Archive – Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland – About St. Mary's

St. Mary’s College has selected a final design for the Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland, an effort inspired by archaeological investigations revealing evidence of two separate and distinct slave quarters: one from the 18th century; the other from the 19th century.

The purpose of the Commemorative is to acknowledge the existence of slavery within the region and remember the resilience of the affected enslaved people.

Three finalists presented their concept sketches and models for the design of this important commemorative to the College community on Feb. 12 (RE:Site), Feb. 13 (The Studio of Donna Dobberfuhl), and Feb. 14 (Steven Prince). Below you will find information on each finalist, a video of each presentation, and an opportunity to provide feedback.

On Friday, March 8, the selection committee announced the artist selected to design a Commemorative to Enslaved Peoples of Southern Maryland is the design firm RE:site led by founders Norman Lee and Shane Allbritton. The selection committee considered comments from students, faculty, staff and community members when making its decision.

Feedback from the designs

About the Finalists:

RE:site | Shane Allbritton, Norman Lee, and Quenton Baker

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Shane Allbritton

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Norman Lee

Shane Allbritton and Norman Lee, co-founders of RE:site, explore notions of community, identity, and narrative in the context of public space. They create dynamic, multi-layered works that exist somewhere between art, architecture, and landscape.

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Quenton Baker

Quenton Baker is a poet, educator, and Cave Canem fellow. His current focus is anti-blackness and the afterlife of slavery. He has an MFA in poetry from the University of Southern Maine and is a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee.

Studio Website Full Biography Presentation Slides
Watch the Presentation

Sculptural Designs Atelier | Donna L. Dobberfuhl

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Donna L. Dobberfuhl

Donna L. Dobberfuhl has been a professional sculptor since 1974, producing over 80 commissioned works throughout the United States. Donna’s studio has completed design projects in a wide variety of fields including education, government, medical, military, religious, zoological as well as private firms and individuals.

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Oscar Saenz III

Oscar Saenz III has a BFA in sculpture and painting from University of Incarnate Word. He has a post baccalaureate art history degree from Texas State Academie d’Arte Florence, Italy. Saenz has 15 years’ experience in industrial fabrication and sculpture.

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Ricky D. Reyes

Ricky D. Reyes is a registered architect, steel sculpture artist, author and historian. He has donated much of his artwork to cancer patients. After completing his first book on Native American four directions prayer, he is working with a local archaeologist on his next book, dating the prayer back 52 thousand years.

Studio Website Full Biography Presentation Slides
Watch the Presentation

Steve A. Prince

Artist Steve A. Prince, a New Orleans native, received his BFA from Xavier University of Louisiana and his MFA in printmaking and sculpture from Michigan State University. He is currently the Director of Engagement and Distinguished Artist in Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at the College of William & Mary. Prince has created several public works including an 8’ x 8’ mixed media work titled “Lemonade: A Picture of America” at the College of William & Mary commemorating the first three African American resident students in 1967 at the college.

Studio Website Full Biography Presentation Slides
Watch the Presentation