Category: Announcements

Contact: info@frederickartscouncil.org

301.662.4190

Frederick, MD – In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the Frederick Arts Council is offering the public an opportunity to take home a piece of original artwork from its Black-Eyed Susans: Celebrating Fifty Years of Creativity in Bloom public art installation. The 50th Anniversary Commemorative Kit brings together three original artworks inspired by the project, offering a meaningful keepsake that celebrates the Frederick Arts Council’s history while supporting its creative future. 

The temporary public art installation features original handcrafted metal Black-Eyed Susan flowers designed by artist Lusmerlin. Maryland’s state flower serves as a central symbol throughout the project, representing growth, renewal, justice, and the continued cultivation of creativity within the community. 

As part of the commemorative collection, the public can choose from an individual metal Black-Eyed Susan, symbolizing roots, groundedness, growth, and rejuvenation; a wispy yellow cloud, representing hope, dreams, and transcendence; or a beeswax card inspired by the Black-Eyed Susan & Beeswax Room, symbolizing nurturing, healing, and the connections created through pollination. 

The 50th Anniversary Commemorative Kit includes all three artworks, along with a packet of Black-Eyed Susan seeds and a commemorative sticker. Together, the collection reflects where the Frederick arts community has grown and the future it continues to envision. 

“Each piece represents the growth, connection, and creative spirit that have shaped Frederick County’s arts community for the past five decades,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the Frederick Arts Council.

The purchase of these commemorative pieces directly supports the work of the Frederick Arts Council and its continued efforts to foster a thriving arts community throughout Frederick County. By bringing a piece of the installation into personal spaces, community members can carry forward the project’s themes of growth, connection, and creative renewal. 

The Black-Eyed Susan flowers will be available for pickup following the completion of the public art installation in December 2026 at the Frederick Arts Council offices, located at 115 E. Church St., Frederick.

Individual pieces and the all-inclusive commemorative kit are currently available for preorder here.

Public art enriches communities and transforms shared places into meaningful places that inspire connection. The FAC vision is a Frederick where public art connects residents and visitors, expresses an authentic and unique sense of place, drives economic prosperity through creativity, and advances a culturally inclusive and empowered future.

For more information about our public art master plan visit FAC-Master-Plan-2018-WEB.pdf 

About the Frederick Arts Council

The Frederick Arts Council invests in a vibrant and cohesive arts community for the people of Frederick County. The organization fosters an environment where the arts flourish in the community through grants and scholarships, arts advocacy, and links to essential resources. FAC is responsible for large-scale programming such as Sky Stage, Frederick Festival of the Arts, Art in the Park, the Public Art Initiative, and Frederick County’s Arts in Education grants. For more information about the Frederick Arts Council, visit www.frederickartscouncil.org.

Contact: info@frederickartscouncil.org

301.662.4190

Frederick, MD – The Frederick Arts Council is seeking artists to create exceptional tabletop sculptures for centerpieces at its 50th Anniversary Gala, taking place Saturday, November 7, 2026, at New Spire Arts. 

The call invites both established and emerging artists to submit original, highly creative sculptural works designed to serve as striking centerpieces for the 50th anniversary gala. Selected pieces will be displayed throughout the event and auctioned to an audience of collectors, philanthropists, arts supporters, community leaders, and other guests.

The Frederick Arts Council is seeking visually compelling works that demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship, artistic vision, and creativity. Artists may submit contemporary or modern sculpture, abstract or representational works, handcrafted or mixed-media pieces, and works created from materials including bronze, stone, ceramic, glass, wood, metal, resin, or other innovative materials.

Sculptures must be designed with both presentation and functionality in mind. The base may be no wider than 13 by 13 inches, and works may stand up to three feet tall. To preserve visibility among seated guests, sculptures should taper at approximately 12 inches in height and may be no wider than five inches above that point. Designs must also allow for the movement of food and service around the tables.

Artists selected for the auction will receive 50 percent of the final sale price of their work, with the Frederick Arts Council setting the starting bid price. Selected artists will also receive 50 percent off gala tickets and will be invited to join the sponsored ticket waitlist for the 50th Anniversary Gala celebration.

To apply, artists should submit their name and a brief biography; images of the proposed sculpture design; the title, dimensions, and materials; suggested retail or market value; a brief description of the work; and an artist website or up to three images of previous creative work.

The submission deadline is October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applications will be accepted through SlideRoom using the link below

https://frederickartscouncil.slideroom.com/#/login/program/90885 

To view the full artist call guidelines visit

https://frederickartscouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/Exceptional-Tabletop-Sculptures-.pdf 

The Frederick Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary Gala will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at

https://givebutter.com/fac-50th-anniversary-gala 

About the Frederick Arts Council

The Frederick Arts Council invests in a vibrant and cohesive arts community for the people of Frederick County. The organization fosters an environment where the arts flourish in the community through grants and scholarships, arts advocacy, and links to essential resources. FAC is responsible for large-scale programming such as Sky Stage, Frederick Festival of the Arts, Art in the Park, the Public Art Initiative, and Frederick County’s Arts in Education grants. For more information about the Frederick Arts Council, visit www.frederickartscouncil.org.

Contact: info@frederickartscouncil.org

301.662.4190

Frederick, MD – The Frederick Arts Council is excited to announce a special two-night live music celebration in honor of the 10th anniversary of Sky Stage, taking place Friday, September 18, and Saturday, September 19, 2026. The celebration will bring together original music from some of Sky Stage’s most memorable artists and bands over the past decade.

Located at 59 S. Carroll Street in downtown Frederick, Sky Stage is both a large-scale public art installation and an outdoor amphitheater. The unique venue was created through the vision of artist Heather Clark with assistance from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Digital Structures research group after the building at 59 S. Carroll Street suffered a major fire in 2010 and lost its roof. 

For ten years, Sky Stage has served as a one-of-a-kind outdoor venue and creative gathering place in the heart of downtown Frederick. To mark this milestone, the Frederick Arts Council invites the community to take a trip down memory lane with some of the artists who have helped shape Sky Stage’s legacy, while discovering fresh voices and dynamic performers across a wide range of musical genres.  

The celebration kicks off on Friday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature Frederick legends Silent Old Mtns performing their signature indie rock anthems followed by hip-hop artist and rapper Stitch EARLY alongside his band, The Populatn. The lineup also includes blues, soul, and jazz singer and The Voice contestant Carly Harvey, as well as painter and emerging music artist Noah Chiles.

On Saturday, September 19, doors open at 6 p.m. The second evening will feature rising Washington, D.C., guitarist Paulie Boy Blues, fresh from a tour in the United Kingdom; neo-soul artist Nan-Ana; and Frederick hip-hop artist Roiyalty.

Over the past decade, Sky Stage has welcomed a diverse range of artists, performers, and community groups. From live music and salsa dancing under the stars to yoga, children’s programming, exhibitions, and more, Sky Stage has become a creative space where the community can gather, experiment, and experience the arts in new ways. The 10th Anniversary occurs during the Frederick Arts Council’s 50th Anniversary year.

“This 10th anniversary celebration will honor the incredible artists and community members who have made Sky Stage what it is today. We’re excited to welcome back some of the artists who have been such a key part of Sky Stage’s history,”  said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the Frederick Arts Council.

Tickets are $15 for an individual night or $25 for both nights. The event is open to all ages, with beer and wine available for purchase to guests 21 and older with valid identification. Additional event information is available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sky-stage-10th-anniversary-live-music-celebration-tickets-1998408803527 

About the Frederick Arts Council

The Frederick Arts Council invests in a vibrant and cohesive arts community for the people of Frederick County. The organization fosters an environment where the arts flourish in the community through grants and scholarships, arts advocacy, and links to essential resources. FAC is responsible for large-scale programming such as Sky Stage, Frederick Festival of the Arts, Art in the Park, the Public Art Initiative, and Frederick County’s Arts in Education grants. For more information about the Frederick Arts Council, visit www.frederickartscouncil.org.

Contact: info@frederickartscouncil.org

301.662.4190

Frederick, MD – The Frederick Arts Council is proud to announce the installation of metal-stamped Black-Eyed Susans in front of Frederick City Hall (101 N. Court St.) as part of its year long celebration of the organization’s 50th Anniversary. Designed by artist Lusmerlin, the installation honors five decades of artistic excellence while bringing public art into the heart of downtown Frederick. 

Earlier this year, the Frederick Arts Council held a public art competition inviting artists to reimagine Maryland’s state flower through a temporary, large-scale installation. Following a competitive selection process, Lusmerlin’s vision was chosen by the FAC.

The project consists of 500 individually crafted metal-stamped Black-Eyed Susans, each contributing to a sweeping landscape that symbolizes growth, resilience, and community. The inaugural installation debuted in front of the YMCA Ausherman Arts Center, followed by additional displays at Winchester Hall and the Visitation Hotel. Now, the installation arrives at Frederick City Hall, where residents and visitors are invited to experience the latest chapter of this community-wide public art initiative.

“Lusmerlin’s Black-Eyed Susan project beautifully reflects both Maryland’s iconic state flower and the creativity that thrives throughout Frederick County. By placing these flowers at prominent community locations, we’re creating opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy and honor five decades of supporting artists, fostering cultural engagement, and enriching our community through the arts” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the Frederick Arts Council.  

“We’re proud to welcome this Black-Eyed Susan installation to the front lawn of City Hall. As we celebrate the Frederick Arts Council’s 50 years of enriching our community through the arts, this installation serves as a reminder of the creativity, collaboration, and civic pride that defines Frederick,” said Mayor Michael O’Connor.    

Public art enriches communities and transforms shared places into meaningful places that inspire connection. The FAC vision is a Frederick where public art connects residents and visitors, expresses an authentic and unique sense of place, drives economic prosperity through creativity, and advances a culturally inclusive and empowered future.

For more information about our public art master plan visit FAC-Master-Plan-2018-WEB.pdf 

About the Frederick Arts Council

The Frederick Arts Council invests in a vibrant and cohesive arts community for the people of Frederick County. The organization fosters an environment where the arts flourish in the community through grants and scholarships, arts advocacy, and links to essential resources. FAC is responsible for large-scale programming such as Sky Stage, Frederick Festival of the Arts, Art in the Park, the Public Art Initiative, and Frederick County’s Arts in Education grants. For more information about the Frederick Arts Council, visit www.frederickartscouncil.org.

After the pop up initiative at the end of the year, the flowers from the installation will be available for purchase at $40 a piece. They are currently available for preorder on GiveButter.com 

For more information about Lusmerlin and her other projects please visit LUSMERLIN – Lusmerlin: Performance art and abstraction 

Contact: info@frederickartscouncil.org

301.662.4190

Frederick, MD – The Frederick Arts Council Presents “Celebrating 50 Years of Creative Community”, an exhibition at the Artspiration art gallery featuring more than 50 Frederick Artists 

The “Celebrating 50 Years of Creative Community” exhibition will run July 3rd through July 26th, 2026 and will feature many of the same artists from the Annapolis Treasury Building exhibition earlier this year. 

In celebration of the Frederick Arts Council’s 50th anniversary, participating artists from across Frederick County present works that reflect their unique interpretations of and contributions to the region’s vibrant arts community. 

“The Frederick Arts Council’s 50th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate not only our history, but also the remarkable artists whose creativity continues to shape our community. This exhibition honors the diverse voices and talents that have helped Frederick’s arts scene flourish while reaffirming our commitment to supporting artists for generations to come.” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the Frederick Arts Council. 

A reception will take place on July 18th from 3-5p providing an opportunity for creative conversation with artists and arts supporters. Light food and beverages will be available. The event is free, please register on Eventbrite. 

Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/artist-reception-for-artspiration-exhibition-tickets-1992934427521?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true 

The exhibition is located at the Artspiration art gallery, 915 Toll House Avenue, Frederick MD 21701.

Participating artists: Daniel Absi, Esperanza Alzona, Melissa Avera-Cook, Marc Bolea, Gary Carver, Noah Chiles, Cheryl Dapsauski, Patricia Dobbin, Thomas Dorsz, Yemi Fagbohun, Suzanne Feldman, Luc Fiedler, Valarie Frank, Sarah Hempel-Irani, Thomas Hornyak, Juliet Hossain, Margaret Huddy, Beckie Laughlin, Alexis Dominique Limpiado, Matt Long, Christina Lund, Sheryl Massaro, Julie Maynard, Christine Mayo, Andrea McCluskey, Jan McIntyre-Creager, Christine Merry, Lee Newman, Ludmilla Oliver, Liana Owad, Karen Peacock, Donna Quesada, Kisha Reid, Lori Rounds, Ann Schaefer, Ellen Olson Schippert, Lisa Sheirer, Janet Siefert, Yuganti Shirodkar, Helen Smith, Dan Stouffer, Christine Stovall, Michelle Venable, Richard Weiblinger, Paula Rubin-Wexler, Ira Wexler, Homer Yost, and Ronald Young.

Public art enriches communities and transforms shared places into meaningful places that inspire connection. The FAC vision is a Frederick where public art connects residents and visitors, expresses an authentic and unique sense of place, drives economic prosperity through creativity, and advances a culturally inclusive and empowered future.

For more information about our public art master plan visit FAC-Master-Plan-2018-WEB.pdf 

About the Frederick Arts Council

The Frederick Arts Council invests in a vibrant and cohesive arts community for the people of Frederick County. The organization fosters an environment where the arts flourish in the community through grants and scholarships, arts advocacy, and links to essential resources. FAC is responsible for large-scale programming such as Sky Stage, Frederick Festival of the Arts, Art in the Park, the Public Art Initiative, and Frederick County’s Arts in Education grants. For more information about the Frederick Arts Council, visit www.frederickartscouncil.org.

Contact: info@frederickartscouncil.org

301.662.4190

What:  FAC’s Art in the Park with the Frederick Keys

When: Friday, August 14th 7p, Gates open at 6p

Where: Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium

Frederick, MD – The Frederick Arts Council (FAC) will once again host the popular community event Art in the Park along with the Frederick Keys at Harry Grove Stadium. Art in the Park 2026 will take place on Friday, August 14th, 7pm, at the Frederick Keys’ game. 

The players will be outfitted in one-of-a-kind jerseys designed by local artist Lauren Wolff, which will be auctioned off as keepsakes. The online auction link for jerseys will be available a week prior to the event online. 

“This partnership allows us to further unite Frederick’s creative and athletic communities, and we’re grateful to continue working alongside the Frederick Keys,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the Frederick Arts Council. 

The event will feature a silent auction of one-of-a-kind souvenir baseballs decorated by Frederick Keys players, along with a jersey auction benefiting the arts. Guests can enjoy art-themed activities designed for young fans and watch plein air artists painting throughout the stadium. 

All proceeds from the baseball and jersey auctions will support the Frederick Arts Council’s mission of expanding access to arts programming throughout the community. Artists interested in participating as a plein air painter are encouraged to register by emailing info@frederickartscouncil.org. 

For more information, or to purchase tickets please call the Frederick Keys box office at (301) 815-9939 or visit their website at https://www.milb.com/frederick. 

About the Frederick Arts Council

The Frederick Arts Council invests in a vibrant and cohesive arts community for the people of Frederick County. The organization fosters an environment where the arts flourish in the community through grants and scholarships, arts advocacy, and links to essential resources. FAC is responsible for large-scale programming such as Sky Stage, Frederick Festival of the Arts, Art in the Park, the Public Art Initiative, and Frederick County’s Arts in Education grants. For more information about the Frederick Arts Council, visit www.frederickartscouncil.org.

Contact: info@frederickartscouncil.org

301.662.4190

Frederick, MD – The Frederick Arts Council held a public art competition to choose a public art installation to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Frederick Arts Council.  The FAC selected Lusmerlin Lantigua to design the Black-Eyed Susans that will be displayed across various locations in Frederick County, with the inaugural site positioned prominently in front of the YMCA Ausherman Art Center at 115 E Church St, Frederick.

Submissions for the temporary large-scale art installation were reviewed by the FAC Public Art Committee. Artists were encouraged to interpret the Black-Eyed Susan form expansively—literal, abstracted, symbolic, or conceptual—while maintaining a cohesive field-like visual experience from the individual flowers that read powerfully from both a distance and up close. 

Lantigua’s winning submission includes 500 individual, metal-stamped Black-Eyed Susans. The number holds deep symbolic weight: 10 flowers for every year the Council has fostered creativity and cultural stewardship in Frederick.

“This project is part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration. The Black Eyed Susan is our state flower and symbolizes justice. We wanted to find a design that celebrated our 50th anniversary and our Maryland roots. Lantigua’s proposal did just that ,” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the Frederick Arts Council.

“The installation serves as a tangible timeline, charting the community’s artistic evolution through the past half-century. Utilizing a repetition of 500 individual units, the design creates a commanding visual field across the landscape, illustrating the profound transformation the Council has championed in the region since its founding. Organized into “decade clusters,” the arrangement symbolizes how distinct acts of creative stewardship coalesce into a grand, collective movement of cultural growth,” says Lantigus.

Public art enriches communities and transforms shared places into meaningful places that inspire connection. The FAC vision is a Frederick where public art connects residents and visitors, expresses an authentic and unique sense of place, drives economic prosperity through creativity, and advances a culturally inclusive and empowered future.

For more information about our public art master plan visit FAC-Master-Plan-2018-WEB.pdf 

About the Frederick Arts Council

The Frederick Arts Council invests in a vibrant and cohesive arts community for the people of Frederick County. The organization fosters an environment where the arts flourish in the community through grants and scholarships, arts advocacy, and links to essential resources. FAC is responsible for large-scale programming such as Sky Stage, Frederick Festival of the Arts, Art in the Park, the Public Art Initiative, and Frederick County’s Arts in Education grants. For more information about the Frederick Arts Council, visit www.frederickartscouncil.org.

After the pop up initiative at the end of the year, the flowers from the installation will be available for purchase at $40 a piece. They are currently available for preorder on GiveButter.com 

For more information about Lantigua and her other projects please visit LUSMERLIN – Lusmerlin: Performance art and abstraction