3 Artists Vie To Design New Banners For Alexandria's Old Town North

Barnes, a Washington, D.C.-based muralist, teaching artist and sign maker, creates place-based work centered on communities' histories, cultures and identities. Her previous work includes six streetlight banners highlighting Southwest Washington.

Bradley-Tate, a Waldorf-based illustrator and graphic designer who previously lived in Alexandria for 10 years, specializes in architectural illustration, environmental graphics, banners and signage.

Hall, a longtime D.C.-area resident, has more than 20 years of marketing and graphic design experience. Her work includes murals, utility box wraps and children's book illustrations. She also has ties to Alexandria through her work as a marketing specialist on developments including Robinson Landing, The Oronoco and Old Town Commons.

The artwork shown during voting is intended to demonstrate each finalist's style rather than serve as a proposed banner design. The winner will work with the alliance to develop artwork specifically for Old Town North.

During the project's first phase, 18 to 20 banners will be installed on light poles along the district's main corridors. Organizers said the goal is to create a recognizable identity for the arts district while highlighting Old Town North's character and creativity.

The winning artist will be announced Sept. 19 during the annual Chalk-A-Block event at Current TideLock, 1055 N. Fairfax St. The project is being funded through community sponsorships, the Old Town North Alliance and a City of Alexandria grant.