Site Chosen For McCardell Statue

It will be along the Carroll Creek Linear Park.

 

Frederick, Md (KM) A site has been chosen for a bronze statue of Frederick native Claire McCardell. Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, Bob Smith, told the Mayor and Board of Aldermen during their Wednesday workshop it will be located along the Carroll Creek Linear Park across the creek from the Union Mills building,. in front of McCutcheon’s Apple Products. All of which is located east of East Street.

“That location was discussed with our public works, our parks, our underground utilities to make sure that it made sense there, and logistically it could go there,”: he told elected officials.

Smith said the site was presented to the Public Art Commission in August, 2019, and to the Parks and Recreation Commission in September, 2019. Both boards expressed support.

The Frederick Art Club has been raising money to pay for the statue. “At present, we have an appointment with a site designer. And we’ll be meeting with him in the first weekend of December to try to get a design for the site,” says Linda Moran, Project Chairperson.

She hopes the project will be completed by the spring of 2021, but more fundraising needs to be done. Moran says most of the money will come from private donors. “We’re working with Karen Young and Ron Young, Delegate and Senator, to apply for a bond bill. Of course, we’re hoping for support from the city and the county,” she said.

According to background materials at the meeting, the bronze statue of Claire McCartell will 7.6-feet tall, and will be placed on a pedestal, 20-feet high, and 46-feet wide, which will be cut  from granite. McCardell will be posing with her left arm on a dress form, and her right hand in the front pocket of her dress. She will be gazing toward the Clustered Spires in downtown Frederick.

The statue will be carved by sculptor Sarah Hempel Irani.

Claire McCardell (1905-1958) was a Frederick native who made a mark as a fashion designer. According to the background materials from the meeting, McCardell is credited with inventing American sportswear. Her innovative designs continue to influence the fashion industry to this very day.

Alderwoman Donna Kuzemchak says she’s impressed with the project so far. “To me, it is wonderful to see a famous female from Frederick being immortalized, and have a female sculptor doing it,” she said.

“We’re hopeful that this can be finished 2021,” says Moran. “Hopefully in May which would be her birthday.”

 

By Kevin McManus