A "Big Hug" for the Overdose Awareness / Memorial Sculpture Project
September 13, 2023 (Chesapeake Beach, MD) - Congratulations to Thomas Sterner whose sculpture design -- “Big Hug” -- was selected as the finalist in the TBOAAC Overdose Awareness/Memorial Sculpture Project – “Their Lives Matter”!
The final sculpture design selection was announced at the Twin Beach Opioid Abuse Awareness Coalition’s (TBOAAC) Glow Vigil on August 31, 2023, to a crowd of participants there to remember loved ones lost to addiction and to support all those affected (#IOAD2023). Pending grant funding approval from the Maryland State Arts Council 2024 Public Art Across Maryland Grant Program, Thomas Sterner will create and install a full-sized “Big Hug” sculpture at the Mark R. Frazer Sunrise Garden in North Beach, MD.
About the Sculpture: “’Big Hug’ honors those who have struggled or continue to struggle with addiction, and their families and all those who care. The hug represents that caring for all lives with us now or in memory.” The piece is comprised of two sculptures, “Big Hug” and “Hug Chair” both made of stainless steel, and a bronze plaque with a memory wall below it where the names of lost loved ones can be memorialized.
About the Artist: Thomas Sterner is a full-time artist living near Union Mills, MD, where he built his “Art Factory” studio, nestled in the forest on the edge of farmland. He works in various materials including metal, wood, paint and ink. Thomas has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He has installed 11 public sculptures since 2019, including “Sprouts” in Westminster, MD, and the popular “Big Fish, School of Fish” at Concord, MD. For more information about Thomas Sterner and his art, visit: www.sternerartfactory.com
TBOAAC thanks the Maryland State Arts Council, CCHD Local Behavioral Health Administration, Town of North Beach, and Town of Chesapeake Beach for their support of this project. We also thank the members of the sculpture selection committee:
Mark Frazer, Former NB Mayor and Founder of Sunrise Garden Calvert County Health Department (CCHD), Lo
Katie Wandishin, Calvert County HEalth Department, Local Behavioral Health Authority, Lead Coordinator and 10+ years in recovery
Sandy Mattingly, Community/Family Advocate, TBOAAC Member, CAASA Board Member and NB Public Art Project Coordinator
Margaret Dowell, PhD, Author of Addiction & Art, Founder of addictionandart.org
Parran Collery, Sculptor, earthahandmadetile.com
Dale Godwin, Arts Council of Calvert County (ACCC), Gallery Administrator
Maria McDonald, Annmarie Garden Development Director
Keith Pardieck, TBOAAC Committee Chair and Chesapeake Beach Town Council Member
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