ArtistAnne Allardyce-Tully
East of the River: Connections
Date2006
MediumSteel
Dimensions15 × 11 1/2 × 11 in. (38.1 × 29.2 × 27.9 cm)
Credit LineDC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Metro in the Arts Program
Object numberDCCAH2006.255
ClassificationsSculpture
Locations
- Congress Heights Metro Station (13th St & Alabama Ave SE)
DescriptionIn 2003, local artist Anne Allardyce designed and created a sculpture for the Congress Heights Metro Station titled “East of the River: Connections.” In the past, Congress Heights has been described as one of the poorest areas in the District and was notoriously plagued by the phrase: “You cross the river, the doors close.” However, the residents who live there beg to differ on the matter, claiming that the community is interconnected “with a tradition of civic activism that brings people together over education, crime, transportation, economic development and other issues,” according to the Washington Post. Anne Allardyce captures the spirit of this community in her sculpture. The sculpture represents “connection” by depicting the interconnected world of the natural (represented by the river element) and the built world (the elements that bridge the river and create a gateway- from road systems to bus routes to metro lines). Allardyce stated that “coming across the river you are entering a real neighborhood-it is home…the station is a gateway across the river; the area is a gateway to the past and the future.” The doors are, in fact, open.
