A long, hard journey is coming to an end for a group of about 1,800 African-Americans who drew their last breathe during the Civil War. By the end of April next year, the site of Freedmen’s Cemetery on South Washington Street in Alexandria will have become the “Contrabands and Freedmen’s Cemetery Memorial.”
A highlight of the memorial will be a three-piece sculpture. This afternoon the Alexandria Office of the Arts hosted a “Meet the Artists” event at the Durant Arts Center at 16o5 Cameron Street.
The three finalists are Erik Blome of Crystal Lake, Illinois, Mario Chiodo of Oakland, California, and Edward Dwight of Denver, Colorado. Each artists spoke briefly about their goals and inspirations. Blome and Chiodo drew on more abstract themes. Dwight’s sculpture reflects a more specific approach.
Beginning Monday, and through August 6th, the public can visit the three proposals at the Durant Center and submit comments to the Alexandria Center for Arts. The winning artist will be announced in September.
Cheryl Anne Colton, Regional Program Director for the Office of Arts, informed the turnout of about 20 that the art is funded and on schedule.
These nice ladies provided light refreshments. With temps in the triple digits, right on time!
Ed Dwight's gets my vote. His offering is quite remarkable.
He used these photos of descendants.
There was a gas station and small offices here. Soon, a gateway landmark and a peaceful place for the departed.
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