Interconnected Roots by Edgar Reyes

MAKE: Make your mark on a new community mural
MEET: Edgar Reyes, artist and educator from Baltimore, Maryland; an Arlington arborist; or a representative from Plant NOVA Natives.
LEARN: About the diversity and interconnectivity of our communities and the native plants that grow within them, as well as the Forestry and Natural Resources Plan.

Contribute to a collaborative work of art that highlights the beauty of biodiversity and reflect on ways we can support efforts in creating an inclusive community. By painting colors that express your identity within a pattern inspired by traditional weaving patterns from his homeland of Mexico, artist Edgar Reyes leads participants on an exploration of what is native and non-native - not only in plant, bird, and insect species, but also about his own journey as an American with Indigenous and European roots. This project helps participants to understand how being stewards for our local biodiversity is interconnected with supporting our communities.

Monday, June 6, 2022  – 8-noon – Kenmore Middle School (not open to public)
Saturday, June 11, 2022  – 8-noon –--Arlington Farmers Market, North Uhle & 14th Street N., Courthouse Metro- Cancelled due to rain
Friday, June 17, 2022  – 3-7pm—Arlington Collective Art Walk(PDF, 6MB) (More than four galleries in Ballston area will be open from 5-7 for this special event) –The Arlington Art Truck will be parked in front of Mason Exhibitions Arlington, 3601 Fairfax Drive
Saturday, June 18, 2022  – 3-7pm –Columbia Pike Blues Festival, Walter Reed Drive at Columbia Pike
Wednesday, June 29, 2022  — 3-7pm—Rosslyn Farmers Market, Central Place Plaza, 1800 N Lynn Street
Thursday, July 7, 2022  – 3-7pm—Ballston Mega Market, 901 N. Taylor Street
Saturday, July 9, 2022   – 8-noon –--Arlington Farmers Market, North Uhle & 14th Street N., Courthouse Metro - Cancelled due to rain
Thursday, July 14, 2022  – 4-8pm—Tour some of the newest permanent Public Art installations in this area with BikeArlington.  The tour with start and end at the Arlington Art Truck at W and OD Trail and Columbia Pike. Learn more about the bike ride and register. 
Sunday, July 24, 2022  – 9-1pm – Fairlington Farmers Market, 3308 S Stafford Street

Update, Fall, 2022:

The distinct individual components painted by the community during the summer have been united into one large temporary indoor mural at Kenmore Middle School. This work could be thought of like a “community quilt” where layers of different ideas and personal expressions come together to create the final piece. 

After the activation and before the installation, the artist created a centerpiece for the mural. Of this new piece he explains, "I created the center painting of the installation as another element to visually connect all the panels together. In the background the work depicts a variety of native plants. I was really moved by how happy people got with the fact that we had seeds for them to plant native flowers to help support pollinators in the area. I also really enjoyed how whimsical many contributions to the panels were and wanted to continue that with my painting.”

Interconnected Roots final exhibition is open to the public on the below dates at Kenmore Middle School, 200 S Carlin Springs Road. 

Friday, October 21, 2022  — 8am-7pm on Parent Teacher Day
Tuesday, November 8, 2022  —8am-7pm on Election Day

Our community partner for this project is Arlington County’s Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Management Offices along with Plant NOVA Natives. They will offer you tips on tree care, wildlife and ecosystem management, information on Arlington’s biophilic goals, the importance of native plants and species, grant opportunities for free trees and will be sharing information on the update to the Forestry and Natural Resources Plan. The Forestry and Natural Resources Plan addresses conservation of trees and natural resources in Arlington County, to manage for a healthy ecosystem.