The Observer Newspapers | Public Art Project Discussed

June 6, 2008

Public Art Project Discussed

By Leslie Perales
Observer Staff Writer

More than 100 people attended a public forum last week to learn more about creating art in Reston's public spaces. The Initiative for Public Art—Reston, which organized the May 29 event, formed to inspire the community to work together to help create a master plan for public art in Reston.

Joe Ritchey, president of IPAR's board of directors, said Reston has always embraced art and it should be made available to everyone. It was Bob Simon's vision to include art throughout the community and was something he sought after even in the architecture, Ritchey said.

"Of Bob's seven founding principals, four emphasize art and beauty in public spaces," Ritchey said. "The concept of bringing art into public spaces was less fulfilled in other parts of Reston and that's exactly why the Initiative for Public Art—Reston, or IPAR, was formed."

Though many other communities in the United States have public art master plans, Reston would be the first unincorporated town in the country to have one, Ritchey said. "IPAR is working to develop a world-class, public art master plan that continues to enhance, for future generations, Reston's excellence as a place to live, work and play," he said.

The IPAR board of directors has hired Todd Bressi and Meridith McKinley, experts in urban design, planning and public art, as consultants for the project. They have already met with hundreds of community members, including the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, Reston Association and the Reston Town Center Association.

Bressi said in his previous projects it was important that the art be fun, playful and surprising. "The principle that speaks to me is the principle that people who live in Reston should have access to the arts and cultural resources," Bressi said of Simon's founding principles. He said Reston is full of "people who have big ideas and are not afraid to take risks," but community involvement is key to bringing in art that will be widely appreciated and enjoyed.

McKinley showed photographs of different types of art projects she has worked on in other places throughout the country, and she explained that the type of art used can be determined by a variety of factors including place, culture, history or science.

Angela Adams, who works with Arlington County's cultural affairs and art programs, also spoke to the crowd about the experiences of Arlington County's public art program. Speakers and members of IPAR addressed audience questions at the end of the forum. Many asked about finer details, such as funding resources and decision-making. Ritchey said having a master plan will not only get input from the community, but also will help the group focus on those necessary details.