Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council Unveils Landmark Public Art Installation at the Downtown Largo Metro Station
The Perennials Light Up the Blue Line Corridor, Highlighting Resilience, Community, and Environmental Care
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Largo, Maryland – June 9, 2025
On June 17, 2025, the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) Art in Transit Program will unveil The Perennials, a new landmark public art installation at the Downtown Largo Metro Station. Created by internationally award-winning digital scenographer Anaitté Vaccaro, this inaugural installation is made from recycled plastic and incorporates smart city technology along with solar-powered infrastructure. As the first of five public artworks planned along the Blue Line Corridor this year, it is part of a broader cultural and economic development effort in Prince George's County. The goal of this initiative is to drive economic growth, create new housing, generate jobs and amenities for residents, and foster equity throughout the County.
Commissioned by PGAHC through a Maryland State Capital Grant and curated by CEO and Chief Curator Rhonda Dallas, The Perennials stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It encourages Metro riders, residents, and visitors to explore themes of growth, belonging, and collective resilience. Through light and form, the installation integrates interactive design and eco-friendly technology to enhance daily experiences, highlighting the connections between people, places, and the natural environment.
"The Perennials are a reflection of our collective journeys: how we carry our roots, our resilience, and our capacity to bloom in new soil," said artist Anaitté Vaccaro. "I wanted to create a space that invites people not just to engage with the work but to feel part of it. This installation weaves beauty with public service, using light, form, and technology to reimagine how art can live in our everyday landscapes. I'm deeply grateful to PGAHC and the WMATA Art in Transit Program for making this work possible, and the local community for welcoming this work and helping to bring this vision to life."
Constructed with environmentally responsive materials and powered entirely by solar energy, The Perennials promotes climate resilience, clean energy awareness, and community well-being. This installation showcases Prince George's County's leadership in blending arts and culture with sustainable infrastructure while highlighting how communities can adapt and thrive in a changing environment. With its thoughtful design, The Perennials sparks meaningful discussions about ecological justice and our collective capacity to create a healthier, more prosperous future.
"This is a passion project intersecting creativity and the environment. It is a testament to the power of public art to uplift, educate, and connect," said Rhonda Dallas, PGAHC CEO and Chief Curator. "The Perennials reflects the heart of our mission—to embed the arts into the daily lives of Prince Georgians while fostering environmental awareness and a shared sense of place. As the lead agency for public art along the Blue Line Corridor, PGAHC is proud to champion projects that inspire community resilience and promote wellness for all."
As the driving force behind the Blue Line Corridor’s public art strategy and the agency that commissioned The Perennials, PGAHC remains committed to leveraging the arts to stimulate economic growth and improve community well-being. With each new work, PGAHC reaffirms its dedication to positioning Prince George's County as a national model for creative placemaking and cultural vitality.
For more information, visit www.pgahc.org or www.wmata.com/artintransit.
About PGAHC:
The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council is the county’s legislative arts agency, dedicated to enhancing the county’s diverse creative economy through sustainable and equitable programs, advocacy, education, and financial support. Through strategic investments, cultural preservation, and innovative programming, PGAHC promotes a thriving creative ecosystem and ensures that the arts remain an integral part of everyday life.
About Anaitté Vaccaro:
Anaitté Vaccaro is an internationally acclaimed digital scenographer whose work bridges art, technology, and public engagement. Her immersive installations have been featured across the globe, recognized for their transformative impact and unique integration of narrative, light, and interactivity.
About WMATA’s Art in Transit Program:
The Art in Transit Program works with visual and performing artists, other arts professionals, architects, engineers, community organizations and representatives, and jurisdictional arts councils to develop projects and performances that reflect the spirit and vitality of communities served by Metro.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kisha Mason
Deputy Director, PGAHC
kmason@pgahc.org
301.605.2009