Coppin State University Unveils Newly Commissioned Sculpture for College of Business
Coppin State University’s recently completed College of Business, located at the corner of Warwick and West North Avenue in Baltimore City, is now home to the latest addition to the State of Maryland’s public art collection. The sculpture, titled "Community of Stars," and created through the Artwork Commissions program of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), was unveiled in a dedication ceremony on February 22.
“We know that this artwork will serve as a beacon in our community - a source of inspiration and welcome not only for CSU students and employees but for West Baltimore residents as well,” said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins.
Artist Nnamdi Okonkwo created the large-scale bronze “Community of Stars” to symbolize the students as stars shining light on the Coppin community, as well as their journey beyond graduation.
“Public art not only complements new capital improvement projects; it reflects who we are and communicates our hopes for our communities,” said MSAC Executive Director Steven Skerritt-Davis. “Investing in public artworks is an investment in the future vibrancy of our communities.”
Okonkwo was selected for this commission through the state’s Percent-for-Art program, whereby a percentage of state building construction budgets are set aside for public art. The program is overseen by the Maryland Public Art Commission and managed by MSAC’s Public Art Across Maryland team.
Coppin State University’s recently completed College of Business, located at the corner of Warwick and West North Avenue in Baltimore City, is now home to the latest addition to the State of Maryland’s public art collection. The sculpture, titled "Community of Stars," and created through the Artwork Commissions program of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), was unveiled in a dedication ceremony on February 22.
“We know that this artwork will serve as a beacon in our community - a source of inspiration and welcome not only for CSU students and employees but for West Baltimore residents as well,” said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins.
Artist Nnamdi Okonkwo created the large-scale bronze “Community of Stars” to symbolize the students as stars shining light on the Coppin community, as well as their journey beyond graduation.
“Public art not only complements new capital improvement projects; it reflects who we are and communicates our hopes for our communities,” said MSAC Executive Director Steven Skerritt-Davis. “Investing in public artworks is an investment in the future vibrancy of our communities.”
Okonkwo was selected for this commission through the state’s Percent-for-Art program, whereby a percentage of state building construction budgets are set aside for public art. The program is overseen by the Maryland Public Art Commission and managed by MSAC’s Public Art Across Maryland team.
