A new public art project is now located at the entrances of Carroll Creek Park in Downtown Frederick!  This wayfinding project provides a highly visible, recognizable, and welcoming gateway to the park both day and night for visitors, residents, motorists, and more. Artist Thomas Sterner created 2 stainless steel designs, Water Lily Wave and Water Lily Swirl, both with integrated lighting to bring a bright and dazzling effect as it illuminates the piece from below. The sculptures depict water plant flower stalks bending in the breeze or toward sunlight. Each bud is nearly opening and revealing brightly colored petals, showing the promise of a bright future. The swirl sanded surfaces shimmer both day and night.

This project was completed in 2 phases. Downtown Frederick Partnership received a $19,000 General Grant to support the design, fabrication and implementation of this artistic outdoor fencing and wayfinding installation of Water Lily Wave. Ausherman Family Foundation worked together with another private funder, Transportation Management Services, to support Water Lily Swirl sculpture located near La Paz Restaurant. The Partnership created committees and engaged Susie Leong, a public art consultant, to manage the completion of the project. This project follows the Public Art master plan and is fulfilling goals established by the Downtown Safety & Security Initiative (“The Initiative”). The Environmental Design and Programming Committee has placed many of their efforts on the Carroll Creek and identified areas of importance. The artwork will also serve as a seating deterrent to limit loitering in the entrance.

On September 24, 2020, the Frederick community celebrated the installation of the first phase of this public art with a special unveiling ceremony. Representatives from the Downtown Frederick Partnership, Ausherman Family Foundation, Government Officials, the artist, and more attended.

Ausherman Family Foundation is excited to see this project become a reality and bring new, vibrant artwork to Downtown Frederick our community.

General Grants are available on a rolling basis year round. For more information about General Grants or to apply, click here.