Dignitaries and Business Community Praise D.C.’s Newest Public Art Works as They are Officially Unveiled in the Golden Triangle

WASHINGTON, D.C.–June 24, 2015– The heart of D.C.’s business and commercial neighborhood has a new look because of two inspiring pieces of public artwork. The dynamic light art pieces retrofit the parks’ existing infrastructure with energy efficient color-changing LEDs, a water-soaked prism of stainless steel mesh, and the radio recordings of legendary CBS News journalist Edward R. Murrow.

The Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, in partnership with the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the National Park Service, spearheaded the art projects to add to the natural beauty of Monroe and Murrow Parks. Both are U.S. National Parks and are located along Pennsylvania Avenue.

“Tricorne” incorporates water, color and optical effects to create a dynamic visual experience at James Monroe Park at Pennsylvania Ave. between 20th and 21st Streets NW. A triangular prism structure created from hand woven stainless steel mesh trickles with water during the warm months and is transformed into a luminous screen at night through colorful LED lighting all year around. The work pays homage to the park’s namesake, James Monroe, as well as demonstrates a playful interaction with Edward R. Murrow Park down the street through the lighting programming.

“Murrow’s Mic” is the light art piece at Murrow Park on Pennsylvania Ave. between 18th and 19th Streets NW. The installation transforms eight existing lanterns with color changing LED lighting to create an impactful and elegant effect. Subtle shifts in the color programming are based on World War II radio broadcast recordings of Murrow, a legendary CBS News journalist.

D.C.-based artist Duilio Passariello designed both pieces. He has been working with outdoor lighting projects for more than 35 years; his installations appear throughout the world.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for both pieces, which took place today, featured remarks by Councilmember Jack Evans; Bob Vogel, Director, National Capital Region, National Park Service; Lisa Richards Toney, Interim Executive Director, D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities; and Kathryn Clement, Chair, Golden Triangle BID.

The Golden Triangle has been leading an effort with the District to redesign the Pennsylvania Ave. corridor west of the White House with wider sidewalks, a separated bicycle lane, rain gardens, a double row of trees, new seating, expanded parks and free Wi-Fi.

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About the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District

The Golden Triangle BID is a non-profit organization that works to enhance D.C.’s Central Business District from the White House to Dupont Circle and 16th Street NW to New Hampshire Avenue NW. The BID’s primary focus is to provide a clean, safe, and friendly environment within its 43 blocks of public space for area workers, local residents and visitors. www.goldentriangledc.com

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) provides grant funds, programs and educational activities that encourage diverse artistic expressions and learning opportunities, so that all District of Columbia residents and visitors can experience the rich culture of our city. For more information on DCCAH visit: www.dcarts.dc.gov. As a program of DCCAH, the DC Creates Public Art program provides high quality art installations and administrative support services for the public so they can benefit from an enhanced visual environment. The program purchases, commissions and installs public art throughout the District of Columbia to cultivate dynamic, vibrant and nurturing communities through the use of art and design. For more information on DC Creates Public Art visit: http://dcarts.dc.gov/service/public-art-collections.

 

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Adam Shapiro
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