Artist Michael Alfano discusses his inspirations for the exhibit.
The new artwork on Richmond Highway was celebrated at a reception hosted by Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation in the Nepenthe Gallery at Hollin Hall. Many enjoyed the art including Supervisor Rodney Lusk. Artist Michael Alfano talked about the inspiration for his art that has become “Faces of Route One.”
Nepenthe Gallery will display the exhibit of works by Michael Alfano at the gallery in Hollin Hall until April 9.
“While Michael was here from Massachusetts he agreed to meet with art students from Mount Vernon High School,” said Carolyn Johnson of Nepenthe. “He gave them a presentation at Nepenthe and afterwards took them on a tour of his art on Route One.”
Ten of Alfano’s sculptures are displayed on Richmond Highway through the spring of 2026. The SFDC initiated and sponsored the project as part of its efforts to transform the Richmond Highway into more than a thoroughfare, with familiar spaces becoming engaging destinations that encourage exploration and interaction. They’ve been behind several other works of art along Richmond Highway to spruce up the area and it has helped.
Alfano’s work in Mount Vernon compliments other works of art in the corridor that add color as well. Near Buckman Road there is a colorful mural that consists of a rising sun, a wave, an airplane and a bird. Over at Bryant Alternative School, art students completed a mosaic wall in 2017.
The “Fabric of the Community” mural by Nico Cathcart, was unveiled in November 2023 when they unveiled the “Fabric of the Community” mural, located on the side of Zips Dry Cleaning at 6216 North Kings Highway. It is described as “a visually captivating homage to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Richmond Hwy Corridor.” It was commissioned by the SFDC and crafted by the acclaimed muralist Nico Cathcart.
At the heart of the mural is a pair of eagles, inspired by a real-life nesting pair on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The mural’s backdrop, depicting the scenic Mount Vernon trail and the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, emphasizes the community’s connection to nature and the continuity of its landscape.
“I wanted this piece to highlight the local environment, and the ongoing conservation efforts with the bald eagles that live in the surrounding trees,” Cathcart said.
She included the faces of local women who are "moms and nurses and hardworking souls in the area, done to celebrate the people who live here," she said. They are together in conversation, showing a strength in community.
In April, 2024, Cathcart completed another mural in the Mount Vernon area, on the east wall of Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church next door to a 7-11 and within view of the busy highway, also commissioned by SFDC.
Alfano’s work is also part of an upgrade in New Jersey too. Along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in Jersey City, there are sculptures of Alfano's against the New York City skyline to brighten areas along the river.