Up Up & Away

Description: Up Up & Away provides a colorful backdrop for Mr. Brown’s Park. The vivid two-story hot air balloon themed mural gives park visitors an uplifting feeling and a view of nearly a dozen hot air balloons. The two most prominent balloons display the Little City logo and the "Virginia is For Lovers" slogan.  

The use of balloons also echoes the city's Civil War history when the Union Army conducted reconnaissance missions in East Falls Church. In particular, the mural theme honors balloonist Thaddeus Lowe who on June 24, 1861, conducted the first aerial reconnaissance in U.S. military history from Fort Taylor (now Fort Taylor Park) located in Falls Church.

According to Economic Development Authority Chair Bob Young, the artist Joseph Craig English (b. 1947-) has local roots. English’s father reportedly once worked at the eponymous Brown's Hardware for whom the park is named. The painting and park were added in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Known for his colorful portrayals of contemporary America, English credits his high school art class for helping him discover his passion for silkscreen printing in ninth grade. A graduate of VCU’s School of Art, he resides in Maryland. 

Artist: Joseph Craig English

Year: 2020

Medium: Printed vinyl wrap from original artwork 

Location: 100 block W. Broad St

Ownership: Public Art

GPS: 38.88277 | -77.17154