Alexandria, VA – Evan Kaufman, executive director of SFDC, has announced “The Faces of 1 Project”, a public art initiative transforming Richmond Highway into a celebration of community stories through a series of sculptures.
Spearheaded by the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC), this initiative aims to showcase the vibrant history and people of the Route 1 corridor. It features ten sculptures by Michael Alfano, a New England-based artist known for his surrealist and figurative style. To be installed from Jeff Todd Way to Huntington, these pieces offer a unique visual narrative that blends art and local identity.
The first two sculptures to be installed include “Liquid Sunshine” at Mount Vernon Plaza, which symbolizes the flow of creative ideas, and “Beacon” at the Residences at North Hill, featuring a child’s profile as a guiding light for the community.
As part of a larger campaign to reshape Richmond Highway into a “community corridor” rather than just a transportation route, “Faces of 1” seeks to spark conversation, pride, and a sense of shared history among residents and visitors alike, said Kaufman.
SFDC chose to lease the sculptures for a year, a strategic decision that allows flexibility—property owners can choose to refresh the artwork or purchase them permanently. With support from Supervisors Dan Storck and Rodney Lusk and coordination from the Department of Planning and Development, SFDC is navigating right-of-way and permitting challenges to secure prominent, safe, and accessible locations for the remainder of installations. The initiative will also include interpretive signs with QR codes, offering viewers deeper insight into each piece’s story and the broader vision for the project.
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