Project brings Birds I View to community - Leave It Better Than You Found It

Imagine using public art to bring more visitors to parks and recreation facilities. Imagine including a message about conservation and the effects pollution has on local environments. Imagine raising funds to support arts education for schools and community art organizations.

Imagine BIRDS I VIEW.

This public art project, a partnership between The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the Prince George's Arts Council, brought 75, five-foot whimsical bird sculptures to sites throughout Prince George's County, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C. In February 2003, a bird call was sounded that resulted in 183 designs by 90 area artists. The creative images were based on a bird model designed by a local Prince George's County artist. A prestigious panel of area arts leaders reviewed the designs to ensure they met community standards, did not include any commercial logos and were of high quality. With assistance from an "Advisory Flock" of local tourism, arts and non-profit agencies, sponsors were found for BIRDS and artists were given stipends and studio space. In July 2003, the BIRDS landed in parks, at nature centers and historic sites, in libraries, on university campuses, in front of businesses and at busy municipal intersections. Locations for BIRDS were selected with the intent of introducing the public to the beauty of Prince George's County and its "hidden" treasures and diverse communities.

The results of two years' work have been greater than imagined. Local artists had opportunities to meet and work together. Thousands of families, seniors, school groups and commuters, residents from surrounding counties, and tourists experienced new places. Adults and children alike enjoyed seeking out, climbing and touching art in their own communities. BIRDS I VIEW brought a new sense of pride in local parks, historic sites, community agencies and artists. For many, the BIRDS became an odyssey and a photo documentary project. Some residents compiled scrapbooks and photo albums dedicated to this project. The BIRDS were lovingly cared for by their hosts, as well as anyone who visited them. Despite being outdoors for more than three months, subjected to record rains and a hurricane, the BIRDS survived. They experienced minimal vandalism and were generally in beautiful condition at the program's conclusion.

After a summer and fall filled with stories of favorite BIRDS, new places visited, and photos of families and children with every bird at every site, BIRDS flew in to nest at a local arena on Nov. 20. This was the first opportunity to see the whole flock together. Artists were invited to make last minute touch-ups ill preparation for the "Fond Farewell to Our Fine Feathered Friends" Reception and Auction. The live and online a auction (www.birdsiviewauction.com) raised funds for arts education programs in Prince George's County schools, afterschool programs, and other arts programs in partnership with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

For more information and an update on the BIRDS I VIEW public art project, visit www.birdsiviewauction.com or contact Barbara Funk at barbara.funck@pgparks.com or 301-154-1450.