Famed Artist Lends Talent to National Harbor

Business Wire,  March 17, 2008  

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Albert Paley Visits NH for Installation of Entrance Sculpture

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- Internationally renowned artist Albert Paley will oversee the completion of his 85ft. corten steel sculpture at the entrance to National Harbor on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 beginning at 11a.m. The artist, along with National Harbor developer Milt Peterson, will be on hand as the assembly of the sculpture is completed. Named "The Beckoning," the abstract sculpture symbolizes the exciting emergence of the new city rising from the banks of the Potomac River. At 12:30 p.m. Paley will help install another of his works at National Harbor, one of two 4,500lb. stainless steel eagles with wingspans of some fourteen feet each that will appear to be soaring over the Potomac atop 60ft. poles. The Eagles will soon be named in a contest between Forte Foot Elementary School and Oxon Hill Elementary School in Prince George's County.

A working artist for over 30 years, Paley is the first metal sculptor to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Institute of Architects, the AIA's highest award to non-architects. His works can be seen around the country with two major works in Washington, D.C.; the Portal Gates for the Smithsonian Institution's Renwick Gallery as well as a commission for the National Cathedral. His pieces can also be found in the permanent collections of museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and the British Museum in London.

Helping to fulfill National Harbor's commitment to making National Harbor a regional epicenter of public art, Paley's works will join Seward Johnson's recently transported statue, "The Awakening" as signature pieces of the community. The work of artists from Prince George's County, including Steven Weitzman, Cheryl Foster and Norman Green, will also be installed at National Harbor in the upcoming weeks.

Throughout the coming seasons, National Harbor will begin to 'awaken' its waterfront by launching its water taxi service as well as lunch and dinner cruises, and hosting festive events including a food and wine festival and yacht show. Rolling openings of retail, dining, and entertainment will continue throughout the year.

WHO:    <
Albert Paley, Sculptor
        <
Milt Peterson, Developer of National Harbor
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WHAT:   <
Installation of Paley Sculpture "The Beckoning"
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WHERE:  <
National Harbor, MD 20745
        <

WHEN:   <
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
        <
11:00a.m.-1p.m.

For media access to National Harbor or more information regarding the art installations, please contact Chris Vassil at cvassil@susandavis.com or 202-414-0779.

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