Mural on Columbia Pike | “Plant Yourself Beside the River”

A new - and the first-  mural on Columbia Pike was recently celebrated with a community gathering. Artist Rowan Bathurst presented her work ""Plant Yourself Beside the River" on the wall next to the Goodwill store. Her mural was inspired in part by poet Maya Angelou’s verse “On the Pulse of Morning.” The mural was commissioned by Arlington County Cultural Affairs in conjunction with the Columbia Pike Partnership.

Speakers included Ms. Bathhurst, County Board member Takis Karantonis, CPP executive Andrew Schneider, and Arlington Economic Development Office director Anna Nissinen and others. Catering was by Cafe Sazon, Red Bean Harvest Coffee, and there was a DJ and art activities for children. A large festive gathering welcomed this addition to the community.

Thanks to Tomora Wright, Josue Bastidas,  Thomas Vanater, Claudia Salazar, and Deirdre Ehlen McWilliams.

Photography by Lloyd Wolf.

Artist Rowan Bathhurst

Mural on the Pike- Process and progress

Artist Rowan Bathhurst was commissioned by Arlington Cultural Affairs and the Columbia Pike Partnership to create a mural reflecting  the vibrancy and diversity of the Pike community. She was chosen by a local committee and ideas for the mural were gathered from residents at the Pike farmer's market and other gatherings.

The mural was painted over a few weeks on the wall of the Goodwill store at the junction of Columbia Pike and South Four Mile Run.

Photography by Lloyd Wolf.