A first step for Chestertown’s Public Arts Master Plan was achieved on Tuesday night with a jury-selected sculpture design by esteemed Baltimore artist David Hess.
The sculpture, to be created out of premium grade, smooth edged stainless steel, and shaped like waves and sails to convey the spirit of a waterfront community, is projected to be placed in the triangular area at the drive-in entrance to Wilmer Park. It was pointed out that this location was once the original choice for a playground before the initial concept transformed into an initiative for the Public Arts Master Plan.
In this video, Chestertown Zoning Administrator Kees de Mooy and architect Miles Barnard of South Fork Studio Landscape Architecture elaborate on the selection process and introduce the winning design chosen from 12 submissions.
Also included is a concern by Stepne Place resident Charles Lerner who said that he represented all residents in the condominium complex adjacent to Wilmer Park and that they felt that “playscapes” were inappropriate for the area, although he complimented the Hess design as being the best of the choices he saw during their month-long public display at Town Hall. He also stated that he felt that the selection process was too secretive and should fall under “open meetings” requirements.
“The significance of this can’t be overstated,” says Alex Castro, Interim Director of Kohl Art Gallery and Director of the Sandbox Initiative at Washington College. “I just spent weeks going over hundreds of art submissions for the Purple Line in Washington, and our project is of the highest level and equals what’s going on in major cities for their public art projects.”
Mayor Chris Cerino suggested an open town meeting to discuss the art with the artist, the current choice for its placement and to hear any other concerns.
Mary Wood says
The edges look very sharp and cold. What happened to the wooden design made by local artists?
Marge Fallaw says
Residents of Stepne Place ought to remember that Wilmer Park was established as a park for the general public well before their condo complex was built. While their preferences and concerns ought to be heard, they ought not to unduly influence the nature of the park and the activities that go on there.
charlotte hawes says
I’m really looking forward to having this in my front yard! But please, please be fully aware of the flooding in this area year-round. We here in the neighborhood affectionately call it “Lake Ingersoll”. The public works folks have been trying to fill it in every year since I moved in here (approx. 5 years) and every change in season it sinks again, or the stream that used to run through here rises, and enormous puddles are in that segment of the park. I would hate to see children wading through six inches of water to interact with such an inspiring forms.
Francesca Raimond says
If there is an issue with flooding in this area, perhaps a water feature could be added. That’s a great way to combine Art, History & the Environment – and it can be enjoyed by everyone.
robin faitoute says
I think the sculpture is beautiful and I applaud the playscape approach. It encourages young families.
One caution about the stainless steel. It gets VERY hot in the sun. I know of several parks–including Pierce’s Park in Baltimore–that had issues with children burning themselves. They’ve gone back and installed warning signs and awnings. Your alternate site, with mature trees, might be the asnwer.
Something to think about in your design.
Edward Maxcy says
I am so happy to learn of the decision to install public art (sculpture) in Wilmer Park and sincerely hope this will not be the only installation. This will be discussed and enjoyed by all who live here as well as those who visit our beautiful community.
Tim O'Brien says
I am a supporter of art and glad something is going forward but calling it a play scape and putting kids in the picture is misleading and frustrating to those families still waiting for a single playground to be built in Chestertown. The stainless steel art piece is not a playground and will be too hot or too cold most of the year to even sit on. Stainless steel is also very hard to remove scratches from and unfortunately think the troublesome kids in town will quickly scratch graffiti into it and it will not easily be removed.
The community should be allowed to remove and rebuild a small playground on the current very sad and not very used basketball court next to train tracks downtown and also the town should allow the unused green space at the water works to have a small playground set built as well. It does not go unnoticed by the children here or people who visit that Chestertown that a town this size does not have a friendly and safe playground for families. Plus the fact that it is against town ordinance to skateboard, scooter or even roller skate anywhere in Chestertown except on private property. Even if not enforced, kids know they are breaking the town rules and laugh off how disconnected and seemingly indifferent town hall is about giving kids something more to do here that just wander around board and get into trouble.