Metro News Release

For immediate release: May 24, 2005

William Wegman Weimaraner photomurals installed at L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail station

Two dogs explore space travel in the skies of L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail station in the latest art installation of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) Art in Transit Program. H-e-l-l-o and Space Set, two photomurals by renowned photographer William Wegman, feature the artist’s signature Weimaraners clad in replicas of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) space suits. The mural’s circular format against the vaulted station walls suggest the dogs are peering through portholes of a massive space ship.

The murals, made of porcelain enamel measure10 feet in diameter and can be found at L’Enfant Plaza Metrorail station entrances at 7th and D streets and 9th and D streets.

The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities provided major funding of the mural with assistance from the NASA Art Program, which also commissioned the photographs. Art in Transit developed a design concept suitable for large-scale public art and worked with Wegman and the D.C. Arts Commission to fabricate and install the murals.

L’Enfant Plaza station, on Metro’s Green, Yellow, Blue and Orange lines, was chosen as the site to install H-e-l-l-o and Space Set because of its proximity to the National Air and Space Museum.

"H-e-l-l-o and Space Set add a welcome surprise to L’Enfant Plaza station," said Michael McBride, manager of Metro’s Art in Transit Program. "Works of art in the Metrorail system add beauty to our stations and celebrate the artistic and cultural interests of the many communities served by Metro each day."

"It is important that art not be limited to museums and art galleries," said Anthony Gittens, executive director of the D.C. Arts Commission. "This project is a perfect example of District and Federal agencies working with major artists to bring art to Washington’s residents and visitors," said Gittens.

"We’re excited to work with such a talented artist as William Wegman and the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities," said Dean Acosta, acting assistant administrator for NASA Public Affairs. "This creative outreach opportunity will help us share NASA’s exciting mission of exploration and discovery with thousands of commuters."

News release issued on May 24, 2005.