New public art installed at Rockville Town Square (Photos)

When life gives you a failing town center, make art. That's just what the City of Rockville and property owner Morguard have done with a large storefront that has been vacant for a painfully-long time at Rockville Town Square. The windows of what was to be HalfSmoke at 36-A Maryland Avenue are now hosting a new public art installation. "The LOVE Mural" was painted by artist Lisa Marie Thalhammer with assistance from members of the community during this month's Rockville Pride event.

"Together, we are painting this world a rainbow," a plaque near the mural states. "'The LOVE Mural' project honors the beautiful diversity of our world and connects us through the power of public art creation. Through love we can come together and solve our world's most challenging issues, empowering us to listen and value each other. By painting LOVE we celebrate each other and amplify positive energy authentically around the world, elevating respect and equity for all beings."

MCPS Countywide Art Show at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

Here are some of the exhibits displayed during the recent Montgomery County Public Schools Countywide Art Show at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The schools represented at the show included Ashburton Elementary School in Bethesda, Candlewood Elementary School in Derwood, and Germantown Elementary School. MCPS uses the annual art show to represent student talents, and illustrate the goals of its Visual Arts curriculum. "The visual arts promote the core competencies - Academic Excellence, Creative Problem-solving, and Social Emotional Learning - identified by MCPS as essential to prepare students for success in the 21st century," the school system explained in a description displayed alongside the artwork.

Public art installation complete at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

"Carpe Diem," the new public art installation at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. is now complete. Local artist Nicole Bourgea painted the mural, one of many she has been commissioned to create in the region. Get a close up view of the mural yourself on Level 2, outside of Minte.

New mural by local artist at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Westfield Montgomery Mall is adding public art to its indoor space. "Carpe Diem," a mural by local artist Nicole Bourgea, was in the process of being painted last night. It features two local symbols, the cherry blossom tree and the red-tailed hawk. The short bloom cycle of the cherry blossom and the lightning-fast, snatching attack of the predator hawk reflect the title of the work. Find out more about the artist on her website, and find the mural on Level 2, next to Minte.

Rock Grove shopping center gets new sign, art installation in Rockville (Photos)

A permanent tenant sign has been erected at the new Rock Grove shopping center at 16220 Frederick Road in Rockville. It lists the Comfort Inn hotel, interestingly, along with shopping center tenants Minerva Indian Cuisine, Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins, Luxury Nails and Atlas Pharmacy. Strangely, Qdoba Mexican Eats is not yet on the sign. The property also includes an office building.

Also new at the property is an art installation. It features a tree and soaring eagle, surrounded at the base by real landscaping. 

Public art unveiled at the Ansel apartments in Rockville Town Center (Photos)

Well, you can't say they didn't try to do something different with the public art installations at the new Ansel apartments at 33 Monroe Street in Rockville Town Center. Coverings were removed yesterday from the obelisks, which feature lighted, glowing panels that visually cite cameras, social media photo apps, and Hollywood films.

Among the icons displayed are the Death Star from Star Wars, the Polaroid instant camera, and the Instagram logo. A Regal Cinemas movie theater is within sight of the new obelisks, and they're obviously meant to be photographed for social media. With the unveiling of the art pieces, the sidewalk has reopened at the site.

Public art installed at Ansel apartments in Rockville Town Center (Photos)

Public art has now been installed at the new Ansel apartments at 33 Monroe Street in Rockville Town Center. Suspense remains in the air, however, as the art is about 95% under protective cover. The cover is also wrapped in police tape. Only the top parts are sticking out, but details such as a house are visible.

Sculpture commemorates Rockville's legendary Reed Brothers Dodge (Photos)

The Bainbridge Shady Grove apartment building now stands on the former site of the legendary Reed Brothers Dodge dealership at 15955 Frederick Road. But a sculpture now installed on the property pays tribute to the first Dodge dealer in Montgomery County history, and Dodge vehicles themselves. More than 20 feet high, and over 6 feet wide, the public art is inspired by 1939 Dodge headlamps, and the fender of a 1957 Dodge pickup truck.

There's a website that's a must-read if you are interested in learning more about Reed Brothers and Rockville history, or even Dodge vehicle history in general. Reed Brothers Dodge History 1915-2012 had an ongoing series about the design and installation of the sculpture.

Hemi Piston lamps line
the walkway outside

But you have to see it yourself at night for the full impact. Also look for the Hemi piston-inspired light fixtures that line the promenade leading to the Metro station.

Public art at The Upton in Rockville (Photos)

Here is a public art piece outside The Upton apartments in Rockville Town Center.