Up for grabs: some rather large spheres.
The word on the Main Street is that preparations at 4250 Connecticut Avenue for the arrival of MOM’s Organic Market in early 2023 include moving the main entrance for the building’s offices to the center courtyard. And that will require moving a sculpture grouping that now occupies the space.
The Music of the Spheres was commissioned by 4250’s first owner, Fannie Mae, from artist Martha Jackson Jarvis, fabricated by Eight Brothers Development, and dedicated in 2003. Bernstein Management, the building’s next owner, was going to move the spheres to the UDC campus during a facade and landscaping renovation that never occurred. Bernstein instead sold the property to the university in 2018.
Now, UDC is undertaking a renovation which includes constructing a new, ADA-compliant main entrance.
The renovation is imminent, so any institution or private collector with an interest in the sculpture is encouraged to contact Van Ness Main Street ([email protected]) as soon as possible to coordinate with UDC. The collector would need to cover the cost of removing and moving the spheres, including any necessary permits.
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Barbara Kraft says
The work of Martha Jackson Jarvis should be treasured and preserved. Why not roll the spheres further out onto Connecticut Ave. and spread them out in front of the UDC Student Center? How about around Jackson-Reed H.S. or in and around the new MLK, Jr. Library? How about asking the Park Service to install them at Fort Reno?
The FHC article suggests time is of the essence. How is it that planning for care and moving of the spheres hasn’t already happened? Has UDC or the city approached citizens groups to raise money to re-locate the spheres? It seems the DC Commission on Arts and the Humanities should take a leadership role here.
Rebecca Stevens says
I agree that the DC Commission on the arts should get involved. Martha Jackson Jarvis is one of DC’s most important contemporary artists! This work must be saved.
The sculpture is huge and needs a big space to be properly presented. I would love to have them in my collection but I am don’t have the expansive yard needed.
Jackson Payne says
Those spheres are legendary. As a UDC alumni from the early 2000s, it would be great if the spheres moved to the student center or near the auditorium
David W says
Or just to the open space in the center of the campus — I think plenty of room there.
Tess says
I love these sculptures! I hope that UDC takes them — it would be so great if they could stay in the neighborhood
Barbara Kraft says
I wrote to the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities; the chairman said they’d look into it.
Bonita says
Really the barren inner court yard at UDC could certainly accommodate these fabulous sculptures. Come on UDC you can do better then throw up your hands .
Barbara Kraft says
Bonita, thanks for your comment! Please email the DC Commission on Arts and the Humanities and ask them to do exactly what you suggest – move them to the inner courtyard.
You can speak at the upcoming meeting of the Commission on Sept. 28, 2022, at 5:30pm, by signing up here: https://dcarts.dc.gov/node/1615706
You can email Reggie Van Lee, the Commission Chairman, at https://dcarts.dc.gov/node/1107164
Thanks.