JAMES PEARL PAINTINGS TO STAY IN FREDERICK
The Frederick Arts Council Facilitates Process

Frederick, MD -- The Frederick Arts Council, as the umbrella arts organization for Frederick County, is playing a leadership role in securing three pieces of historical artwork by well-known Frederick artist, the late James Pearl. The Frederick Arts Council, acting as the conduit for this project, has facilitated the process to keep the three pieces of artwork together and in the City of Frederick. The paintings depict the town square looking north, the old Frederick court house (now City Hall), and the old B&O Railroad station.

Mr. Shuan Butcher, Executive Director of the Frederick Arts Council, stated, “This is a great opportunity for The City of Frederick. The acquisition efforts are being made on behalf of the entire community so that residents can enjoy the three unique pieces of artwork. The artwork is unique for several reasons. In addition to their historic relevance, they are quite large and of a different style than James Pearl was accustomed to doing.”

Fabulous Finds, the Frederick Consignment agents representing Marvin Lohr, a longtime Frederick business man who featured the familiar Pearl paintings in The Village Restaurant for decades, reduced the cost of the paintings to $7,500.00 to ensure the pieces remain together and for the common good. The Pearl murals were originally displayed at the North Market Street location of The Village Restaurant and more recently at the East Patrick Street location. The legacy of the late James Pearl continues through his daughter Rebecca Pearl. A well-known artist, Rebecca owns and operates the Rebecca Pearl Gallery located in Thurmont, Maryland.

In addition to the efforts of the Frederick Arts Council, many organizations and individuals have responded. The Frederick Art Club has stepped forth as the first donor to help keep the three paintings at home in the City of Frederick. City resident Dale Dowling first presented the idea of contributing to the purchase price of the murals to the Frederick Art Club at a recent meeting. The members voted to commit $300.00 to the project. Individual club members made personal financial contributions to the project as well. The Frederick Art Club’s commitment to this project is in keeping with their involvement in many community based projects over the organization’s 100 year existence. The Tourism Council of Frederick County, along with several private donors, has also committed significant financial contributions towards the purchase.

Mayor William J. Holtzinger stated, “Thanks to all involved, we will be able to keep the murals in the City of Frederick and display these historical paintings from the late Mr. James Pearl in a public space for all to see.”

Donations for the acquisition and conservation of the James Pearl murals can be sent to the Frederick Arts Council at 15 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD 21701 with a notation for the James Pearl project. All donors will be identified on a plaque that will be placed adjacent to the mural display.

For additional information, please contact Shuan Butcher, Executive Director of the Frederick Arts Council at 301-662-4190.