DECORATED PARTY ANIMALS

(Click thumbnails to view full-scale images)

Shown below are some of the results of a 2002 program of the DC Arts and Humanities program to take "the enduring symbols of this country's two major political parties, the donkey and the elephant," and have local area artists decorate some 200 blank sculptures "that will stir up the whimsical side of the nation's capital". Details of the program can be gotten from their web site. Each of the thumbnail sets below can be clicked to provide larger photo sets.


(upper left to lower right):
The "Travel Trunk" covered with travel memorabilia is across the street from the closed-off section of Pennsylvania Ave in front of the White House; the '50 Feathered Friends and Flowers' is outside the Farragut North Metro station; the 'Swiss-Key' (variation of donkey) is across from St. Albans School entrance in NW; and the 'Persian Fantasy' is across the Calvert Street bridge towards Adams Morgan.


(left to right)
'It Doesn't Feel Like a Donkey' is on H Street; 'Sunflower, the Paisley Elephant' is across from the White House; 'Catch a Ride to the Party' is in the food court at the Embassy Suites in Friendship Heights; and 'Strom' is outside the National Geographic Building.


(left to right)
The 'Midsummer Night's Dream' is outside the British Embassy on Massachusetts Ave; 'Star - the Carousel Donkey' is at 17th and I St, NW; 'Dog Fight' is outside the downtown Hyatt; and 'Don't Be a Party Paper' is at 2540 Massachusetts Avenue.

(left to right)
The 'Flight of the Bumblebee' is just below the mosque on Massachusetts Avenue; the 'Rescuephant' is at Massachusetts and Garfield Street; NARPAC's favorite, 'Strom', is outside the National Geographic Building (side view); and 'Hooah' , featuring a parachutist, is outside the British Embassy.

Art Appreciation in Georgetown: Vandals attacked this blue Republican party animal at the entrance to one of Georgetown's several park areas during August, 2002. Similar mindless destruction has befallen several other local artists' efforts for no apparent reason. So far, no rabid activist watchdogs have blamed this act on the Democratic political followers of Mayor Williams, but stay tuned as DC's political silly season heats up.

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This page was updated on Sept 5, 2002