Visionary Artist Needed to Design Art Installation for Downtown

Downtown Silver Spring and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County are teaming up to commission a public art display.

The new project will be in celebration of the holidays, according to Peterson Companies, the management company for downtown Silver Spring.

The 20-feet by 30-feet tall holiday tree will be constructed and installed next to the mosaic tile fountain on Ellsworth Drive. The artist is tasked with designing and creating the tree with an eclectic mix of recycled materials, incorporation of the supplied power sources and standing property structures, such as the light posts and seating areas.

“Silver Spring is a dynamic, creative and environmentally-conscious community and we will celebrate that throughout the holiday season.” Dan Figueroa, senior property manager, Peterson Companies said. “We expect that, year after year, residents and visitors will anxiously anticipate Downtown Silver Spring‘s distinctive holiday display.”

Sustainability is major part of this new project and will ultimately decide the winning artist.

"The Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County celebrates Downtown Silver Spring's initiative to engage artists to create an ecologically sensitive work of art that will instill pride and joy in the residents and businesses of Silver Spring during the holiday season,” Suzan Jenkins, CEO, Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County said. “We look forward to welcoming this new artistic tradition to the community!"

Applications must be submitted by Monday, July 16, 2012 and an artist will be chosen shortly after on July 30. Artists interested in submitting a proposal should visit http://creativemoco.com/public-art/silver-spring-holiday for more information.