BRING WHAT YOU CARRY
A Landmark Public Artwork by Brandon Donahue-Shipp
BlackRock Center for the Arts is proud to partner with nationally recognized artist Brandon Donahue-Shipp to create a permanent public artwork that celebrates the diversity, creativity, and shared stories of our community.
The project, the first public artwork commissioned since BlackRock’s dedication in 2002, reflects BlackRock's commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone by bringing inspiring artwork into a public space where people can gather, connect, and celebrate.
The artwork is being developed through an extensive community engagement process that encourages residents, students, artists, businesses, and local organizations to help shape its design. Rather than simply installing a sculpture or mural, this project seeks to create a work of art that reflects the unique identity of the community and serves as a gathering place for generations to come.
HOW IT WORKS:
The artistic process begins with you.
Community members will bring objects that represent Germantown's diverse history, experiences, and agricultural beginnings to be included in the public artwork. Brandon uses these objects, along with community stories and ideas, to create the original public artwork—a large-scale relief mural.
The objects are vacuum-formed and used to create custom molds. Large sheets of architectural-grade plastic are heated and formed over the objects, capturing the objects’ textures and dimensional details. The process takes less than a minute and does not harm the object.
Each of the 96 plastic panels is carefully trimmed, reinforced, finished, and coated to protect it from weather, sunlight, and long-term public use while maintaining its appearance. Brandon will also add hand-painted elements to create the final 16' x 24' mural, which will be installed on the back wall of the new Outdoor Stage
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Original Objects Used
Vacuum-formed Piece
GET INVOLVED
The BlackRock Public Art Project is designed to be created with the community, not simply for the community. There are many ways to get involved throughout the project!
Community members are invited to:
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Attend community meetings and listening sessions.
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Lend objects for vacuum forming (No damage will occur to objects during the process).
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Share stories, photographs, and memories that celebrate our community.
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Attend artist talks and public presentations.
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Volunteer during community engagement events.
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Follow project updates through BlackRock's website and social media.
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Attend the public unveiling celebration when the artwork is completed.
Whether you have lived in Germantown for decades or are new to the community, your voice and perspective are welcome.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Brandon Donahue-Shipp
Brandon Donahue-Shipp is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores history, identity, memory, and the power of community. Through vibrant compositions and layered storytelling, his artwork reflects the diverse experiences that shape our collective identity while inviting viewers to engage in dialogue and reflection.
For the BlackRock Center for the Arts Public Art Project, Brandon is creating a site-specific artwork that celebrates the people, cultures, and natural environment of Germantown and Upper Montgomery County. His creative process is rooted in community engagement, ensuring that local voices help inspire and inform the final design.
Throughout the project, Brandon will lead public workshops, artist talks, and community conversations to gather ideas, stories, and images that will influence the artwork. The completed installation will become a permanent landmark that welcomes visitors and reflects the vibrant spirit of our community.
