A few weeks ago, DC released images of three finalists for a public art installation in Adams Morgan, for the newly created public plaza at Adams Mill and Columbia Road.

“Bicycle Musician” by James Simon:

“The ‘Bicycle Musician’ proposal creates a unique and spectacular large-scale sculpture for the Adams Morgan neighborhood. Depicting a well-dressed musician playing his guitar to the public, while perched on his bicycle. His bike’s basket overflows with shopping items such as fruits and vegetables, his soccer ball, and a friendly Dachshund.

The sculpture’s composition, like the neighborhood, is diverse, creating a local and international feeling while embracing past and present neighborhood cultures. The bike and music themes are perfect for the strong bicycle culture of Adams Morgan as well as its vibrant restaurant/bar nightlife. The shopping basket is a charming way to tie into the neighborhood’s local grocery stores and farmers’ markets. …

The artist is open to color or keeping the sculpture concrete.

“Sunflowers” by Michael Milbourne:

The “Sunflower” proposal captures the heart and soul of the people of Adams Morgan by embracing the full diversity and rich history of Adams Morgan residents and architecture. The sunflower is iconic in many cultures and connects the multicultural feel of Adams Morgan to its’ residents and visitors.

The sculpture’s composition will become a real joy for the residents and visitors of Adams Morgan; it is something fresh and vibrant while also providing a beautiful and relaxing place to meet. This sculpture is able to creatively combine both public safety and art together.

“Adamor Circle” by Owen Morrel:

The “Adamor Circle” proposal emanates from one circle, a circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere. It is separated into many circles or hoops. Each circle houses divergent organic shapes charged with motion, presence and metaphor. The overriding metaphor is one of forward motion, positive thought and development. Each shape has the potential to fit or join with the others to form a whole which is greater than the sum of its parts.

This work reflects the diverse and rich community history of Adams Morgan and can be used as a tool and a reminder to the community of the power that people posses to work together in concert as do the divergent elements of the sculpture.

What do you think of these proposals?

The “Bicycle Musician” seems to lack any public seating, while “Adamor Circle” contains many benches and plantings. “Sunflowers” also looks like it would accommodate seating, as we can see from the sketch showing people sitting on the flowerpot.

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Tagged: adams morgan, arts, dc, public art, public spaces

David Alpert created Greater Greater Washington in 2008 and was its executive director until 2020. He formerly worked in tech and has lived in the Boston, San Francisco Bay, and New York metro areas in addition to Washington, DC. He lives with his wife and two children in Dupont Circle.