Letter
Dear Mr. Gittens:
In the meeting of 19 October, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the proposed sculpture "Celebration" by Esther Wertheimer for the Eastgate Senior Residence at Anacostia Road and B Street, SE. The Commission concluded that no formal action would be appropriate since the sculpture was already at a final design stage after extensive review by a community committee. However, the Commission recommended that the project include a circular base, as originally proposed by the artist, rather that the triangular base that was presented.
The Commission members discussed the need for an improved consultation process for projects sponsored by your agency, commenting that the community design review process, while useful, should not be the sole determinant of public art installations. They requested that the Commission and its staff be consulted during earlier phases of the process including site selection, artist selection, and early refinement of the concept.
The Commission looks forward to reviewing future projects for your agency. As always, the Commission staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Anthony Gittens, Executive Director
D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities
410 Eighth Street, NW, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20004