Calvert Library Prince Frederick Celebrates New Mural
September 5, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291
Calvert Library Prince Frederick is adding a colorful and educational enhancement to the brick wall facing Costley Way in the form of a tile mural that includes plants and animals of the local region. The five-day installation process will begin on Wednesday, September 6 and at times, may cause some sidewalk obstruction for those entering from the south side parking lot.
The mural was designed and crafted by local ceramic artist Parran Collery using a relief sculpting process so there is dimension to the pieces. Seeing and low-vision visitors alike can enjoy the art with their hands. The art was funded in part by the Friends of Calvert Library and a grant from Maryland State Arts Council. Friends of Calvert Library President Laura Allison said, "This mural is a wonderful enrichment to a library visitor's experience and the Friends are pleased to support it."
The mural celebrates the bountiful local natural environment that was present when the site of the library was still a rural farm and woodland. Some represented species are common, and some are on the conservation watchlist. An interactive educational activity booklet will accompany the mural which will encourage visitors to engage with the artwork on multiple levels. Calvert Library Executive Director Carrie Willson said, "Isn't it wonderful when learning is beautiful and interactive! I suspect our new mural will inspire future scientists, conservationists, and artists."
Calvert County Public Schools, Bowie State University, Dramatic Results and Calvert Library collaborated on a federal Department of Education grant to develop Calvert's capacity to create and sustain high-quality, engaging and equitable STEAM programs. The STEAM Ecosystem Expansion Demonstration (SEED) Project has a long-term goal to build arts-integrated educational pathways for a more creative and diverse workforce. A pilot cohort of students enrolled in Calvert County Public School's Gifted and Talented program, selected the issue of climate change as the topic of study for the five-year program. Including research into native flora and fauna was a perfect fit. Programs included a hands-in-clay workshop, as well as writing and graphic design instruction. Students are creating a companion activity booklet for the mural artwork.
To continue the theme into the building, Collery also designed a new entrance rug with similar themes and colors. The new rug will not be here in time for the mural unveiling but keep an eye out! Calvert Library Prince Frederick will be closed for overall carpet replacement on September 18 and plans to re-open just in time for the unveiling and celebration of the mural on Tuesday, October 3, at 2:30pm. For details about where library classes and events will be held during this closure, check out this page. Check out the mural and the new carpet as early as Monday, October 2.
Parran Collery has designed and implemented a wide range of public art projects in the Maryland-DC-Virginia area including mosaic murals for the DC H Street Revitalization Project, Calvert Animal Welfare League, Caroline County Council of Arts and the Annmarie Arts Center. Other public art projects include a sculpture in Leonardtown and a series of sculptures in Frederick.
For more information, contact Robyn Truslow, Public Relations Coordinator for Calvert Library at 410-535-0291 or robyn.truslow@calvertlibrary.info.
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Detail image of portion of mural attached
Image of template posting (left to right): Elise Martin, Parran Collery and Carrie Willson
Related Links:
Robyn Truslow
She/Her/Hers
Public Relations Coordinator
Calvert Library
850 Costley Way
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-0291
410-535-3022 (fax)
