The Northeast and Caribbean Region actively participates in the Art-in-Architecture Program. President Kennedy’s Ad Hoc Committee for Federal Architecture of 1963 recommended that “where appropriate, fine art should be incorporated in the designs of federal buildings with emphasis on the work of living American artists.”

In the Northeast and Caribbean Region, the Fine Arts Collection has 107 pieces. The region will soon begin the process of conservation and restoration of "Great Seal of United States" by Joseph Kiselewski; and has completed the conservation of "Reverent Grove" by Ned Smyth; and "Lady of Justice" by Jan R. Mitchell.

The Art-in-Architecture Program currently has 35 pieces and 8 new projects at different phases of development. In late spring 2005, a sculpture entitled "Beacon" by Lisa Scheer was installed at the Brooklyn Courthouse entrance. Lisa Scheer’s work consists of bronze cast sculptures 13' tall that sit on 10' granite pylons for a total height of 23' at the entrance. Lisa Scheer’s abstract image of a torch is a symbol of enlightenment and knowledge; it is the blaze of fire that infers life and the awaking of the spirit, and the passing of a torch implies continuity and is most commonly considered the beacon of freedom as is the Statue of Liberty.

The process of commissioning art in federal buildings is a collaboration between GSA and the architect of the building, art professionals, community advisors and the customer agencies. For new federal buildings or those requiring major renovation, the architect is required to consider the incorporation of artwork into the projects as part of the overall architectural design service. GSA works with national, state and local art organizations during the selection process.

GSA maintains a slide registry for artists interested in being considered for Art in Architecture commissions. This registry is the principal resource for the review panels that assist GSA in selecting artists for each new project. Artists may send their requests for registration information to the following address:

Art in Architecture Program
Office of the Chief Architect
U.S. General Services Administration
1800 F Street, NW, Suite 3300 PMB
Washington, DC 20405

Additional Information:

Form GSA7437: Art in Architecture-National Artist Registry