Public Art At Hyattsville Branch Library
Exterior Artwork Title: Update to the Flying Saucer, 2022
ARTIST STATEMENT
The art installation at the Hyattsville Library is centered around the flying saucer which was part of the original library structure. A 25 foot mosaic sits under the flying saucer and depicts a fictional galaxy. This is surrounded by blue rings with 12 colorful orbs representing objects in the galaxy. This is an interactive piece and the orbs double as seating.
I work with the premise that there is something that animates the physical world. My work is a search to bring into the material dimensions of consciousness. I hope to offer a connection to our inner world of fluid experience.
Currently my focus is to translate this sensation into sculptures and installations and explore the movement between the material and immaterial worlds. Meditative states influence my work and my intention is to have the work shift the energy of place and our understanding of ourselves within space.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
VALERIE THEBERGE
Valerie graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute, where she majored in painting and drawing. She moved to China to study the Chinese language and Chinese painting. She received a certificate in Chinese painting in 1992. Her art career took her to Hong Kong where she trained with British artists and specialized in mosaics.
While in Hong Kong Valerie studied Asian culture and obtained her Master's degree from the University of Hong Kong in 1999. Valerie has worked on projects in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, India, and the United States. She currently works in her studio located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Interior Artwork Title: Hyattsville Connecting the Faces of History, 2022
ARTIST STATEMENT
Development of the project began with extensive research regarding the history of Hyattsville, Maryland using online as well as printed material. I reviewed reference materials from old newspaper articles, books, photographs and websites. I contracted with a photographer for images of current members of the community. Using photoshop software, I created a border design with historical images of townspeople, architecture, in addition to current residents, along with typography, words and sentences to illustrate Hyattsville's story.
The collage started with bonding parts of worn tattered and textured paper to the 5 canvases while focusing on the juxtaposition of color, pattern and size placement. White chalk and clay paint were then used to cover the entire canvases to achieve visual unity. I then drew random pencil patterns on each canvas. Decorative tissue paper was then bonded to the canvases using mod podge. The border design was digitally enlarged and printed onto the canvases. The remaining current photographs of residents were printed on a linen paper to achieve a warm effect and were artfully placed on each canvas.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
CURTIS WOODY
Curtis studied Commercial Art and earned an Associate Degree at Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, Virginia. Since the 1980s he has focus entirely on his fine art career exhibiting extensively in countless juried art festivals on the east coast, the mid-west and in selected group exhibitions.
As a mixed media collage painter, Curtis draws inspiration from historical connection points that join together individuals, families, generations and communities. He creates highly textured and intricately detailed original art pieces that are intended to breathe new life into and enhance the unique characteristics of a common historical heritage. His paintings are research-based collages with layers fabricated in a variety of ways. He highlights impactful images and also pays close attention to minute details. He uses an assortment of found objects, combined with a variety of artistic mediums. The meaning of the attached elements often becomes clearer to him as they are assembled.
Curtis' collage paintings are in corporate, government, museum and private collections in Africa, Europe and throughout the USA. He is a Prince George's County resident with a 50-year long career of creative pursuits. Curtis is presently represented by Zenith Gallery of the Nation's Capital and Callery Serengeti in Capitol Heights, Maryland.
COMMISSIONED BY the Prince George's County Government Art in Public Places program in partnership with the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council, Prince George's County Memorial Library System and the Office of Council Member Deni L. Taveras, District 2.
AIPP Panel: Carol Rhodes Dyson, Leland E. Edgecombe, Eric Key, Olivia G. Miller, Alec Simpson
Project Manager: Rhonda Dallas, PGAHC
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
For more information contact :
RHONDA DALLAS, CEO & CHIEF CURATOR
Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council
