Letter
Dear Mr. Gittens:
In its meeting of 15 February, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the proposed concept design for the mosaic mural project by Byron Peck for the Lamond Recreation Center, located at 20 Tuckerman Street, NE. The Commission declined to take formal action due to concerns about the site selection and appropriateness of the art.
The Commission members expressed their strong support for public art and appreciated the technique of the proposed mosaic. However, the Commission questioned the placement of such a finely scaled artwork at an elevated location where viewers will have difficulty appreciating it from the ground. The location is also visible from nearby streets with significant traffic, suggesting that art at this location should be scaled for legibility from vehicles.
The Commission members also questioned whether the location and design of the artwork would contribute to the aesthetic strength of the existing building. They suggested that the artwork be considered earlier in the architectural design process to assure a harmonious result and whose composition is more sympathetic to the architecture of its setting.
The Commission reiterates its support for the efforts of the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities to beautify public buildings with art and continues to request an improved consultation process between your agency and the Commission staff so that design issues can be raised at an earlier stage in the process.
The Commission looks forward to reviewing the revised concept. As always, the 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, Fifth Floor
Washington, DC 20004