FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Art on the Block http://www.artontheblock.net

Jenny Carden, Organizer

Washington Parks & People, Josephine Butler Parks Center,

2437 15th St., NW, Washington, DC, 20009

Phone: 202-746-0943 Email: artonthebock@4dmap,net

The Hollywood Walk of Fame comes to Washington DC

Streets in NE Washington are beginning to sparkle as artists honor over 200 residents.

Washington, D.C. – July 26, 2004 – An ambitious heritage art project called Art on the Block provides low-income neighborhoods with a local version of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Community pride has been bloomed through this collaborative effort, involving neighborhood residents of all ages and D.C. artists at the Washington Parks and People Riverside Center in NE Washington. A core team of 10 artists have already taught over 134 DC residents the art of mosaics.

535 feet of street curbs on Nannie Helen Burroughs and Division avenues in NE D.C. are being decorated with stars and names—including famous residents such as Byron Leftwich (Jacksonville Jaguars), Orlando Brown (Baltimore Ravens) and Marcus Spriggs (Green Bay Packers) and everyday residents such as Nakia, Tiara, Diamond, Moe and Tyrell. In addition, a new youth café and Marvin Gaye Park are being decked out with mosaic trees, rivers, people and musical notes. The mosaics are created from 95% recycled materials, such as car keys, CDs, sea shells and antique plates.

Sponsored solely through a $4,000 DC Commission on Arts and Humanities grant, the group has arranged an additional $15,100 in material donations by individuals. Craig Duckworth of Arc Stone II donated granite from over 28 countries, while Custom Building Products provided all the installation materials. Fused-glass pieces were given by artists from MD, VA, NY, and DC.

The group prides itself on creating a viable alternative to the traditional town-square statues of historical figures riding horses. “It’s not just the heroes on TV who accomplish heroic things. The project is about realizing what a colossal impact the people around you can have in your life on a daily basis” says, founder Jenny Carden.

Workshops are open to the public. Wednesdays (6-8pm) and Saturdays (11am-4pm) until August 28^th.

Press are encouraged to attend this Saturday’s July 31^st workshop (12am-3pm)

Final Celebration 3pm September 18^th, 2004: 5200 Foote Street NE (near Division Ave and Nannie Helen Burroughs) Directions: http://www.artontheblock.net/visit.html
Photos: http://www.artontheblock.net/photos.html

For information: http://www.artontheblock.net

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