Ausherman Family Foundation catalyzed a new Community Benefit Project to display kinetic wind art in the middle of Carroll Creek from March through November. In collaboration with Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, proposals were requested for this site-specific commission and three artisans were selected. Ausherman Family Foundation’s goal in contributing $20,000 to catalyze this initiative is to attract more sponsors and bring additional sculptures in upcoming years.  Displaying the rotating kinetic art pieces down the Creek will continue to beautify downtown Frederick. This year’s sponsors include The Hendrickson Group and the Adams Family Fund as well as many partners. 

Ausherman Family Foundation received several proposals from artisans and ultimately decided to sponsor Margot de Messieres and Tsvetomir Naydenov. Each kinetic art sculpture contains elements that create movement. Ausherman Family Foundation’s sculpture gently rotates right above the water and when it catches a slight breeze, over 1,000 colorful aluminum tiles are set into motion. The shimmering tiles create soft clinking sounds and reveal a portrait of Theophilus Thompson.

The African American Resources Cultural and Heritage Society played an instrumental role in collecting research about the history of Theophilus Thompson. They found that he was a young African American chess player of note. 

Kinetic Art Sculpture Frame

In The News…

July 10, 2019: What I Love in Frederick This Week: An upcoming kinetic sculpture display in the middle of Carroll Creek, Frederick News-Post

January 21, 2020: Local artisans to create kinetic art along Carroll Creek, WDVM

February 24, 2020: New public art piece inspired by Frederick native who became published chess expert, WDVM

March 19, 2020: Harnessing the wind: Carroll Creek Kinetic Art Promenade features sculptures that move, The Frederick News-Post