Strathmore, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Montgomery County Public Schools facilitate county-wide, curriculum-based art project providing students a chance to exhibit their work, enhance their community

WHAT           

On Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 2 p.m. partners Strathmore, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro), and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will unveil 39 new art installations designed by MCPS high school students along the new Grosvenor-Strathmore Arts Walk and on Strathmore’s campus. The 32 installations designated for the Arts Walk, all large-scale totems, will enhance the grounds of the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Parking Garage, providing a physical connection to the arts center while adding visual interest to enhance the experience of the thousands of commuters who use the station each day. The remaining 7 totems will be installed on Strathmore’s campus, adding to its popular sculpture garden.

The dedication ceremony will be attended by students and teachers involved in the project, as well as community leaders and members of Strathmore, Metro, and MCPS. 

The totems, all approximately 5-feet-6-inches high, were created in a county-wide, curriculum-based arts project for advanced ceramics students. 14 schools representing all sectors of the county participated in the project. Students worked in teams to develop a concept, renderings, a plan to execute their ideas, and, ultimately, worked to shape and fire the totems.

A panel composed of the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, members of the local arts community, Strathmore, Metro, and MCPS reviewed 82 proposals. 

The project encouraged student teams to extend their creativity and self-expression, yielding a variety of designs. Totems on view include abstract works and meticulous geometric designs, as well as thematic works inspired by Washington-area landmarks, Maryland, zodiac symbols, dice, and pets. 

Totems will stand for five years along the green space and existing walkway at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Parking Garage.

WHEN           
Thursday, June 16, 2016
2 p.m.

WHERE         
Reception and remarks will be held at the Strathmore Backyard Theater Stage, adjacent to the historic Mansion at Strathmore. After remarks, guests can peruse the Arts Walk at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Parking Garage.

Mansion at Strathmore
10701 Rockville Pike
North Bethesda, MD 208652

Parking available at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Garage, accessible from Tuckerman Lane. If using GPS, use the address for the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station—10300 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852.

CONTACTS  

Strathmore/Bucklesweet Media: Mike Fila, (202) 636-3503, mike@bucklesweetmedia.com

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: Metro Media Relations, (202) 962-1051

MCPS: Derek G. Turner, (301) 279-3853, Derek_g_turner@mcpsmd.org