A group of ten residents from the community of Catonsville, which is home to approximately 44,000 people, will soon be honored through a significant public art initiative led by esteemed international artists. The project aims to highlight the historical landmarks of the town.
Titled “Signs of People,” this installation by Spanish artists Eva Salmerón and Ciro Márquez, with fabrication by Kyle Miller, is set to be unveiled in the Catonsville Arts District on Saturday, October 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. Each sign showcases a striking yellow silhouette of one of the ten selected locals, directed towards a notable site in the area.
The group of honored locals includes Mae McCoy, a dedicated caregiver and baker; Rebekah Kaufman, a former elementary school librarian; attorney Jim Heidelbach; Louis S. Diggs, an accomplished historian and author who passed away in 2022; community advocate and educator Phyllis King, among others.
Standing at around twelve feet tall, the vibrant yellow wayfinding signs will be easily seen by both drivers and pedestrians. Beneath the silhouettes lies a detailed map of the area and narrative descriptions that tell the rich stories of each historical site. A QR code on the signs will direct visitors to audio descriptions, location details, and additional historical resources.
“The inspiration for this project sprang from our visit to Catonsville last October,” Salmerón noted in February 2025. “We were energized by the enthusiasm of the various individuals who guided us, their passion for sharing the stories of their town, and the warm welcome we received. Signs of People serves as a tribute to the locals, who truly embody the essence of this community.”
Each sign is accompanied by two plates at sidewalk level: one showcasing a photograph of the individual represented, alongside quotes reflective of their experiences and memories, historical context, and an image of the corresponding site. The second plate offers a map of related attractions.
“These signs not only draw visitors in, but also create a network linking numerous locations that share historical significance,” Márquez shared.
The signs will point to ten significant sites along Frederick Road and Winters Lane, strategically located in the heart of Catonsville’s Main Street business district. These sites include:
- the Remus Adams Blacksmith Shop,
- the Old Catonsville High School,
- the Albert Smith House, which once hosted Catonsville’s inaugural newspaper,
- Heidelbach Grocer and Butcher,
- the Fire Station House,
- the Catonsville Health Center, an advocacy group and clinic for women’s public health,
- Greenwood Electric Park, which served as a social hub for Catonsville’s historic Black community,
- the Winters Lane neighborhood,
- Salem Lutheran Evangelical Church, and
- the Post Office, where visitors can learn about Victor Gustav Bloede, the inventor of postage stamp glue.
The artists selected the honorees from a pool of 43 nominees put forth by community members, making this initiative not merely “about” or “for” Catonsville, but an engaging collaboration “with” Catonsville. The project involved a participatory process that included feedback from 249 community members and spanned two years.
“Signs of People not only collaborates with the community; its existence is intricately linked to the community’s contributions and narratives,” Márquez added.
Salmerón emphasized that the project fundamentally revolves around identity, capturing the authentic spirit of Catonsville.
“The people here are incredibly warm and friendly, each with their unique way of life, with a deep appreciation for their community and a love for good food,” Salmerón said. “Witnessing local residents recount their stories, some even moved to tears, has been incredibly touching. To imagine having your own road sign in the town, sharing a personal connection to it—it’s an emotional experience. This is the heart of the project; it doesn’t just honor the community, it amplifies it, as residents will have large, eye-catching signs that celebrate their contributions.”
Mike Eagle, a former firefighter whose silhouette will grace the sign at the firehouse, resonated with Salmerón’s sentiments. “This isn’t just a fire station; it’s a home I shared for many years,” Eagle expressed. “I had two families—I grew up with these people. We cooked and shared meals together; the food was always great.”
Márquez elaborated on the design philosophy behind the silhouettes and the complexities involved in translating that vision into physical form.
“A road sign must be effective from both afar and up close, and an overload of information can be perplexing from a distance, hence the minimalistic design,” Márquez explained. “It has been challenging to transform each individual, with their own characteristics, into an abstract silhouette that functions effectively as signage: to distill a person into a simple yet striking silhouette that embodies clarity and boldness. I merged elements from various photographs to refine gestures and attitudes that best represent the person.”
Catherine Carey, who is 90 years old, is another resident from Catonsville who will have her silhouette recognized on the signs. She recalls the closing of Greenwood Electric Park.
“It closed down in 1941,” Carey remembered. “A heavy snowstorm occurred on a Sunday, causing the pavilion to collapse. The next day, on my way to school, the snow was taller than I was.”
Mae McCoy reminisced about the camaraderie that characterized life on Winters Lane.
“Neighbors really looked out for one another,” McCoy reflected. “You could walk into anyone’s home and be welcomed. My mother was particularly known for her delicious crab cakes.”
Despite their global acclaim, Salmerón and Márquez are no strangers to public art projects in Baltimore. Their previous work includes the interactive sculpture known as BUS, which was installed in the Highlandtown Arts District back in 2014.
Signs of People is supported by the Baltimore County Arts Guild, centering in the Catonsville Arts District. The unveiling event will commence with an Opening Ceremony at 1 p.m. at The Catonsville Clubhouse, featuring remarks from local leaders, project curators, and the artists involved. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to join a collective walk to unveil each sign, expected to run from approximately 1:50 p.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will also have the chance to meet the residents represented on the signs.
The Catonsville Clubhouse is situated at 10 St. Timothy’s Lane, Catonsville. Attendees can find parking and location details here.
