Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada, Mama Cash, 2012, Urban Facescape in Amsterdam.

This past summer, Cuban-American artist Jorge Rodríguez-Gerada spent time in Washington, D.C. photographing diverse individuals around the city. From these images, he created “Out of Many, One”--a nearly six-acre, larger-than-life composite portrait commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery and installed on the National Mall.

This terrestrial portrait reflects the diversity of our nation and is made entirely of sand, topsoil, and gravel. It will be on view from the ground, from the Washington Monument--and even from space.

Join us on the day the installation goes on view and hear Rodríguez-Gerada discuss his artistic design process, including how and why he chose the materials that comprise the “Out of Many, One” portrait. Tim Rose of the National Museum of Natural History’s Mineral Sciences department will share his analysis of these materials. What about them--from their shape, color, and texture to their geological history--makes them a natural choice for such a monumental work of art?

Seating for pre-registered attendees will be reserved until 10 minutes prior to the start of the event, at which point the remaining, empty seats will be made available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the event to guarantee the availability of seating. This program is made possible with the generous support of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association.