Frederick Community College (FCC) unveiled to the campus and community its first permanent public artwork sculpture, entitled “Growth,” by Thomas Sterner.  
 
Sterner was inspired by the FCC campus sycamore trees, as well as FCC’s motto, “Avec progres marchons en avant.” (Let us move forward with progress). The design mirrors the fulfillment of FCC’s mission as it portrays nurturing a dream and growth. The sculpture features a sycamore tree trunk with a canopy of leaves bowing down to arch over a pathway that connects to an oversized seedpod. The seedpod is comprised of many nodes, each stamped with a letter that spells out a poem. The poem, also called “Growth,” was written collaboratively by Sterner and FCC alum and poet Kiki Wilson and can be read on a nearby plaque. 
 
Sterner, a full-time artist and owner of the Art Factory, was commissioned to do the kinetic wind sculpture ‘Tree of Life’ installed in The City of Frederick’s Carroll Creek in March 2020. Wilson was poet laureate for the inauguration ceremony of FCC President Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek in September 2023.  
 
“I often acknowledge that FCC is THE community's college, and as such we should continue to reflect our community,” said Dr. Cheek. “The Frederick community has long been recognized for its commitment to the arts, and this statue, in conjunction with other recent art installations around our campus, builds on this recognition. We are honored to be a part of this rich tradition!”
 
The sculpture was funded by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council. 
 
“The visible importance of art and culture is evident in the many public art pieces not only in downtown Frederick, but around the county as well,” said FCC Arts Center Director Tabetha White. “I am excited to add to FCC's collection of public art with its first sculpture, and I look forward to this being the first of many.”
 
The “Growth” sculpture work is located beside the College’s entry circle drive, in front of Linganore Hall near the bus stop at FCC, 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD. Other installations of art on campus include a walking labyrinth behind Annapolis Hall, the Making Our Spaces An Inclusive Community (MOSAIC) mural in the Student Center, and an African Art collection displayed in the Learning Commons of Linganore Hall.
  
For additional information, contact Arts Center Director Tabetha White at [email protected] or 301-624-2827.                                                                                                                                                                                                       
  
Photo caption: FCC President Dr. Annesa Payne Cheek, Artist Thomas Sterner, and Poet/FCC Alum Kiki Wilson, joined by others, cut the ribbon in front of the “Growth” sculpture on FCC’s campus.