Photo Rust Construction
Alexandria, VA – On a picture perfect Thursday afternoon in the Arlandria section of Alexandria, while neighborhood artists created a new mural on another wall of the Mt. Vernon Shops in Del Ray, artist Patrick Kirwin joined the staff and friends of Rust Construction unveiling their office redo and Alexandria’s latest commissioned mural. Measuring 18′ x 20′ it’s Kirwin’s largest undertaking yet.
The Arlington master mural painter and trompe l’oiel/faux-finish artiste is best known as the man behind the Dogs of Del Ray mural at Pat Miller Square. Formerly a teacher at the Smithsonian Associates and Corcoran School of Art and Design (now part of George Washington University), Kirwin is a longtime artist/teacher at the Art League of the Torpedo Factory. Formally trained in contemporary realism with extensive practice in architectural history styles, Kirwin is gifted in executing the trompe-l’oeil “tricks of the eye” that renders his murals so singularly recognizable.
A scavenger hunt for Kirwin murals around Alexandria is a diverting pastime: the mural on the side of the Union Street Public House, Kids and Dogs in Del Ray, inside the Cut Butchery in Hollin Hall, to name a few. Kirwin’s canvas isn’t strictly brick and mortar – he works in all mediums, creating artwork designed to be hanging on the wall, in lieu of only painting walls. The faux finish brickwork at Rusk Construction is massive, a fitting nod to the pervasive signature red brick walkways and home facades of Old Town and Rust’s place in shaping Alexandria. Look around the corner from the entrance to the Birchmere.
It’s a family affair at Rust Construction. Founded in 1920 by Robert Nelson “Doc” Rust, a descendent of British settler William Rust, the firm built the original Old Dominion Boat House in 1923. Doc Rust built many of the unique homes around the Rosemont and Beverly Hills neighborhoods as well as St. Agnes School. He also spearheaded the early restoration of Old Town.
Four generations have been at the helm of the design-build and remodeling firm that specializes in historic home renovations. Tom Rust, Jr. (President and Co-Owner) working alongside his brother Sam Rust (Vice President / Co-Owner) took over management of the firm on the passing of Thomas Rust, Sr. in 2023.
The name Rust may not be as iconic to Alexandria as Washington or Lee. But there’s not likely a street in Port City where Rust Construction has not made an impact. Hat tip to them for appreciating the value of visual art in the community. And take a bow Patrick Kirwin for another mural wonderfully done!
