A nearly 8-foot-tall Mother Earth mosaic sculpture is taking shape at Milford Mill Plaza and community members will have one final opportunity to help put the finishing touches on the public art piece Aug. 21 during the final performance of the Liberty Live concert series.
Throughout the summer, residents have helped create the sculpture, which depicts a powerful female figure moving forward while holding a solar-powered lantern above her head. The sculpture will be adorned with stained-glass mosaic designs that honor Randallstown’s African American heritage while celebrating the community’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.
Mother Earth’s flowing gown incorporates colorful patterns inspired by fresh fruits and vegetables, paying tribute to the businesses and community life emerging at the revitalized shopping center that reopened about a year ago. The shopping center, which includes a Royal Farms and the Grocery Outlet, was rebranded as Milford Mill Market Square.
The project is part of an initiative led by ARLS Properties, which developed the shopping center, Greater Randallstown Community Development Organization and Baltimore County. The partners envision the sculpture and surrounding space as a welcoming public gathering place that reflects the “identity, pride and resilience” of the Randallstown community.
Located at the busy intersection of Milford Mill and Liberty roads, the sculpture also is expected to serve as a landmark in the community, surrounded by established neighborhoods, independent businesses and schools.
“Good development brings the tenants; art gives the place its meaning. Mother Earth carries the Greater Randallstown area’s history in her lantern and its neighbors’ thumbprints in her mosaics — she makes this corner a landmark, and landmarks are what make developments last,” said Josh Rosemore, vice president of development for ARLS Properties, the owner and developer of Milford Mill Market Square.
Art With a Heart was selected to design and fabricate the sculpture, which celebrates the transformation of the shopping center while honoring the history, culture and voices of Greater Randallstown residents, according to a press release.
Attendees at the Liberty Live concert series have contributed tiles and ceramic thumbprints that will become a permanent part of the finished sculpture. Community members will have one more opportunity to participate during the final community art workshop on Friday, Aug. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the former Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and Shoppers Food location at 8212 Liberty Road.
Everyone is welcome to participate, and no artistic experience is required.
A progress photo of the Mother Earth sculpture that will be installed at the corner of Liberty and Milford Mill roads as a landmark reflecting the history and vibrancy of the greater Randallstown community.
Community members will be able to participate in a mosaic workshop on Aug. 21 to help add design pieces to the sculpture. Photos: Caryn Sagal