The Ballston Business Improvement District (BID) is unveiling a virtual gallery of local heroes using “digital statues” created via Augmented Reality (AR) markers, mobile applications downloaded to tablets or smart phones that trigger a brief video superimposed on the actual scene, making it appear that the user is with the celebrity in real life.
The first flight of statues, representing Ballston’s strong relationship with professional sports, will be unveiled at Taste of Arlington next month. Washington Capitals team captain Alex Ovechkin (whose photo shoot is shown here); Washington Wizards point guard John Wall; and D.C. United midfielder Chris Pontius will be the featured digital statues at Taste of Arlington. Future exhibits will include Ted Leonsis, founder and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, other leaders in business and technology, and historic figures.
“All of the facets of Ballston’s dynamic personality shine with this creative venture,” says Tina Leone, chief executive officer of the Ballston BID. “It’s high-tech, brainy, artistic, sporty, athletic, mobile, and most of all – fun.” The Taste of Arlington food festival, with anticipated attendance of more than 15,000, was chosen as the digital statue launch venue for those reasons, Leone adds.
Taste of Arlington will be held in Ballston on May 19th from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, visit tasteofarlington.com.