By Beverly Richards
Special to the AFRO
If you have driven by the North Avenue side of Coppin State University, at the corners of Warwick and West North avenues within the past five months or so, you probably noticed this covered anomaly posted in front of the campus’ new College of Business. You were not alone. Faculty, staff and students felt the same way. The shape seemed to have no rhyme or reason. But on Feb. 22, the Coppin community, members from the Maryland Arts Council, alumni and friends gathered for the dedication ceremony of the latest edition to the State of Maryland’s public art collection.
The anticipation of the unveiling was worth the wait. Entitled “Community of Stars,” the bronze sculpture consists of people, collectively reaching, embracing, and holding each other up, creating a symbiotic bond, despite their individual narratives.
Artist Nnamdi Okonkwo created the large-scale piece to symbolize the students as stars shining light on the Coppin community. It is also more than a moment of artistic achievement, but a celebration of community, faith and hope for all who pass by.
Nnamdi currently resides in Atlanta, but prior to beginning work on the sculpture, he paid a visit to the campus. He said he purposely studied the corner on which the sculpture would stand and felt the energy of the community. Nnamdi went back to Georgia and created what he described as a “three-dimensional statement” on the commonalities of humanity.
“I wanted to create something that wasn’t just an art piece. I wanted to create something that was living– that has a soul–because I felt that there are people here that will need to be inspired,” he said.
The sculpture was funded by the Maryland State Arts Council. The Council uses public dollars to invest in communities across the state, giving them access to the transformative power of art. “We do this,” said Steven Skerritt-Davis, executive director of the Maryland State Arts Council., because public art gives us a sense of who we are. Art communicates our values and I think this is an amazing example of that type of communication.” Nnamdi was selected for this commission through the state’s Percent-for-Art program.
“This institution and this art are bigger than what people will ever imagine,” said Coppin State University President Anthony L. Jenkins. “As I looked at this, I saw the spiritual piece that was talking about – the intertwining of the struggle of people of color. And yet the struggle is beautiful– and it’s bold. It is a representation of excellence.”
Unbeknownst to Nnamdi, the sculpture ties right into Coppin’s path to BE MORE for each other, our students, and the communities we serve. “Community of Stars” is a true symbol of West Baltimore…it is rising. It is this type of vision that allows us to continue to do that unapologetically,” said Jenkins. “And it will serve as a sign of welcome for all.”