A Story Painted In Time: Calvert County Unveils Mural In Solomons

SOLOMONS, Md. — Along the waterfront at the Calvert Marine Museum (CMM), brushstroke by brushstroke, history came to life as Calvert County celebrated its Solomons Maritime Festival on May 2, honoring Maryland’s 250th. During the celebration, a mural that captures the people, struggles and traditions that shaped the community was unveiled.

On a bright morning during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, residents gathered to witness more than just a work of art, they stood before a visual timeline, one that stretches across generations and invites viewers to reflect on where Calvert County has been and where it continues to go.

Created by local artist Sandra Steedle in collaboration with the Calvert County Arts Council and local institutions, the mural was carefully designed to reflect the voices and history of the community itself.

“The Arts Council had an integral role in compiling notes and pictures from the community to see what they may like to see depicted,” Sandra Steedle explained in an interview with The BayNet. “There were quite a few meetings that took place and many pages of notes to read.”

From those conversations, the artist worked to identify shared themes and meaningful moments.

“After reading the notes/commentary from the meetings, I tried to find commonalities and a way to highlight the most significant historical themes,” she said.

A Story Told In Four Panels

The mural unfolds in four distinct panels, each representing a chapter of Calvert County’s history, from its earliest inhabitants to the industries that helped define it.

“Panel 1 pays tribute to the Indigenous peoples who first inhabited this region, highlighting their deep connection to the land and waterways, which served as vital sources of food, transportation and cultural identity, particularly the use of oysters,” she said.

“Panel 2 honors the African American community, particularly those who labored on the county’s tobacco farms. Their enduring strength and contributions form the foundation of the Calvert County we know today.”

“Panel 3 commemorates the War of 1812, with a depiction of the battle unfolding in the background. I included a historically accurate American flag as a symbolic element.”

“Panel 4 celebrates the watermen who have long worked the Chesapeake Bay, sustaining the region’s economy and cultural heritage through fishing and crabbing.”

Together, the panels create a cohesive narrative, one rooted not only in historical milestones, but in the everyday lives of the people who built the county.

From Concept To Canvas

What began as an idea quickly evolved into an intensive creative process.

“It took over 40 hours to create the submitted design,” the artist said. “I spent a ton of time just looking through countless online photos, pictures of Calvert County landscapes and found stock images that would work as the ‘transitional’ elements between panels.”

Once selected, the work became even more detailed and personal.

“I worked with CMM to adjust the photo to be of people who actually existed in history or represented a particular people group,” she said.

The mural itself was constructed on four large panels delivered to her home, where she completed the work piece by piece, sketching, priming and painting until the vision came to life.

Perseverance Behind The Paint

Behind the finished piece is a story of resilience that the public may never see at first glance.

“I think the biggest challenge was that about a month into the project I became very ill,” she shared. “Some days it was hard to get out of bed… I had two stroke-like episodes… and eventually could no longer drive due to the rapid neurological and cognitive decline.”

What was initially difficult to diagnose was later identified as neuro-Lyme disease, and Steedle shared that she is now recovering well. During that time, she underwent extensive testing and saw multiple specialists as she searched for answers.

Despite the uncertainty and physical toll, she continued working through the project with determination and faith.

“It was discouraging to say the least, but we are a family of faith, so we trusted that the Lord had a purpose and a plan and each week He gave me the time and strength I needed to work on the piece.”

A Personal Connection

While every panel carries significance, one stands out most to the artist.

“I absolutely love the second panel,” she said. “Not only is the woman so beautiful, but my heart just loves farmers… It just reminds me of home.”

That connection, both personal and historical, is what gives the mural its emotional depth.

A Reflection Of Community Pride

Beyond its artistic value, the mural serves as a shared point of identity for the county.

“I pray the community can look at the mural and all the visual elements and get a sense of pride of who they are from seeing where we came from as a county,” she said.

To ensure authenticity, the artist immersed herself in local history, visiting museums and working closely with community resources.

“I visited the Bayside History Museum, Jefferson Patterson Park and the Calvert Marine Museum to get ideas and research,” she said.

More Than Art

For the artist, this project represents both a professional milestone and a personal calling.

“This mural has meant so much to me. I am incredibly humbled and honored to have the opportunity to create it,” she said. “I absolutely love where we live, and it is a great privilege to raise our family in this lovely place.”

She hopes the mural serves as a reminder of the shared history that connects the community.

“We are all connected by a rich history that has taken root in the hearts of each person in Calvert County.”

The Power Of Public Art

As visitors continue to stop, look and reflect, the mural stands as a lasting tribute — not just to 250 years of history, but to the people who continue to shape it.

“Public art tells a story, makes a statement and shares ideas,” the artist said. “Not everyone needs to like it or agree with it, but it should all have a place as long as it’s not hurting anyone.”

And in this case, that story is one of resilience, heritage and unity painted boldly for all to see.

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