SU Students' Sculptures Dedicated in MDOT Ceremony

SALISBURY, MD---Four 16-foot-tall steel sculptures designed by Salisbury University art students now grace downtown Salisbury as part of a collaborate public art project, the first in this region involving the Maryland State Highway Administration  (SHA).

The collaboration also included Urban Salisbury (a downtown revitalization group) and the Wicomico County Public School System.  The sculptures are located on Rt. 13 between Rt. 50 and Main St.

 “We don’t normally build roads and make artwork, but this time we made an exception,” said SHA District Engineer Donnie Drewer during the recent dedication of the Street Scape project attended by regional officials.

Maryland Delegates Rudy Caine, 37th District, and Page Elmore, 38th District, praised the collaboration and the sculptures, as did SU Provost David Buchanan. The four sculptures represent some aspect of Eastern Shore life. “Certainly, our heritage is represented here,” said Elmore.

“This is an exciting partnership between the university, city, school system and the state,” said Salisbury Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman. “Students are really an important part of this. I look forward to having them do more.”

James Hill, SU Art Department chair, served as a liaison between the students and the Parkside High School welders and Urban Salisbury, who commissioned the sculptures. “Its important that these young artists be rewarded for their work,” said Hill, who began their work in 2001.  For each design students were paid or shared a $200 honorarium. 

SU students Tim Carle, Emily Dutch, and Rebecca Sinko created the Crab as part of a class taught by Brooke Rogers of the Art Department. Carle is a senior majoring in business administration, Dutch a junior majoring in communication arts and Sinko a junior majoring in psychology. ”I think this adds something to the community,” said Carle.

Karen Hannah, a 2002 BFA graduate, designed Heron in Reeds at Sunset in another class taught by Rogers. “It’s amazing, so exciting,” said Hannah. “So much hard work--to finally see it up with the landscaping and everything. I think it will be well received.”

Abigail Klakring, a senior majoring in sculpture, designed the Sailboat as part of a class taught by Jinchul Kim of the Art Department. “My dad had a boat named Rosebud,” said Klakring. “I loved our boat; that was my inspiration. Water is so important to this area.”

Jennifer Mowbray, a junior majoring in art, designed the Canada Goose and Leaping Fish also in a class taught by Kim. “It’s so very exciting to see all the city officials and all the many people who came out here today,” said Mowbray.

For more information on the StreetScape project call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.