Congressional Art Competition Comes to Crystal City

Congressional Art Competition Comes to Crystal City
Art Abounds as Summer Rolls In

Crystal City (Arlington, VA) – The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is proud to announce the opening of a new art exhibit at 2011 Crystal Drive. In collaboration with Congressman Jim Moran’s office, 68 pieces from An Artistic Discovery: The Congressional Art Competition for the 8th District of Virginia are located in Crystal City and available for public viewing.

“We are happy to partner with Congressman Moran’s office to put these works on display in Crystal City,” Angela Fox, President and CEO of the Crystal City BID. “Art transforms spaces and places, which is what we are committed to in Crystal City. This show joins our Art Walls and other exhibits in celebrating that dedication.”

The Congressional Art Competition started in 1982 as an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation. Each spring the competition opens to all high school students with the overall winner from each participating district displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Since its debut nearly 30 years ago, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with this nation-wide competition.

The 68 pieces hung at 2011 Crystal Drive are a sampling of the 150 submissions received from students throughout the 8th District of Virginia. The remaining submissions are on display at the Arlington Art Center.

Art enthusiasts can take a short walk from An Artistic Discovery to 2231 Crystal Drive to see the Luminous exhibit by artist Anne Marchand. Luminous opened in March and, by popular demand, has been extended through July 30. Inspired by the combination of colorful images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and mystical poetry, Marchand’s use of mixed media, acrylic and incorporation of texture and translucent passages of paint help create a moving and reflective exhibition.

Artistic Discovery and Luminous add to a growing collection in Crystal City’s Art Walls gallery. Visitors can take a stroll around Crystal City to view other notable works from local artists that are installed throughout Crystal City. These works infuse color and character into the area while leading to fun, whimsical, and interesting spaces for Crystal City’s guests, residents, and employees.

Finally, for the remainder of the summer “Bucky Art” statues will be on display on the streets of Crystal City. Inspired by R. Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome, the statues add to the excitement surrounding Arena Stage’s upcoming presentation of R. Buckminster Fuller: THE HISTORY (and Mystery) OF THE UNIVERSE. A map showing the locations of Crystal City’s Art Walls and “Bucky Art” is available at www.crystalcity.org.

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The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) is a public-private partnership established in April 2006 to promote the vibrant Crystal City business, retail, restaurant and residential community. The BID is committed to showcasing the area as a world-class destination for visitors, employees and residents. Crystal City is ACTIVE, ARTFUL, ACCESSIBLE, and GREEN. For more information, visit www.crystalcity.org.