Route 1’s newest piece of public art is a giant blue bear.
Located at the entrance to Riverdale Park Station near the Whole Foods, the stainless steel and urethane sculpture is an instant landmark, especially helpful at what will eventually be a 36-acre development. (You can imagine friends texting each other to “meet at the bear.”)
A spokeswoman for Calvin Cafritz Enterprises, developers of the project, told the Hyattsville Wire that Jane and Calvin Cafritz were looking for a piece of public art that would be “playful yet impressive.”
“Bear is made out of butterfly shaped metal which gives him a sensitive and playful quality,” said Jane Cafritz. “Bear is many things to many people and subject to different interpretations. My hope is the community will enjoy his protective presence and serene spirit in Bear Square.”
The sculpture was made in 2015 by Korean artist Kim In Tae, who can be seen posing with it on his official artist page for an online gallery.
Riverdale Park Station will hold a social media contest in May to name the bear. Keep an eye on their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts for details.
