It’s
not every day that a busy sidewalk on Connecticut Avenue becomes an
artist’s concrete canvas, but the Golden Triangle Business Improvement
District (BID) is doing just that with its “Explore Our Neighborhood in
Chalk” project, Monday, Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (If it rains, the
project will be moved back each day Aug. 6-8 until the weather permits.)
The
chalk mural will be drawn by Whitney Waller who will transform the Connecticut Avenue
Overlook into sidewalk scenery for commuters, office workers and
tourists to enjoy. The Connecticut Avenue Overlook is located at the top
of the Golden Triangle in the semi-circle above the underpass, near Dupont South Metro Station.
Whitney
Waller, of Virginia Beach, is currently a Bachelor of Fine Arts student
at the Corcoran College of Art + Design. She teaches for the
Corcoran’s Aspiring Artists and Camp Creativity programs. She is also
one of the Corcoran’s Summer Saturdays chalk artists, as she recreates
gallery pieces on the front steps. She has previously studied at the New
Orleans Academy of Fine Arts.
Waller
will use chalk to recreate iconic destinations that are located within
the 43 blocks of the Golden Triangle neighborhood, including the
National Geographic Museum, St. Matthew’s Cathedral, the Heurich House
Museum and the Tiny Jewel Box, located in a historic building on
Connecticut Avenue.
While
the chalk art project is temporary, the Golden Triangle BID has other
permanent public art displays that have made the central business
district one of the city’s most vibrant commercial areas. Last year, the
BID unveiled the second phase of the Connecticut Avenue median,
complete with colorful plants and a display of lights, pattern and
movement programs that change the avenue into a magical scene at night.
“This
chalk art project is part of the Golden Triangle’s ongoing effort to
create interest and add texture and excitement to Connecticut Avenue,”
said Leona Agouridis, executive director of the Golden Triangle Business
Improvement District. “We’re using this chalk art project to showcase
our treasured buildings, special events and numerous services. Our
public art program is another way we’re promoting vitality in this
neighborhood.”