Howard County, MD —Howard County, in partnership with the Howard County Arts Council, has launched a community survey to gather public input for a new public art commission planned for the future Howard County Public Garden in western Howard County.
“In 2024, we partnered with the Howard County Arts Council to launch our transformative Arts for All program, Howard County’s first permanent public art program. Arts for All was created to bring iconic public art to shared spaces across our county, showcasing the creativity, talent, and vision of our community while creating places to inspire, reflect, and connect,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “With that purpose in mind, we are thrilled to bring the second Arts for All installation to the new Howard County Public Garden in Glenwood. I encourage all residents to take part in this process, share your ideas, and help shape a public art project that will be celebrated for generations to come.”
The County plans to develop a premier Public Garden at the former Longwood property in Glenwood. This garden will highlight beneficial flowering native and non-native plant species from various regions, employ sustainable landscaping practices, and feature a mix of formal and natural settings. The design aims to promote learning, wellness, and environmental stewardship. The Public Garden is envisioned as a gathering place for residents and visitors of all ages, offering opportunities to connect with nature through classes, events, and educational programming.
“The Arts Council is thrilled that the new Public Garden in Glenwood will be home to an original public artwork through the Arts for All initiative,” said Coleen West, Executive Director of the Howard County Arts Council. “The Longwood property is unique and has a remarkable story to tell — public art can bring that story to life by creating a space that inspires, showcases nature, and brings people together for generations to come.”
As part of this effort, the County is commissioning a major permanent artwork to be integrated into the garden experience. Community feedback will help guide the vision, themes, and visitor experience for this signature installation.
Located on the historic Longwood estate, the site carries layered histories, including its past as a plantation where enslaved people lived and labored. The future artwork is intended to reflect community values, acknowledge the site’s complex history, and create a place for learning, reflection, and connection within the new Public Garden.
The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and asks residents about themes, stories, artistic approaches, and types of artwork they would like to see represented. Community input will directly inform artist selection and concept development.
Take the survey here:
Complete the survey in English or en español using the links below:
- English survey link: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8732674/Arts-for-All-at-the-Howard-County-Public-Garden
- Enlace de la encuesta en español: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8732674/Arte-para-Todos-en-el-Jardin-Publico-del-Condado-de-Howard
The Public Garden public art project represents a $500,000 County investment and will follow a community-engaged process that includes stakeholder outreach, an open call for artists, concept development, and public review before installation.
Residents are encouraged to participate in and share the survey to help ensure broad community input as Howard County plans its first destination, Public Garden.
