Well, OK, the bridge is a real bridge. But none of the stonework on this
bridge is real. The Community Bridge mural project transformed this
plain concrete bridge in Frederick, Maryland, near Washington D.C., into the stunning illusion of an old stone
bridge. The entire structure was painted by hand by an
artist and his assistants, using advanced
trompe l'oeil ("deceive the eye") techniques. What is perhaps most unusual is that
the bridge contains ideas, symbols and stories contributed by
thousands of people from all over the
community,
across the country, and
around the world.
These co-creators
have made Community Bridge an
inspiring symbol of common ground.
The bridge has many unusual features and symbols,
and its imagery is rich with stories. There
is an archangel whose appearence is even more
deceptive than the bridge, and a fountain
that real birds occasionally try to land on. In this
web site you can explore the story of Community Bridge. You can also
learn how you can become a co-creator with the muralist. He is still
asking for creative ideas from visitors to this site, and he wants your
idea as well.
The five-year Community Bridge project culminated recently
with an extraordinary celebration event featuring multimedia,
music and dance.
Call 301-228-2888 for directions and more information on Community Bridge. The completion of Community Bridge signals the launch of the the next large-scale public artwork. Your participation will be invited. Watch this site for details, coming soon.
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