Art + Business on Display in Rosslyn

June 12, 2020 | By Susan Soroko

Graduation. It's the milestone moment that graduating high school seniors, their parents, family and friends wait for every spring. This year, students in the class of 2020 will be remembered not just for their accomplishments, but for their endurance through the disruption of COVID-19.

Arlington photographer Matt Mendelsohn, his own stellar business of capturing famous faces and events halted by the pandemic, determined that these unmoored seniors should have a memory that will outlast the virus. One by one, at a safe distance, Matt set out to photograph all the seniors at Yorktown High School for a photo essay he titled: Not Forgotten: The Yorktown Seniors of 2020.

With the help of the Rosslyn BID and JBG SMITH, Arlington Economic Development connected Matt to an opportunity for these stunning portraits to be projected on the large lobby screen at Central Place Tower in Rosslyn. On Saturday, June 13, throughout the day, the photos will be visible, and memorable, to anyone walking or driving by 1201 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington.

"The COVID-19 crisis completely upended the region, interrupting our everyday lives and the landmark occasions that so many of our neighbors were looking forward to celebrating as spring and summer approached," said Andy Vanhorn, JBG SMITH Executive Vice President. "As a longtime investor and partner in Arlington County, JBG SMITH was excited by the opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of the Yorktown senior class and bring the community together during a time when everyone feels disconnected."