Letter
Dear Ms. Scales:
In its meeting of 17 March, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved the proposed concept by artist Kent Bloomer for the public art installation on the New York Avenue bridge over the railyard east of First Street, NE, expressing enthusiastic support for this enhancement of a major gateway for the central area of Washington.
In their discussion, the Commission members considered whether the two segments of the archway on opposite sides of the road should be aligned or offset as proposed to follow the diagonal alignment of the viaduct structure. Acknowledging the various aesthetic and structural issues involved, they expressed a preference for the offset alignment and concluded that the artist should determine the best solution in coordination with the D.C. Department of Transportation.
The Commission commends the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities for engaging an artist of this talent and prominence for the District's public art program. As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Ayris Scales, Interim Director
D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities
1371 Harvard Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
cc: Kent Bloomer, Kent Bloomer Studio
Ali Shakeri, D.C. Department of Transportation