Letter
Dear Mr. Myers:
In its public meeting of 22 January conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a final design submission for a new sculpture honoring Mamie “Peanut” Johnson by artist Rania Hassan, to be sited in the new plaza at the intersection of First Street, NE and Florida and New York Avenues, NE. While expressing strong support for the sculpture, the Commission did not take an action on the final design and provided the following comments.
In their review, the Commission members commented that the sculpture—featuring entwined red bands of metal representing both a medical caduceus and the stitching of a baseball—beautifully captures Johnson’s achievements in medicine and sport, and that it celebrates someone in the community who may not be well known. In their support for this concept, they recommended further articulating the entwining of the metal bands on both the inside and outside surfaces of the sphere, such as by scoring grooves to create a stronger sense of sculptural form. They also suggested further analysis of the spherical geometric composition, taking into consideration of weak points to ensure a smooth spherical surface and to avoid structural deformations.
The Commission looks forward to further review of this project which they asked be presented by the artist. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the development of the design.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Aaron Myers, Executive Director
D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities
200 I Street, SE, Suite 1400
Washington, DC 20003
cc: Brian Smith, NoMa BID
Rania Hassan, Artist