Lake Thoreau Now Holds “Pyramid of Light”

South Lakes High School students and the Initiative for Public Art Reston (IPAR) on Thursday unveiled a temporary art installation that turns the Lake Thoreau spillway into a colorful pyramid.

“Pyramid of Light” will remain in place for about eight weeks, said IPAR executive director Anne Delaney.

The project was created by SLHS art students Sammy Nazam, Gabriella Rando, Margaret Lashley, and Tehmeena Salahin, with guidance from SLHS art teacher Marco Rando. The students designed the work, built a  model, created the plexiglass panels, and had to go through the same process as any other artist to get their work approved by Reston Association’s Design Review Board.

Turning the spillway into public art was the idea of James Pan, a Reston resident who suggested the concrete square that can be seen from South Lakes Drive would be a great space for art. He offered financial support if the students would work on a project, says Delaney.

Pan was at the dedication on Thursday, along with the students and teacher, RA representatives, IPAR members and Reston founder Bob Simon.

In his remarks, RA board president Ken Knueven pointed out that public art is one of the founding principles of the community.