Apprentice artists with Arts on the Block’s (AOB) Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County-sponsored program, “Pour Your ART Out” (PYAO), spent more than 200 hours designing, refining, presenting and cutting tile for a 7-foot diameter vertical sundial and 34, 16-inch medallions all made out of glass mosaic tiles. The tiles adorn the Wheaton Clock in downtown Wheaton, at the cross section of Grandview and Ennals Avenues. There will be a dedication ceremony for the Wheaton Clock installation on Saturday, December 17, at 3 p.m. at the clock’s site for anyone who wishes to attend.
“The beautification of the Wheaton Clock Tower is another example of the outstanding work sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County,” said County Councilmember Nancy Navarro (@nancy_navarro). “Young people in Wheaton have so much to contribute to their community, and this project demonstrates their limitless creativity. I am excited about the nearly $150 million redevelopment program that is set to begin next year, enhancing what is already an outstanding place to live and do business.”
Wheaton residents made design contributions by drawing what they felt best represented their community on paper plates during the April 2015 Taste of Wheaton event. Local student apprentices were inspired by the recurring themes that make Wheaton special, such as its diversity in people, culture and food.
“The Wheaton Clock Tower has been a fixture in downtown Wheaton since 1988 when it was installed as part of the re-development of the corner shopping plaza,” explains Director of the Mid-County Regional Service Office Luisa Montero (@WheatonMD). “With the anticipation of the Wheaton Town Plaza and its public art and performance stage, the newly adorned clock tower will serve as another example of the wonderful art and artists that exist in the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment District.”
PYAO provides high school students the opportunity to become apprentice artists to learn about and develop workforce skills that can be used in any career.
Funding for this project was made possible by two Wheaton Cultural Grants in FY15 and 16 from the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County. In-kind support was provided by the Wheaton Urban District and Mid-County Regional Service Center.
AOB is entering the 14th year of empowering Maryland and DC youth with a unique cross section of art and design, job readiness and youth development programming.
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