Community Bridge Frederick, Maryland
Small Symbol Paintings
These photos were taken at the “Community Bridge” mural in downtown Frederick, MD (which was founded in 1743). The mural is the illusion of an old stone bridge, painted over a span of five years, and includes ideas from thousands of residents about the “spirit of community”, such as the “Shofar player.” There are many other small paintings on the walls of the bridge. Would you believe the bridge and walls are nothing more than smooth concrete? ‘Tis true! The stone blocks are painted…even the ivy is painted! On September 12, 1998, there was a public celebration of the completion of the 5-year community bridge mural project. After viewing these photos, you can read the complete story and history, see more photos, and learn more about this style of painting at the official Community Bridge Web Site. An excellent three-part video series on the history, painting of the bridge, and the meaning of a number of the symbols shown in these photos can be viewed here.
Hands holding globe
Candles
Porpoises
Orbits
Never ending knot
Key
Seedpod
Computer smiley face
Man with vessel
“This is a shared vision”
Ivy
Möbius strip
Home in heart
Greek letters
Menorah
Shofar
Chameleon
Steeple
Chess pieces
Snowflakes
Eight point design
Steeples
Detail from bridge arch
Close-up of bridge arch “keystone”
Hands reaching out
Kids climbing trees
Rope with no end
Ivy on corner where bridge meets building wall
Well and bucket
Graduation cap and diploma
Sled
Lioness and cubs
Horses
Asclepius
Dove with olive branch
Flower and leaves
Heart and arrow
Sun rays
Spinning loom
Gyroscope
Old fire wagon
Stars over Frederick
Thistles
Downspout and ivy
Farmer and tractor
Angel
Oil lamp
Bell tower
Family in house, man repairing roof
Hammering a nail
Bus at bus stop
Circle of friendship
Baby nursing
Scales
Lincoln penny
Peace sign
Sun and moon
Whale tail
Chinese lantern
Cup of coffee
Bicycle
Entwined circles
Ivy on wall
Hands holding bowl
The Book of Kells symbol
Beehive
Butterflies
Gold fish
Face
Hand and key
Sunflower
Hand shake
E Pluribus Unum
Rose
Celtic knot design
Birds and grape vines
Figure eight and plant
Butterfly
Bicycle and ivy
Pomegranate
Sheave of wheat
Baby
Chain
1864
Ivy detail
Ying-Yang in ivy
Ballet dancer