(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser participated in a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for a new mural, curated by local artists, that recognizes the history of Tenleytown. The mural was commissioned through a Public Art Building Communities grant provided by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH).
“Through our Public Art Building Communities grant we are providing local artists with an opportunity to help shape the look and feel of neighborhoods throughout the city,” said Mayor Bowser. “Washington, DC is known for our iconic public art, and today, I am proud to celebrate the city’s newest work and the artists who created it.”
The mural entitled “Celebrating Tenleytown’s History: Past and Present,” is the result of a collaboration of two DC artists, mural artist Jarrett Ferrier and photographer Stephen Voss. It will be installed on south wall of Han Cleaners, the District’s oldest commercial building. During the planning process, Stephen Voss, who is also the grantee and project coordinator, worked closely with representatives from the local community, DC-based artists, and Ward 3 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners to determine appropriate placement and subjects represented.
“We believe in the power of public art to beautify, but also to honor our neighborhood’s history and to shine a light on parts of our area’s past that have been forgotten and to bring a community together to celebrate what’s most special and unique about Tenleytown,” said Voss.
The Public Art Building Communities annual grant opportunity is available for the design, fabrication, and installation of temporary or permanent public artwork that enhances District neighborhoods. Examples of how the grant can be used to bring public art to all eight wards include: sculpture, mosaics, murals, paving patterns, custom benches, and artistic railings.
The Mayor was joined at the dedication by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, National Park Service Superintendent Julia Washburn, and CAH Commissioner Alma Gates.
Residents who would like to inquire about public art in their neighborhood or submit a grant for the development of a new exhibit should contact the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities at (202) 724-5613 or dcarts.dc.gov.