As you’re exploring the restaurants, shops, and public artwork along the American Way Outdoor Park in National Harbor, Maryland, you might spot a busy woman with one too many bags across the way. If you think there’s something a little strange about her, and…she’s not moving…you’re not wrong. Turns out that she’s not a real woman at all. You have just spotted one of J. Seward Johnson’s hyper-realistic trompe l’oeil sculptures: Holding Out.
American Way is the central pedestrian boulevard in National Harbor, Maryland, and it is not just a hub for shopping and dining—it’s also an open-air gallery of visionary sculptures that celebrate the country and the people behind it. Lined with inspiring works of art, this vibrant thoroughfare invites visitors to take a stroll and reflect on history and culture while enjoying the scenic ambiance of National Harbor. Among the most captivating works you’ll find along the American Way is Holding Out.
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Holding Out (also known as “Bag Lady” or “Waiting to Cross”) depicts an older gray-haired woman in a turtleneck and pea-green coat standing with arms full of shopping bags. In one arm she balances a paper grocery bag full of essentials for an Italian dinner and breakfast at home: bread, parmesan cheese, pasta, and orange juice concentrate. On ther other side, she hoists a package tucked under her arm while swinging a Talbots bag in her hand.
This striking piece is one of the iconic sculptures created by artist J. Seward Johnson, known for his hyper-realistic works that bring everyday moments to life. The cast bronze sculpture measures in at the life-like size of 65 by 27 by 28 inches. It’s one of an edition of eight that were completed between 1987 and 2009 as part of the artist’s “Celebrating the Familiar” series and that can be found at museums and outdoor galleries across the country.
J. Seward Johnson, Jr. (also known as John Seward Johnson II or Seward Johnson), was an American artist and sculptor known for his life-like and often larger-than-life bronze sculptures that capture ordinary moments in extraordinary ways. Born in 1930 and a member of the Johnson & Johnson family, he turned to art after initially working in the family business. His work often focuses on bringing everyday scenes to life with a sense of hyper-realism, such as people sitting on park benches or reading newspapers. Other sculptures depicted famous people or artworks, like Marilyn Monroe or American Gothic. His sculptures invite interaction, encouraging viewers to step into the scenes and engage with the pieces as if they were part of the artwork. Another one of his most famous works, The Awakening, a monumental sculpture of a man struggling to emerge from the earth, has become a landmark at National Harbor, Maryland.
National Harbor, Maryland, is a vibrant waterfront development located along the Potomac River, just south of Washington, D.C. Opened in 2008, it transformed a stretch of previously undeveloped land into a bustling hub for entertainment, dining, shopping, and recreation. The area is known for its scenic views of the river and easy accessibility. It offers something for everyone, from family attractions like The Capital Wheel and the National Harbor Carousel to a dynamic mix of hotels, restaurants, shops, and conference centers. One of the standout features is all of the National Harbor outdoor art. Outdoor sculptures, murals, and installations dot the landscape, including many by J. Seward Johnson, Jr., like Embracing Peace (The Kiss) and Forever Marilyn Sculpture.
Photos of the Holding Out (Bag Lady) Sculpture in National Harbor, Maryland
