SALISBURY, Md. — The City of Salisbury has selected Jared and Jeri Alexander as the winners of the 2026 Salisbury Prize for their proposal of a permanent interactive kinetic sculpture planned for installation replacing the kiosk at 125 N. Division Street in front of the Government Office Building in Downtown Salisbury.
The large-scale public artwork will stand approximately eight feet tall and four feet wide and will feature nearly 380 stainless steel tiles suspended within a corten steel frame. Each tile will include both mirrored and matte finishes arranged throughout the structure to create shifting movement, light and reflection as visitors interact with the piece.
As visitors turn the sculpture’s manual crank, the suspended steel tiles will rotate and ripple through the structure, creating a cascading “Jacob’s ladder” effect with constantly changing reflections and movement.
Designed to be both visual and hands-on, the installation encourages people of all ages to stop, participate and experience the artwork in a different way each time they visit.
“Our sculpture promotes a sense of community and belonging by symbolizing the connection between community members and the impact each individual can make,” said Jared Alexander. “The interactive and kinetic components of this sculpture will encourage passersby to engage with it and each other.”
The installation site along North Division Street places the artwork within one of Downtown Salisbury’s busiest pedestrian corridors near government offices, local businesses and public gathering spaces.
The project continues Salisbury’s ongoing investment in public art, walkable public spaces and downtown placemaking efforts.
“This sculpture will add an attractive and interactive experience to the heart of Downtown Salisbury,” said Mayor Randy Taylor.
The Salisbury Prize is the City’s annual public art program supporting original works that activate public spaces and contribute to the identity and culture of Downtown Salisbury through a competitive artist selection process.
Funding for the project is being provided through grant support from the Maryland State Arts Council. The grant funding helps support the creation, fabrication and installation of public art projects that expand access to the arts and strengthen communities across Maryland.
Jared Alexander brings more than 10 years of experience in metal fabrication and industrial maintenance, including the design and construction of large-scale structural projects. Jeri Alexander holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in 3D Studio Art from Salisbury University and has contributed to several regional art installations, including collaborative projects at the Salisbury Zoo and Unity Square.
The sculpture is designed as a permanent installation with an anticipated lifespan of more than 20 years and minimal maintenance requirements. The corten steel frame will naturally develop a protective rusted patina over time while the stainless steel elements are expected to gradually soften in appearance through exposure to the environment.
According to the artists, the sculpture symbolizes the connection between community members and reflects how individual interaction can create a larger collective impact.
Fabrication and installation updates will be shared as work on the project begins. The sculpture is expected to become a new interactive landmark in Downtown Salisbury.
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