When roaming the streets of Downtown Fredrick, you may be mesmerized by the murals welcoming you in. Most viewers are charmed by what’s seen through the eye, but what’s behind every stroke and line? Who are the artists? What are the stories behind these masterpieces?
Let’s take a look…
1. The Edge of Gravity
Located at 43 S. Market St.(south side wall), The Edge of Gravity may be the most popular piece in Frederick, as it is located in the center of activity. Many students have described this mural as the easiest to find and a very popular photo spot in the community.
Junior Audrey Borleis says, “When I’m out downtown with my family, my siblings will spot it and ask to take pictures.”
The Edge of Gravity was created by William Cochran in 1991. It features a man in trompe l’oeil—an artistic style of highly realistic optical illusions—dressed in attire from the year 1745, the year Frederick was founded.
2. Community Bridge Mural
Located at Carroll Creek Park, this mural was designed and painted by William Cochran in 1993. It is another trompe l’oeil piece, with the bridge covered in painted brick and other illusions, including a fountain, gates, and statues.
Over 100 volunteers and community members contributed to the making of this mural by collaborating on ideas and symbols that represent the community.
Cochran completed The Community Bridge Mural over a long span of five years, paying very close attention to detail to properly execute the trompe l’oeil technique.
3. The Dreaming
Located at 31 W. Patrick St. (east side wall), this mural is an impressive five-story layered piece of architectural art.
Mounted on the wall, it utilizes glass, weaving, and painting to illustrate various “Dreaming Conversations” and the ambitions of current residents, each carefully engraved into its layers.
Created by the talented William Cochran, this mural showcases a unique artistic style that blends different materials and techniques, welcoming viewers to explore the dreams and aspirations that define the community.
4. Lester Bowie Mural
Located at 69 S. Market St., this mural was painted by Rafael Blanco in November 2020. The piece serves as a tribute to Lester Bowie, a jazz legend who was born and raised in Frederick, MD.
Bowie is well-known for his unique performance style, often wearing a lab coat on stage, which symbolized himself a “Researcher of Jazz.”
Blanco expressed his pride in the mural, stating, “This one is the most successful. I received many emails this year from random people telling me how much they enjoy it. ”
Blanco also said that out of his work, this one had received the most appreciation. This mural not only honors Bowie’s legacy but also reflects the community’s connection to its musical heritage.
5. The Frederick News Post Mural
Located in a parking lot at 200 East Patrick Street, this mural was created by Judy Johnson Henderson in the early 90s. At that time, Henderson was employed at the Frederick News Post, which was then owned by the Delaplaine and Randall families.
During her term in the art department, she had the opportunity to bring this mural to life, showcasing her artistic talent and dedication to the community.
The mural not only reflects her creativity but also adds to the vibrant arts scene in Frederick.
Can you find more?
