Artist Yemi Fagbohun, the Frederick Arts Council, Great States Publishing, The Frederick City Tourism Council, The Historical Society of Frederick, and other local business and community leaders came together to unveil Frederick’s newest mural project. Throughout the years, Frederick has embraced it’s residents’ artistic talents; proudly calling Frederick home to landmarks such as the “Mural Bridge” on Carrol Creek, “Becky the Calf”, and the “Frederick Keys” community art project.
Today, we embrace a new public art installment that will honor all the individuals whose accomplishments defined not only Maryland’s unique history, but also the history of our Nation. Artist Yemi’s creation spans 175 ft. of McCutcheon’s Apple Products Plant exterior walls. Using Adobe Illustrator, he created 40 portraits of individuals including Francis Scott Key, William T Delaplaine, and Dr. Ulysses G. Bourne. These individuals shaped Frederick, now they gaze west over the city to welcome visitors arriving at the Marc Train Station.
The mural shows our community’s appreciation for all the individuals that make our own unique history, but also the power of public art to show the strength of community. The artist himself was not a native of Frederick County. However, when he and his family moved here he immediately knew that this place with its rolling hills and strong community ties was his true home. He found more than a place to put down roots, but as Yemi said, “a place where he was supposed to work.” Frederick became the place where he too would join the ranks of the Pillars of Frederick, adding his personal history to Frederick’s community history.
Thank you to Yemi, The Arts Council, and all the other collaborators for this amazing tribute. McCutcheon’s is proud to share in this monumental mural with you.
The “Pillar of Frederick” public art project also has a companion book Pillars of Frederick: Francis Scott Key and Other Architects of History. The hardback book gives detailed backgrounds to each individual included in the mural in full color and with locally written content. The book will be sold in McCutcheon’s retail store located on 13. S. Wisner street. It is currently available for preorder.
