New Mosaic Public Art Work Debuts in Reston

Passers-by might notice a new mosaic art installation outside the Lincoln at Wiehle Station.

After facing delays due to COVID-19, artist Valerie Theberge expects the piece of vibrantly colored glass tiles to be completed by the end of today (May 13).

The project was commissioned in coordination with the Lincoln’s developers and ultimately approved by Public Art Reston. It consists of two pieces — a bench and a 75-foot long wall, according to Theberge.

When designing the geometric art, Theberge said she wanted it to “harmonize” with the surrounding area.

“There are highlights of red on the building so we added red highlights to play with the building,” she said, adding that the geometric shapes also “talk with the architecture.”

For the community, Theberge hopes that people will enjoy the art as they pass by the building on an afternoon stroll or on their commute into work. “I wanted something you could look at over and over,” Theberge said.

Especially since people can’t visit museums during the pandemic, Theberge said that public works of art are more important than ever for people’s mental health and overall enjoyment.

Valerie Theberge talks about her new mosaic installation at Lincoln at Wiehle Station. valerie_theberge #PublicArtReston #mosaic #publicart #Publicartindevelopment pic.twitter.com/mRk1ECF3JN

— Public Art Reston (@PublicArtReston) May 12, 2020

Photo courtesy Valerie Theberge