Interactive Art Space Unveiled In Gaithersburg

City of Gaithersburg: Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman, Council Member Michael Sesma and members of the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee were joined by artist Steven Weitzman and David Ramsey, Vice President of Westbrook Properties, to officially unveil “Innovator Park,” the newest addition to the City’s Art in Public Places Program, during a dedication ceremony on July 17, 2019. The inspirational and meditative space is located at Olmstead Park, 215 Crown Park Avenue, in the Downtown Crown neighborhood.

Created by artist Steven Weitzman, the interactive space pays homage to the innovators, artists, musicians, and authors whose names are memorialized on street signs throughout the Crown community. Visitors are invited to discover their favorite inspirational quote etched in pavers on the site, which features seating areas and foliage to create a peaceful setting.

“This public art piece is intended to engage and lead to discovery and connectivity,” Weitzman said. “Each quote can be read individually, or if they are seen collectively, viewers will notice that the quotes are a letter to them, one of hope and perseverance, the hallmarks of innovation.”

Innovator Park is one of 27 distinctive installations that are a part of the Art in Public Places Program. Launched in 1997, the program fosters vitality in developing and redeveloping areas of the City while promoting arts and arts education.

“Gaithersburg is home to dozens of public art works that transform our streets, neighborhoods and parks into places of meaning and community engagement,” says Ashman. “This interactive space, which invokes the spirit of innovation and sends a message of encouragement, wisdom and determination, is a very fitting addition to our community.”

The project was funded by Westbrook Properties, master developer of Crown Farm.

The Art in Public Places Program (AIPP) features installations funded by either the Capital Improvement Plan process of the City budget or by developers as part of the site plan approval process. The Cultural Arts Advisory Committee advises about potential sites for installations of public art and works with City staff, the site’s developer and/or the surrounding community to select the artist and the artwork that is most appropriate for that location. By curating a dynamic collection of public works of art throughout the City, the program creates both a sense of place and pride for the Gaithersburg community. Learn more about the program and explore the collection here.

For more information on the Art in Public Places program call 301-258-6394 or visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov.