Del Ray might be a well known neighborhood in Alexandria for locals, but a new 15-foot-tall public art project will officially put a name to a face.

The Del Ray art marker for Pat Miller Neighborhood Square at 2311 Mount Vernon Ave. is expected to be erected this spring. The project, which was designed by Maryland artist Kirk Seese, has been in the works since 2018.

“It’s supposed to be an identifier for Del Ray,” Pat Miller told ALXnow. “There’s no place that says Del Ray in Del Ray. None. So, this is to be an identifier through an artistic piece for the community.”

The square was named after Miller, who is an Alexandria Living Legend, more than five years ago. Situated in the heart of Del Ray, it hosts weekly farmers’ markets, and is home to the Del Ray Christmas Tree and Del Ray Music Festival performers.

The project is sponsored by the Del Ray Citizens Association, the Del Ray Business Association and the Del Ray Community Partnership.

Miller said it’s important for the community to have an identifying marker.

“Public art is extremely important,” she said. “It makes you smile. And, it’s an identifier,  a place to meet. For example, if you want to meet somebody in Del Ray for dinner, but you don’t know where to eat, you can just say, ‘Meet me at the identifier.'”

Image via City of Alexandria