Home > Newsroom > Golden Triangle Unveils Latest Public Art Project at 19th Street Rain Gardens
WASHINGTON, D.C.–November 2, 2015–On Friday, November 13, at one of DC’s busiest intersections, the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District will unveil four wooden sculptures designed by local artist Foon Sham. The public will have the opportunity to meet the artist on-site from noon – 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. Located in the urban rain gardens on all four corners of 19th and L Streets NW, these sculptures are the first in a new series of temporary art in the rain gardens, which will rotate on an annual basis.
Built from more than 3,700 pieces of wood, the sculptures resemble vessels used to collect water, and are symbolic of the function of the rain gardens, which is to keep excess rainwater from entering the sewer system. “The sculptures bring natural elements to an unexpected place. They complement the function of the rain garden and contrast the busy urban intersection,” said Sham.
“Thousands of people walk by this busy intersection on a daily basis; we wanted to catch their eye with this unexpected art so they will take a moment to stop and enjoy the beautiful space. This project supports our greater goal to add visual diversity and interest to the public realm,” explains Executive Director Leona Agouridis.
The four rain gardens at 19th & L Streets NW can filter tens of thousands of gallons of runoff annually by capturing rainfall and controlling the storm water overflow. They were built by the Golden Triangle BID in partnership with the District Department of Energy & Environment, with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 319 Program.
The new sculptures are not the first public art pieces in the Golden Triangle; the BID continuously adds color and texture throughout the neighborhood. Past projects include artistic lights along the Connecticut Avenue Median, art on the walls of the entrances to the Farragut North and Farragut West Metro stations, six artistic bike racks throughout the neighborhood, and most recently, light art at Murrow and Monroe Parks.
About the Artist: Foon Sham is a DC-based sculptor and professor of Art at the University of Maryland, College Park. He has had dozens of solo and group exhibitions around the world and has received many awards and fellowships. His exhibitions have been reviewed by prestigious national and international publications. http://www.foonsham.com/
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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
MEDIA CONTACT: Adam Shapiro Adam.Shapiro@ASPR.bz 202-427-3603
