West Falls Mural Project: An Interview with The Artist

By Christopher Jones | The Falls Church Independent | Jun 11, 2024 | Full article available online

Have you spotted the City of Falls Church’s latest massive mural project?

As a frequent shopper at the Giant Food store at 1230 West Broad St., I’ve been watching the City’s largest ever construction project across the street – The West Falls Development Project – with rapt interest. For months, I worried the developers were going to allow the massive concrete multi-story walls of one of the buildings adjacent to Mustang Alley to serve as some sort of Brutalist manifesto. But now – good news!

A vibrant, colorful and ginormous 120′ x 54′ mural entitled “West Falls VA State” by muralist Juan Pineda of Bowie, Maryland – who’s been spending lots of time these days in construction attire, with his painting gear, on a cherrypicker’s hoist several stories off the ground – is beginning to take shape, reveal splashes of color, and some identifiable themes and elements.

“This mural uses an outline of the State of Virginia to enclose iconic images and symbols associated with the area as well as the State of Virginia at large,” Pineda’s mural submission to the Falls Church Arts and Humanities Council read.

Sponsored by Hoffman & Associates, the developer of the West Falls Development Project, Pineda went on to describe how the mural was to be painted. “Surface to be primed prior to painting. Mural will be painted using Sherwin Williams Duration Exterior Latex paint and Montana Spray Paint. Articulating boom lift will be used for installation. Mural will start at a height of 10-12 ft. above grade… Artist will warranty the work and will repair it in the event of tagging or graffiti.”

Interview with the Artist and Key Players

Curious about how the whole project came about and what it’s like to put up such a massive public mural, I spoke with the artist, Pineda, and interviewed his artistic agency head, Thomas Pipkin of Pipkincreative.com, as well as key players at Hoffman & Associates.

1) What was the motivation for selecting a large-scale mural for this part of the West Falls Project? Was it always in the plans?

Mary Beth Advedesian, Senior Vice President of Development, Hoffman & Associates:

“The decision to feature a large-scale mural on this part of the West Falls Project was driven by a desire to enhance the visual appeal of the area in the interim period before the construction of a future building planned for Phase 2. With Phase 2 construction several years away, the City Council implemented measures for Hoffman & Associates to add a public art display. After considering both temporary and permanent options, and with the guidance of Tom Pipkin, who has extensive experience creating and managing public art projects throughout the region, the development team decided to feature original painted artwork by Juan Pineda.”

2) Please tell us a bit about the professional/personal backgrounds of the selected artist for the mural, Mr. Pineda, as well as for Mr. Thomas Pipkin and his company. (What roles does each play?) How were they selected (i.e., what were the criteria used?)

Mary Beth Advedesian, Senior Vice President of Development, Hoffman & Associates:

“We chose Juan Pineda based on his vast portfolio that pulls from his influence as a DMV local. His well-recognized, award-winning work is located all around the region, including more than 50 large-scale murals of this type. We believe that his distinct urban-contemporary street art style will bring even more vibrance to West Falls, adding to the neighborhood’s sense of connection and community. Juan Pineda provided several options for the mural, two of which were presented to the Arts & Humanities Council of the City of Falls Church in February of this year. Of the two presented, the Council ultimately selected the “West Falls VA State” proposal; members appreciated how it uses architectural landmarks in Falls Church and ties into the natural environment of Virginia.”

3) How would you describe the mural formally as a work of art (themes, size, elements, color palette, etc.) and what makes it special, aesthetically, as a community statement, a landmark, etc.? Are there specific details residents and visitors of Falls Church should look for when viewing the mural?

Thomas Pipkin, Founder of Pipkin Creative:

“The mural celebrates the state of Virginia and the city of Falls Church by representing the rich flora and fauna as well as specific iconic building facades. Some elements are abstract, while others are realistic. Mr. Pineda’s bold and bright style creates an incredible and energetic homage to Virginia. Some elements to look for are the state bird and flower of Virginia, the tiger swallowtail butterfly, oak trees, the State Theatre, Tinner Hill Arch, and the iconic building represented on the seal of the city of Falls Church.”

4) How is the mural project to be funded?

“The Hoffman & Associates team will provide the funding for the mural as part of the West Falls project.”

5) Could you tell us what it’s like, personally, to create and put up such a huge and intricate mural? What’s involved in the logistics of carrying the project out? Have there been particular challenges or breakthroughs? Is it fun, etc.?

Juan Pineda, Artist:

“Lots of challenges, but very exciting! Working at this scale using a 70-foot boom lift and painting from a 6-foot basket takes focus and determination, as well as being able to endure the outdoor elements! Having a great assistant is critical, special thank you to Gerald! We are halfway through and seeing it come to life from sketches on paper is incredible. I am honored to be creating a work of art for West Falls that is this large and will be viewed by so many. It is a humbling and very satisfying experience.”

6) What else might residents and visitors to the West Falls Development Project (as a whole) look for as it moves toward completion?

Mary Beth Advedesian, Senior Vice President of Development, Hoffman & Associates:

“West Falls is a vibrant gateway to the city of Falls Church, creating a welcoming gathering place for all. This dynamic neighborhood will bring together residential, retail, office, and hospitality spaces, offering something for everyone. Residents will enjoy easy access to a diverse range of restaurants, shops, and services, featuring local, national, and experiential favorites, along with wellness and educational offerings.

The neighborhood will feature stylish condominium residences at The Oak, contemporary apartments at The Alder, and modern senior living at The Reserve at Falls Church so that residents can enjoy the lively atmosphere of West Falls while coming home to beautifully designed spaces and inviting amenities. Hoffman & Associates also recently celebrated the grand opening of Home2 Suites by Hilton Falls Church, offering visitors a comfortable space to experience all that the neighborhood has to offer.

Read this article in its entirety here – https://www.fallschurchindependent.com/west-falls-mural-project/