Transition, (sculpture).

Transition, (sculpture).

Tarr, William, 1925- , sculptor.

Transition, (sculpture).

Dedicated Nov. 9, 1984.

Sculpture: possibly aluminum or ceramic, painted; Base: cement.

Sculpture: approx. H. 40 ft.; Base: approx. H. 6 ft. x Diam. 12 ft.

(Plaque on inner base:) "Transition", This sculpture symbolizes the aviation and space achievements of humankind. From man's first assents in hot air balloons in Paris on Nov. 21, 1783, and in Baltimore on June 24, 1784, to the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk. America's landing on the moon and exploration of other planets and deep space, men and women possessed of intelligence, imagination and courage have helped to advance our civilization in recognition of their achievements, past, present and future, "Transition" is dedicated to the aeronauts, aviators, astronauts, scientists and all those others who have helped to establish America's pre-eminence in the science and challenge of flight. "Transition" first appeared as the principal theme element of the U.S. Pavilion at the 1983 Paris Air Show during the International Air and Space Bicentennial Celebration. U.S. Air & Space Bicentennial Committee. unsigned

The core of the sculpture is a rocket, complete with exhaust vents at the bottom and a gantry standing beside it. Strips of metal curve from the rocket's top down to its fins, forming a hot air balloon around it. The balloon is painted maroon on the outside and white on the inside. The rocket and balloon are mounted atop a two-tiered base. The bottom tier holds plants.

Architecture -- Vehicle -- Balloon

Architecture -- Vehicle -- Spacecraft

Allegory -- Arts & Sciences -- Flight

History -- United States -- Space Program

Outdoor Sculpture -- Maryland -- BWI Airport

State of Maryland, Maryland Department of Transportation Headquarters, 10 Elm Road, P. O. Box 8755, BWI Airport, Maryland 21240

This sculpture commemorates the 200th anniversary of manned flight. It is dedicated to the aeronauts, aviators, astronauts, scientists and others who have helped to establish America's preeminence in the science and challenge of flight. The sculpture first appeared at the 1983 Paris Air Show during the International Air and Space Bicentennial Celebration. The idea for the sculpture originated with Lawrence F. Mihlon. For related reading see: Anne Arundel County Historical Society, History Notes, Jan. 1985.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Maryland survey, 1993.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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