Join us for Arlington’s 40th annual Dark Star Park Day tomorrow on Thursday, August 1.
This special event, starting at 9 a.m., invites the community to witness the remarkable shadow alignment of Nancy Holt’s iconic sculpture, “Dark Star Park.”
This year’s celebration is the grand finale of a year-long tribute to Arlington’s internationally acclaimed public art collection. Highlights include an official County proclamation and a new poem by Arlington Poet Laureate Courtney LeBlanc, commissioned to honor both “Dark Star Park” and its visionary creator, Nancy Holt. Attendees will also receive vibrant, limited-edition posters by Globe Posters at MICA while supplies last.
At approximately 9:32 a.m., Holt’s “Dark Star Park” spheres and poles will cast shadows that align perfectly with their permanent forms on the ground. This captivating event marks the moment of Rosslyn’s founding and transforms the park into a magical space of cosmic alignment. Rosslyn, known for its striking skyline and extensive public art, is one of Arlington’s most dynamic urban neighborhoods. Light refreshments will be provided by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The 40th anniversary of Arlington Public Art has been celebrated with a series of events throughout 2023–2024, highlighting the entire collection and introducing several new pieces of artwork. The annual shadow alignment commemorates the day in 1860 when William Henry Ross acquired the land that became Rosslyn. Holt’s “Dark Star Park” critically explores themes of land ownership and the connection between the cosmos and our planet, with the spheres representing stars that have fallen to Earth.
“Dark Star Park” is a pioneering example of integrated public art in the U.S. and was Arlington’s first major public art commission. It remains one of Nancy Holt’s most significant urban installations, offering an accessible and profound artistic experience. Holt (1938–2014) was a groundbreaking artist whose work spanned various media, including poetry, film, video, and large-scale public sculptures. Her art continually pushed boundaries, questioning our perception of the world and our place within it.
Starting at 9 a.m., join us for a morning of activities, culminating with the shadow alignment at 9:32 a.m. “Dark Star Park” is located at 1655 N. Fort Myer Drive, where N. Fort Myer Drive and N. Lynn Street meet, just off Route 50/Arlington Boulevard, in Arlington’s vibrant Rosslyn neighborhood.
Please visit these website links for more information about the Dark Star Park Day event on August 1, or to learn about Arlington Public Art.
