Letter
Dear Mr. Gittens:
In its meeting of 15 February, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the proposed concept design for the "Species of Anacostia Park" stained glass kiosk by Hazel Rebold for a site located at the corner of Pennsylvania and Fairlawn Avenues, SE. The Commission recommended approval of the concept, subject to confirmation by a quorum at the March meeting.
The Commission expressed appreciation for the beauty of the stained glass and the educational potential of the subject matter but questioned the use of stained glass as a freestanding element, noting that it is typically placed within a building. The Commission members recommended further study of the form and detailing of the supporting structure, suggesting that it could have the character of a park pavilion rather than a bus shelter. The commission members also questioned the appropriateness of siting this finely scaled artwork at a busy traffic intersection; they encouraged your agency to work with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation in addition to the Department of Transportation to ensure the best possible site for the art.
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