installed at the Farragut West and Takoma Metrorail stations in 2011. The full Metro Board is expected to approve the public art proposals on Feb. 25.
The artwork approved for the Takoma Metrorail station is by Washington-based artist, Sam Gilliam, who is best known nationally and internationally for his color field and abstract expressionist painting and sculpture. A large abstract mosaic tile mural designed by Gilliam will be installed in the underpass of the station entrance.
For his first public art commission, artist Michael Sirvet will create a series of low-relief, botanically-inspired aluminum and light sculptures that will be installed at the east Farragut West Metrorail station entrance at 17th and I Streets, NW. His work is currently included in numerous private collections both locally and nationally.
“We are overjoyed with the prospect of the Metro system featuring the work of one of Washington’s preeminent artists and the work of an artist with such promise,” said Michael McBride, Metro’s Art in Transit program manager. “One artist represents the District’s artistic legacy, and the other gives a glimpse of things to come.”
Metro worked closely with the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) and DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities (DCAH) to select the artwork. The Takoma Metrorail station art project is funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The Farragut West Metrorail station art project is funded by the Golden Triangle BID with matching funds from the DC Arts Commission.
Metro’s Art in Transit Program installs artwork throughout the Metrorail system to enhance the travel experience of Metro customers, and works with artists, community groups, government agencies and businesses to select and install artwork that captures the spirit and vitality of the region.
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News release issued at 12:25 pm, February 18, 2010.