Perhaps, music is the soul of Prince George’s County. Here, before us, stand the Hyattsville Horns. This interactive sculpture is more than just art. It’s a sonic portrait of the county.
The Hyattsville Horns consist of five colorful. Each is a nine-foot tall horn-instrument form. They are spaced so people can walk among them. Notice the map embedded in each instrument. It depicts Prince George’s County.
Walk closer. You will see a series of hand plates. Touch one. The instrument illuminates. It plays sounds significant to the county. These sounds are environmental, historical, and melodic. They create a unique sound bank.
At the center of the Hyattsville Horns, find a stainless steel plaque. A riddle is engraved upon it. Decipher it. Touch the hand plates in the correct pattern. The instruments respond. They play a saxophone short in reply.
Christopher Janney created this piece. He won a competition in 2002. Prince George’s County Art in Public Places Program commissioned it. The Hyattsville Horns were installed in 2004.
The Hyattsville Horns are located at the Hyattsville Justice Center. This is at the corner of Farragut and Rhode Island Avenue. It anchors the Hyattsville end of the Gateway Arts District corridor. Dusk to dawn, the sculpture is lit. This ensures its visibility.
The Hyattsville Horns are not just a visual spectacle. They represent community identity. They reflect the character of Prince George’s County. The sculpture encourages interaction. It invites exploration. It fosters a sense of place.
Consider the role of the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation. This non-profit facilitates public art. They connect businesses with artists. They promote community revitalization. The Hyattsville Horns embody this mission.
Think about the sounds you hear. They tell a story. They capture the essence of Prince George’s County. Each note resonates with history. Each melody echoes with community spirit. The Hyattsville Horns offer an experience. It is both artistic and educational.
So, as you stand among these vibrant horns, listen. Feel the pulse of Prince George’s County. Decipher the riddle. Become part of the sonic portrait. The Hyattsville Horns invite you to play.