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Elwood Smith Recreation Center
610 Harrington Road at Mercer
1994 (ceramic tile)
Potomac, Maryland
Artist's Statement:
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area of Elwood Smith Recreation Center and Park most conducive to
public art was, in my view, the recreation center itself. Visible
from the path taken by commuters as well as from playgrounds, relatively
unobscured by foliage, and adjacent to the main parking lot is the
anchor of the park, the centerpiece for its intimacy. Moreover, its vast windowless walls afforded a white brick canvas that virtually demanded artistic cover. The walls needed something appealing to both the children who enjoy the facilities and the harried commuters who pass through it daily.
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Something to soften the harsh angularity of the building and bring the structure into better harmony with its graceful, organic surroundings. And finally, something strong, even bold, the ensure that the art
wasn't lost in Elwood Smith's 7.5 acres. The ceramic snake was designed
to achieve all the above objectives and yet also bring the viewer
and park into the piece itself with the addition of broken mirror
reflecting the observer, the sky and the surroundings. The mosaic
tile work combined with the snake motif provides, I hope, an eye-catching
blend of sophistication, color and fun. |