PHOTOS: A Sampling of Public Art in Bethesda

With its live theater venues and array of art galleries, it's only natural that public art should be a focus in downtown Bethesda. And artists and community leaders say that public art brings a lot to the urban district.

"When I go into a city and I see art, I'm really excited," said Elyse Harrison, a Bethesda artist who has worked on several public art projects in downtown. "It just does so much for a community."

Though they might not notice it at first while rushing through their day, shoppers, diners and commuters are surrounded by artwork as they stroll the busy streets. Some of these works are independent projects completed in partnership with public agencies, but others are a result of a Montgomery County zoning procedure that allows developers to build at higher densities in exchange for — among other things — providing a "significant public amenity," according to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission – and this is oftentimes public artwork.

"A lot of public art is a result of development, and it's great foresight the county had when new buildings came online. It didn't lose sight of keeping the arts focus in the downtown," said Stephanie Coppula, a spokeswoman for the Bethesda Urban Partnership, a group that contracts with the county to provide marketing and maintenance of downtown Bethesda.

The Bethesda Urban Partnership, along with the Bethesda business community and several county and state arts agencies, spearheaded the creation of poetry benches at Bethesda Circulator stops that feature poetry from local writers. The benches were installed and produced by local artist Bodil Meleney.

So the next time you're out and about in Bethesda, stop and take a look around – there may be a piece of artwork you never noticed right in front of you.