The internationally-known “Community Bridge,” a trompe l’oeil mural, was conceived by Frederick artist William Cochran in 1993 as an alternative to the original plan of using artificial stone cladding to adorn the bridge over Carroll Creek. More than 100 volunteers gathered ideas for symbols that represent “the spirit of community” from local, national, and international participants. Cochran painted the bridge over five years, translating the symbols into individual painted stone carvings. He designed four major features to represent commonalities found within the thousands of diverse ideas. The four major features are represented by circular medallions seen on either side of the bridge. The result is a single work of art that “speaks with a communal voice.”