'Warmth And Water' Mural Unveiled At Lake Anne Elementary School

RESTON, VA — On Aug. 16, Public Art Reston unveiled “Water and Warmth,” a new mural at Lake Anne Elementary School.

Artist Shawn James of Mural Masters created the artwork, with the help and input of the school’s students and staff members, as well as the support of Public Art Reston.

“We are very pleased to have had this opportunity to deliver a beautiful and meaningful mural to Lake Anne Elementary School,” said Maggie Parker, chair of the Public Art Reston Board. “The students, the teachers and Fairfax County Public School were so supportive working collaboratively with Public Art Reston and the artist.”

Parker was joined by a gaggle of local dignitaries who came to help celebrate the occasion. These included Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter L. Alcorn; Leila Gordon, executive director of the Reston Community Center; and Pat Macintyre, artist and owner of Reston Art Gallery & Studios at Lake Anne. They were joined by LAES principal Jill Stuart and teachers Makenzy O’Flynn and Tasha Simmons.

Following the unveiling ceremony, children decorated the covers of notebooks with stickers and markers.

“It was a hot day, and the children had so much fun,” Macintyre said. “They used almost every single sticker. Some of them even wrote a story in it and made a sketchbook. There was also a musician on site.”

The permanent installation of “Water and Warmth” was made possible by an ArtsFairfax project grant and a donation from Mark and Cathy Baum. The installation is part of Public Art Reston’s mission to enhance the community with public art that inspires both younger and older generations.