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Art stroll along THE AVENUE: An overview of the artists and their works
THE AVENUE at White Marsh is proud to display the works of several
local artists throughout our shopping center. We invite you to share in
their inspiration during your next visit.
"Ravens Spirit” – Street Art – Jim Buckler, painter
Street art made its debut at THE AVENUE in the Fall of 2011 when we reached out to Jim Buckler, a local graphics painter, for his creative vision. The shopping center was looking for an opportunity to demonstrate its Ravens spirit, and the fresh energy of Mr. Buckler’s graphics was a perfect solution.
Mr. Buckler is a truly unique contemporary artist: his canvas is grass, and the results are eye-popping. Take a look at his work on the Facebook page of his company, Grass Graphics.
We didn’t have a patch of grass for Mr. Buckler to work on, so he tweaked his technique on a friend’s driveway and then went to work on our pavement. The result? An exciting new tradition was launched at THE AVENUE.
While the graphics of our street art will periodically change, the theme never will—unbridled support for our O’s and our Ravens. We invite local artists interested in sharing our team spirit and having their designs considered for painting to submit artwork to our Marketing Department at promotions@federalrealty.com.
“Flashies” – Kinetic Sculpture – Bob Benson, artist
If you’ve traveled through the Main Plaza recently, you may have noticed dancing lights on the pavement by day, and shimmering reflections in the trees by night. If you take a closer look, you’ll see some of the unique contemporary artwork that contemporary artist Bob Benson has titled “Flashies.”
“Flashies” are mobiles—fancy name, kinetic sculptures—made of mirrored pieces; there are more than 200 of these festive tree inhabitants along the sidewalks of THE AVENUE. Their creator, Mr. Benson, is a Maryland artist who specializes in a truly dazzling form of artwork: mirror art.
You can learn more about Mr. Benson and his shimmering artwork at his website: www.shinyhappythings.com.
Several pieces of Mr. Benson’s artwork are on display in the American Visionary Art Museum, including perhaps his most significant piece titled “The Universal Tree of Life”—a sparkling 20-foot tree made out of mirrors on display in front of the museum’s entrance, made in partnership with metal sculptor Rick Ames.
The American Visionary Art Museum is a truly unique place. It’s the official national museum and education center for intuitive, self-taught artistry in America, and it happens to be housed right here in Baltimore. Definitely worth a tour: www.avam.org.
“By Leaps and Bounds” – Statue – William F. Duffy, sculptor
A joyful work of art that depicts a young boy and girl playing with their dog, sculptor William F. Duffy was commissioned to create a statue in memory of R. McLean “Mac” Campbell—past President and Chairman of Nottingham Properties. It was commissioned in accordance with the Center’s original architectural design.
The statue was dedicated in December 1998 and honors Mr. Campbell’s vision and commitment to make the community of White Marsh a place for families to live, work, play and shop together. You’ll find the statue located outside of Old Navy.
“Family Stroll” – Statue – William F. Duffy, sculptor
A second statue created by William F. Duffy was added to THE AVENUE in May 2003. This whimsical representation of a mother duck leading her ducklings on a day’s outing was designed in memory of Paula L. Assero, the Center’s first General Manager.
Paula’s tremendous dedication, enthusiasm and attention to detail helped THE AVENUE fulfill Nottingham Properties’ vision for an exciting family destination. The arrival of the duck families every spring is a timeless tribute to Paula’s spirit. Look for this delightful sculpture near the small fountain located in Cattail Terrace outside of Chili’s.
Mr. Duffy’s exhibition roster is impressive, and includes major museums and galleries nationwide. You can learn more about his remarkable career as an artist and view his extensive body of work at www.williamduffy.com.
