Where the energy of urban Silver Spring meets the tranquility of parkside living, Atwell on Spring redefines what it means to come home. Through strategic collaboration between Kevin Barry Art Advisory, Bozzuto, and Grizform Design Architects, this residential community creates everyday spaces that spark human connection.
“The leadership at Bozzuto really values art and local culture, so we were empowered from the start to develop a program that would inspire residents to immerse into the spirit of Silver Spring,” notes KBAA Art Advisor, Gigi Dick. This passion for creativity manifests in meticulously placed works, creating moments of delight throughout the common spaces.
From the moment you step inside, organic forms and rich textures serve as beautiful counterpoints to the clean architectural lines, while each piece invites residents to stay curious about their surroundings and open to the connections that follow. The program reflects Silver Spring’s dynamic character as a place where diverse dining, performing arts, and miles of bike paths create a vibrant backdrop for modern living. Each artwork acts as a bridge between the community inside and the thriving neighborhood beyond.
A Blooming Welcome
The heart of Atwell’s art program lives in the communal kitchen, where residents gather and the building’s community-focused approach becomes immediately clear. “Maryland Bloom,” a striking large-scale mural by artist Nicolette Capuano, commands attention in this central space—a deliberate choice that reflects Atwell’s emphasis on shared experiences.
“We wanted something impactful and playful while breaking up the linearity of the rest of the space,” explains the KBAA team. Capuano’s approach was equal parts artistic and technical: she painted the original artwork at a precisely calculated size to be enlarged as a wall covering, ensuring the piece would maintain its vibrancy and detail at scale.
The communal kitchen showcases “Maryland Bloom” by Nicolette Capuano, creating an immediate sense of welcome upon entering the space.
Capuano’s vision for “Maryland Bloom” centers on transformation—both of space and perception. “My vision was to create an artwork to envelop residents in stunning bursts of florals against a chiaroscuro backdrop,” the artist explains. “When you scale up a flower no larger than your hand, it changes your perspective of the world, eliciting an urge to slow down, enjoy nature and just be.”
A storied space welcomes residents home.
The mailroom at Atwell on Spring offers another compelling example of how art can activate functional spaces. Bryan Valenzuela’s narrative-driven mural transforms this daily touchpoint into a moment of discovery. With soaring windows that open the space to the sidewalk, the piece serves as both an interior focal point and a welcoming gesture to the broader Silver Spring community.
Valenzuela’s work operates on multiple levels of engagement. “My hope is that anyone interacting with this piece can find something new each time they see it,” he shares. “From a distance, you see a large hand rendered in light and shadow, but closer inspection reveals tens of thousands of handwritten words that etch out local texts.”
The woven colors symbolize different threads of life coming together, while upward-facing palms welcome viewers to investigate further. It’s this layered approach—accessible from afar yet rewarding upon closer examination—that makes each encounter with the piece feel fresh and engaging.
This thoughtful curation creates more than beautiful interiors—it fosters an environment where residents naturally connect with their space and one another. Through works that celebrate Silver Spring’s character while creating moments of pause and discovery, Atwell on Spring exemplifies how curiosity can transform everyday living. To explore more about how art sparks wonder and connection in unexpected places, check out our newest edition of ELEVATE by KBAA, all about The Art of Curiosity.
