Wax sculptures celebrating Black History Month and other pieces of art are on display in two new exhibits at Pentagon City’s mall.
The limited-time installations at the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City showcase notable Black figures from throughout U.S. history, as well as artwork from the Arlington Artists Alliance.
“We are deeply honored to collaborate with The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum to bring this significant exhibit to Fashion Centre at Pentagon City,” said Todd Jerscheid, the mall’s director of marketing and business development. “It is our privilege to provide a space where the community can come together to honor and learn from the legacies of these historical figures.”
“Shaping a Nation’s Destiny: A Black History Month Salute,” an educational display by the Baltimore-based National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, features 10 life-size Black historical figures in the United States.
Civil rights activists Julian Bond and A. Philip Randolph are featured alongside Civil War spy Mary Bowser, pioneering writer James Baldwin and education leader and philanthropist Mary McLeod Bethune.
Five more statues pay tribute to significant Black scientists, military leaders, religious leaders and writers.
Each statue is accompanied by a biographical panel discussing the historical figure’s life and accomplishments. The exhibit is located across from the Apple store on the mall’s second level and will be on display until Friday, Feb. 28.
Meanwhile, the Arlington Artists Alliance is showcasing locally made art during its second annual partnership exhibition with the mall.
Thirty-five of the nonprofit’s members contributed work in various mediums, including paintings, sculpture, fiber arts, photography and mixed media. It’s housed in a glass display near Bath & Body Works on the mall’s first level.
The display — which includes items offered for sale — comes as the now Clarendon-based organization celebrates its 25th anniversary.
“The Alliance is grateful for this opportunity to showcase our artists at such a highly visible venue,” Executive Director Christina Papanicolaou said. “This exposure will introduce local artists to new patrons, while providing community members the opportunity to experience professional art as they shop and dine.”
The exhibition is available for public viewing until March 15.
