An Art-inspired Outdoor Date

In one of our first Stylebook posts, Suzanne shared an activity we do together called a “Design Date.” Think of a Design Date as an outing with your significant other that includes a “design” aspect (visiting a museum, attending an art fair, browsing a home decor store) and then grabbing a drink somewhere fun. COVID-19 has obviously limited some date options but it just means you have to get creative (while still being safe). We have the perfect spot in mind.

One of our favorite local destinations for art-inspired outings is Glenstone, an awesome museum in Potomac, Maryland. While the indoor galleries are currently closed, Glenstone offers nearly 300 acres of landscape integrated with architecture and art. The expansive grounds include paths, streams, meadows, forests, and amazing outdoor sculptures.

Tony Smith: “Smug”, 1973/2005 (aluminum, painted black)

Founders Emily and Mitch Rales envision Glenstone “not only as a place, but a state of mind created by the energy of architecture, the power of art, and the restorative qualities of nature.”

The collection of outdoor sculpture integrates art, architecture, and nature and there’s so much space, it’s easy to maintain a safe social distance while admiring the pieces. Here are a few of our favorite sculptures.

Jeff Koons: “Split-Rocker”, 2000 (stainless steel, geotextile fabric and live flowering plants)

The wildly playful “Split Rocker” by Jeff Koons looks like something from a Tim Burton film. It’s whimsical and it’s huge. This impressive piece also has an internal irrigation system to keep the flowers fresh. Try not posting this one on Instagram!

Charles Ray: Horse and rider, 2014 (solid stainless steel)

Every time I see Charles Ray’s solid steel “Horse and rider” I start humming “Some people call me the space cowboy…”

Andy Goldsworthy: Clay Houses–Boulder, 2007 (mica-schist, clay, hair, slate)

Make sure you visit the three Clay Houses by Andy Goldsworthy. Each one contains a secret surprise. (Spoiler Alert: One is a giant boulder.)

There’s a ton more to see on the Glenstone grounds. One important tip: you have to make a reservation. Also, they’re only open Thursdays through Sundays. Check their website to schedule your visit.

And don’t forget to toast your adventure afterwards. One local brewery to check out is 7 Locks Brewery in Rockville. They have a nice variety of beer on tap. Plus, they have outdoor seating and safety guidelines in place.

Get out there and celebrate your creative spunkiness. Take photos, be safe, and enjoy your design date!

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Mark Manlove

VP Marketing + Operations | Arlington Home Interiors

https://www.arlingtonhomeinteriors.com/

mark@arlingtonhomeinteriors.com

Originally from Delaware, Mark migrated to this side of the Chesapeake Bay to attend the University of Maryland. After graduating, he moved to Arlington and began his career in marketing for the cable TV and telecom industries AND to eventually meet his future wife (Spoiler Alert: he’s married to Suzanne!). A couple of years ago, Mark decided to say adios to the corporate world and join Suzanne to run Arlington Home Interiors, specifically heading up marketing and operations. It’s been full steam ahead ever since! When not at his desk, Mark enjoys digging through crates of used record albums, practicing yoga, reading classic fiction, cooking spicy dishes, and riding appropriately sized waves.

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It’s time to love your living space. And we’re here to help! Arlington Home Interiors has been creating casually elegant interiors for modern families in the DC area since 2007. From developing concepts to curating unique selections to managing custom installations, we confidently guide clients through each step of the design process. Contact us and let’s make something beautiful!

 

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