A new temporary outdoor art installation memorializing the county’s victims of COVID–19 has gone on display at Brookside Gardens, Montgomery Parks announced.
“Facets of Hope” is a series of crystal strands suspended among wisteria vines, each one honoring a local resident who died of the virus. Since COVID–19 was first reported in the county on March 6, 2020, more than 1,400 residents have died.
“Everyone in Montgomery County has been deeply impacted by COVID-19. We have lost our parents, children, siblings, partners, friends, neighbors and co-workers to the virus,” said Stephanie Oberle, Brookside Gardens director, in the announcement. “This temporary art installation is meant to be a place for memories, reflection and healing.”
The strand is made of vintage crystals that are clear, molded glass or cut crystal. As they hang, the crystals capture the sunlight to provide a prism effect.
Brookside is a 50-acre, horticultural display garden located within Wheaton Regional Park. The installation will be on display through Sept. 16; new strands will be added as appropriate during the exhibit.
The Brookside Gardens grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset, and the Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The conservatory is currently closed during the pandemic.
Photo by Marilyn Sklar, Montgomery Parks. Additional photos can be viewed on Flickr.