Chestertown Public Arts

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Chestertown Public Arts

Our Mission: To promote and implement the installation of artwork in public places for the enrichment of the community.

08/29/2026

Broad Reach (2017) by artist David Hess reflects the culture of the Chesapeake region, with abstract shapes that resemble a sail and a wave. The installation of this work marked a revitalized commitment to public art in Chestertown. This work is both a sculpture and a playscape—it’s not uncommon to see kids climbing up or sliding down the curved surface.

Not only does this piece reflect the town’s connection to water, it honors Alex Castro who was the director of the Sandbox Initiative at Washington College and a powerful advocate for public arts in the community. While beloved in Chestertown, his influence extends far beyond it. He is perhaps best known for his work as one of the designers of the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore.

Even less than a decade out from the piece’s installation, it’s hard to imagine Wilmer Park or the Chester River waterfront without it.

08/20/2026

William Beck Nicholson (1992) by Kenneth F. Herlihy honors the native Chestertonian and MLB great. Nicholson (1914–1996) was born and raised in Chestertown and later graduated from Washington College. From there, he played for one year for the Philadelphia Athletics before moving in 1939 to the team where he would make his name, the Chicago Cubs. The sculpture, found on Cross Street between the Welcome Center and Town Hall, shows him in that jersey.

He earned many records across his career: a 5-time All-Star having two seasons where he led the National League in home runs and runs batted in. In one of those seasons, he also led the league in total runs. Since the league's founding in 1876, he is one of only 7 players to have received an intentional walk with the bases loaded. At the time he set the record, it had been 16 years since a player had done that and it took another 54 years until someone would do it again. He was given the nickname "Swish" by Dodgers fans at Ebbets field. And while the nickname stuck, many fans called him "Big Bill" or "Nick."

After playing his final seasons in the MLB with the Phillies, he returned home where he spent his remaining years working on his farm in Chestertown.

08/13/2026

H**e Fountain (circa 1866–1878) by Robert Wood and Company anchors Fountain Park, right in the heart of downtown Chestertown. H**e, the Greek goddess of youth or the prime of life, has become an icon for our town. The fountain itself was cast in the late 1800s in Philadelphia and was installed in its current location in 1899.

The fountain depicts H**e pouring ambrosia—the elixir of eternal youth—from her pitcher. On other tiers of the fountain you'll see swans, a large shell, and lion heads representing values like inner beauty, commitment to others, courage, and protection. The fountain itself has even inspired artists and poets to create work about it.

Spend some time with H**e in Fountain Park where you can also visit Head, a part of the Woicke collection whose color echos that of the founatin.

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08/12/2026

Before there was Woicke, there was H**e and Swish and Broad Reach. These sculptures were placed under the purview of the Public Arts Committee when it was formed in 2020 but are long beloved pieces that are central to the visual landscape of Chestertown.

Learn more about each in the coming posts, and be sure to visit them in person. You'll find all three in easy walking distance from one another in and around downtown Chestertown.

08/06/2026

Super Duty Yellow (2013) by artist Jeremy Thomas is worth looking at from every angle. This abstract piece is the result of an innovative process in which the artist welds sheets of metal together and then inflates them with forced air. You can see more about Thomas's process in the short PBS video on the Chestertown Public Arts website.

Stop over at Gateway Park, near the intersection of Route 20 (High Street) and Flatland Road to see this for yourself. Just head past Royal Farms and Cafe Sado and look to your left.

07/30/2026

Vessel (2006) by artist Peter Burke features a human figure, constructed using steel to create thin slats that create this upside down form.

Visit Carpenter Community Park to see this one for yourself.

07/23/2026

The Great Yes (2008) by artist Magdalena Miočinović Andrić shows an abstract human form, thick and slightly flat with a large hole in the center calling our attention not only to the sculpture but the space around it.

You'll find this sculpture along with Gilchrest Rail Trail near trail's intersection with High Street. Continue along the trail to see The Ball and Red Arches, Taking the Hill, and Inchworm (for John Coltrane) or take a quick trip down high street to see the artist's other piece in the collection, The Big Courtship.

07/16/2026

Puzzled (2004) by artist Tolla Inbar shows two figures, one holding up three puzzle pieces and the second who holds a fourth piece.

You've probably walked past this sculpture anytime you're on High Street in downtown Chestertown. Stop by to take a closer look next time you're at the farmer's market or grabbing pizza at Al's.

07/09/2026

Durbar (2012) by artist Lee Kelly evokes industrial activity through the use of steel, but is nonetheless as gracefully balanced as fine calligraphy.

Visit Margo Bailey Park to see it for yourself, and be sure to stop by to see The Ladies on your way out.

07/02/2026

The Dance (2001) by artist Shakiru-Ola Erogbogbo was created using found metal objects, welded together to depict a Nigerian woman performing a ritual dance.

This sculpture sits just outside of Sumner Hall, the historic African-American Civil War Veteran's hall on Queen Street. The hall has been restored as a museum and community center featuring public humanities programs, so be sure to look at their programming when you plan your trip to see The Dance.

Address

118N Cross Street
Chestertown, MD
21620

Website

https://chestertownpublicarts.com/

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