East/ West Beacon

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Public Art in Silver Spring • Public Art • Public Art Walk

1200 East-West Hwy
Silver Spring, MD 20910

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East/West Beacon is an illuminated, 35ʼ high, freestanding sculpture, made from stainless steel and holographic glass, designed and created by Ray King to greet travelers on the East/West Highway in Silver Spring, MD. The vesica-shaped tensile sculpture is constructed of stainless steel and chromatic holographic glass, laminated with film that refracts brilliant color when struck by sunlight and exhibits a shimmering silvery iridescence, similar to luminous fish scales. The refractive nature of the glass as well as the stainless steel structure and cables, capture and reflect light and chromatics in an unpredictable and ever changing way. 

“This is meant to be a 21st century Beacon to salute visitors, commuters and residents,” the artist explains. “As people return home it will serve as a warm and colorful welcoming flame,” Kingʼs inspiration for the piece. The sculpture was commissioned by Home Properties Inc. The luminous tower rises out of a spiral designed pocket park, and is a strong and powerful visual landmark, as well as an iconographic symbol for the neighborhood.