"Penguin Rush Hour"
October 21, 2002
Fowl plays role as unofficial mascot for downtown. Most cities have pigeons. Silver Spring has penguins. You heard right. Penguins. As my friends and I traveled to the Silver Spring Metro in D.C. this past weekend for a dinner downtown, we practically tripped over a whole heard of penguins waddling home from a day at the office. This larger-than-life mural entitled "Penguin Rush Hour" by Sally Calmer is painted under the bridge entrance to the Silver Spring Metro Station in Maryland. However, says Theodore Kim, the 'Penguins are pretty likable [and they] don't offend anyone, I don't think.'
3 Comments from the Peanut Gallery
1 | Posted by Dan Allen on May 16, 2004 at 07:01 PM EST
I actually came across this mural entirely by chance. I was taking the the metro download for dinner, starting at station which I rarely visit from the outside. While we were circling around the block looking for the entrance to the parking garage, I caught a glimpse of this scene and just about did a double take.
If you know me, you know I love penguins, so it became an instant favorite.
2 | Posted by Betsy on January 08, 2011 at 11:32 AM EST
The mural was installed as a temporary piece after it won a competition. It was so well loved, it stayed there for a very long time! However....weather and dirt and grime took their toll and it is currently being restored by the original artist. The metro stop is being rebuilt into a large regional transit center and will be reopened with "Penguin Rush Hour" featured prominently in 2010!
3 | Posted by Dan Allen on January 08, 2011 at 01:04 PM EST
Excellent news! I can't wait to see it restored!