Lakeforest Sculptures Relocated to Gaithersburg Landmarks

The iconic sculptures gracing the grand foyers at Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg have been relocated to historic sites throughout the Maryland town.  The mall, which closed in March, is set for demolition in June.

“Combining Gaithersburg’s recent art history with the town’s historic architectural history just makes sense,” said Gaithersburg’s mayor at a dedication ceremony for the Zipper, one of four massive installations moved under a grant from the county parks department.

The beloved statuary were moved to four sites chosen by the Gaithersburg Historical Society and approved by the city’s board of regents. They include the Kentlands Mansion, Gaithersburg Station, Casey Community Center, and Church of the Ascension.

“Monad” by Robert Perless

Gaithersburg Station is the new home to “Monad”, a 32-foot tall shiny, mirrored bladelike sculpture commissioned in 1972. The art was installed in the courtyard of the Gaithersburg Community Museum, located in the restored 1884 B&O Railroad Station complex.

“Zipper” by William Crovello

The massive metal “Zipper”, said to resemble a crinkle-cut french fry and visible from the former mall’s food court, is now the centerpiece of the lawn at Kentlands Mansion. Built by Frederick Tschiffely in 1900, the impressive brick mansion is now a city-owned venue for art exhibits, concerts, public events and weddings.

“Gap” by Buky Schwartz

The pair of columns — one reaching up from the ground, the others mysteriously suspended above — are the latest feature at the Casey Community Center, towering over the former dairy barn built in 1938.

“Curlicue” by Chris Byars

A red twisty installation by Chris Byars, king of shopping-mall sculpture, now adorns the lawn in front of the Church of the Ascension. The Romanesque-style church has stood on the hill where Summit Avenue and Frederick Road intersect since 1893.