Signs of People: Catonsville's New Public Art Walk
28 October 2026
Signs of People is a new, free public art walk in Catonsville, just up the road from Arbutus. Ten road signs, each about 12 feet tall, show the yellow silhouettes of real Catonsville residents pointing to historic sites along Frederick Road and Winters Lane. The signs were unveiled on October 10, 2026 and are now permanent.
I love anything that celebrates the people who make a place feel like home, and this project does exactly that. It is a sweet way to spend a fall afternoon with the kids, a friend or your walking shoes.
What is Signs of People?
According to the Catonsville Arts District's Signs of People page, the project is by artists Eva Salmerón and Ciro Márquez, with fabrication by Kyle Miller. It is presented by the Baltimore County Arts Guild for the Catonsville Arts District.
The residents on the signs were chosen through an open public nomination process. Baltimore Fishbowl reports that each sign has sidewalk plates with photos, quotes, history and a map of related sites, plus a QR code that links to audio descriptions and directions.
Where are the ten signs?
Each sign points toward a historic place with a story behind it. Here are the ten sites named in local coverage of the unveiling, listed in no particular order.
| Stop | Historic site | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remus Adams Blacksmith Shop | Read its story on the sign's sidewalk plate |
| 2 | Old Catonsville High School | Read its story on the sign's sidewalk plate |
| 3 | Albert Smith House | Home of Catonsville's first newspaper |
| 4 | Heidelbach Grocer and Butcher | Read its story on the sign's sidewalk plate |
| 5 | Fire station on Frederick Road | Its sign honors a former Catonsville firefighter |
| 6 | Catonsville Health Center | Read its story on the sign's sidewalk plate |
| 7 | Greenwood Electric Park | Historically a community social center |
| 8 | Winters Lane neighborhood | Its sign stands on Winters Lane |
| 9 | Salem Lutheran Evangelical Church | Read its story on the sign's sidewalk plate |
| 10 | Catonsville Post Office | The story of Victor Gustav Bloede, inventor of postage stamp glue |
How do I visit the signs?
The signs are outdoors and free to see any time. Since they sit along Frederick Road and Winters Lane, many people park once and walk between them. You can also preview every sign online by clicking the silhouettes on the Catonsville Arts District page.
Bring your phone so you can scan the QR codes and listen to the audio stories as you go. Please watch for traffic, since the signs were designed to be seen by drivers as well as walkers.
Who made Signs of People possible?
The Catonsville Arts District page lists a major grant from the former Catonsville Historical Society, with additional support from the citizens of Baltimore County and the Maryland State Arts Council. Artist Ciro Márquez summed it up in Baltimore Fishbowl: "Signs of People doesn't just work with the community, it depends on the community to take shape and content."
What does this mean for people moving to the Arbutus area?
Public art and local history are part of what makes this corner of Baltimore County feel like a real hometown. If you are moving here, a walk past the signs is a fun way to learn the story of the area in an afternoon.
Pair it with other free outings, like the free art exhibits at UMBC or the Catonsville Sunday Farmers Market, and browse my neighborhood guide to get a feel for each community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Signs of People in Catonsville?
It is a public art project of ten road signs showing real Catonsville residents. Each silhouette points to a historic site along Frederick Road or Winters Lane.
How tall are the Signs of People signs?
Each sign stands about 12 feet tall. They were designed to be easy to see for both drivers and people walking by.
Does it cost anything to see the signs?
No, the signs are outdoors and free to visit. You can also preview each one online on the Catonsville Arts District website.
Who created Signs of People?
Artists Eva Salmerón and Ciro Márquez created the project, and Kyle Miller fabricated the signs. The Baltimore County Arts Guild presents it for the Catonsville Arts District.
When were the signs unveiled?
The signs were unveiled on Saturday, October 10, 2026. They are now permanent fixtures in Catonsville.
Disclaimer: This post is based on the Catonsville Arts District's Signs of People page and Baltimore Fishbowl reporting from October 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Please check the Catonsville Arts District website for the latest details.
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