DC Artist's Colorful Design Will 'Harmonize' Viewers At Crystal City Metro Plaza

ARLINGTON, VA — Lisa Marie Thalhammer, a Washington, D.C. artist, submitted the winning design for the reimagined wall mural that will soon adorn the Crystal City Metro Plaza.

Back in June, the National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) whittled down its list of designers for the project to six area artists, including Thalhammer. BID's public art selection committee, which was made up of business, government and community stakeholders, voted unanimously for Thalhammer's design.

“I want to personally congratulate Lisa Marie on her winning design, which I’m excited to see come to life in National Landing this fall,” said Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, president and executive director of the National Landing BID, in a release. “As part of the BID’s ongoing mission to upgrade and activate public spaces in our community, we are hopeful that this project will make people feel welcome as they return to riding transit, while providing them with an impactful and attractive arrival into National Landing.”

D.C. resident Thalhammer is known for her 13-color rainbow “LOVE” mural located in Washington’s Blagden Alley. As a feminist activist and member of the LGBTQ+ community, she often aims to create works that share messages of strength and hope.

The winning design highlights Thalhammer's signature use of a "harmonious color spectrum," according to a release. The aim of the 25-color concept is to calm the viewer's nervous system, while bestowing a sense of wonderment.

“Inspired by explorations of subtle energy, my newest mural design entitled 'Harmonize' infuses the landscape with a spectrum of color, producing a pleasing meditative energy that embraces commuters in a hug of color,” Thalhammer said, in a release.

The bid is part of the National Landing BID and JBG Smith's efforts to enhance the existing plaza at the Crystal City Metro. The artwork will decorate metro plaza’s expansive west wall, which measures about 115 feet in length and 20 feet in height. Work is scheduled to be completed in late October.