SALISBURY, Md. — A husband-and-wife artistic team has been selected to create a new permanent public artwork for the heart of Downtown Salisbury. The City of Salisbury has named Jared and Jeri Alexander as the recipients of the 2026 Salisbury Prize, recognizing their proposal for an interactive kinetic sculpture to be placed at 125 N. Division Street, occupying the space where a kiosk currently stands in front of the Government Office Building.
The planned sculpture will rise approximately eight feet tall and span four feet in width. It will incorporate close to 380 stainless steel tiles held within a corten steel frame. The tiles will feature a combination of mirrored and matte surfaces designed to catch and scatter light, creating a constantly shifting visual display as people engage with the piece.
Visitors will be able to turn a manual crank on the sculpture, causing the suspended tiles to rotate and send a rippling wave of movement through the structure — producing what the artists describe as a cascading “Jacob’s ladder” effect with ever-changing reflections.
The installation is intended to appeal to people of all ages, offering both a visual experience and a hands-on opportunity to interact with public art in a new way each visit.
Artist Jared Alexander described the deeper meaning behind the work: “Our sculpture promotes a sense of community and belonging by symbolizing the connection between community members and the impact each individual can make. The interactive and kinetic components of this sculpture will encourage passersby to engage with it and each other.”
The chosen location along North Division Street places the sculpture in one of Downtown Salisbury’s most active pedestrian areas, surrounded by government offices, local businesses, and community gathering spaces.
Mayor Randy Taylor expressed enthusiasm for the addition, saying, “This sculpture will add an attractive and interactive experience to the heart of Downtown Salisbury.”
The project fits into Salisbury’s broader commitment to expanding public art, improving walkable spaces, and investing in downtown development. The Salisbury Prize is the city’s annual competitive public art program, designed to support original works that energize public spaces and help shape the character and culture of Downtown Salisbury.
Funding for the sculpture is coming from a grant through the Maryland State Arts Council. That grant support is aimed at helping bring public art projects to life across Maryland, expanding community access to the arts.
Both artists bring relevant expertise to the project. Jared Alexander has more than a decade of experience in metal fabrication and industrial maintenance, with a background in designing and building large-scale structural projects. Jeri Alexander earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 3D Studio Art from Salisbury University and has been involved in several regional art installations, including collaborative works at the Salisbury Zoo and Unity Square.
The sculpture is built to last, with an expected lifespan exceeding 20 years and low maintenance needs. Over time, the corten steel frame will develop a natural protective rust-colored patina, while the stainless steel elements are anticipated to take on a softer appearance as they weather with age.
The artists say the piece is meant to symbolize how individual actions can contribute to something greater as a community — each person’s interaction with the sculpture adding to the collective experience.
Updates on fabrication and installation progress will be released as the project moves forward. Once complete, the sculpture is expected to serve as a new interactive landmark in the downtown area.
