Craig Matthew Frederick

Craig Frederick’s art brings a much needed infusion of poetry and beauty in the contemporary sculpture landscape. He is a relentless seeker of Truth through Art, a philosopher of Form. Watching him work or listening to him talk about his creative processes is always refreshing and enlightening. Even if his work defies categorization in the sense of belonging to an “ism,” he could be found in the exquisite company of the Great Masters, especially Moore and Brancusi. His sculptures are always alive, on the move, metamorphosing in ways that are always surprising and rewarding; they extend well beyond the physical selves of the materials used. They make me think of the fluidity of music (especially jazz with its endless possibilities and rewards). They are part of nature and also extensions of nature. Ultimately, they are flashlights pinpointing in the dark at our complex human condition.

Florin Ion Firimita - Artist, Author, Educator


Whenever I have friends visiting from out of town, I usually take them to see Craig’s monumental sculpture “Home,” which sits at the intersection of five roads in the heart of downtown New Britain. For more than 15 years, “Home” has served as the visually stunning anchor at the center of the city’s performing arts hub, which includes the Hole in the Wall Theater, Trinity on Main, and South Church. The design is characterized by smooth stainless steel surfaces, elegant curves and lots of alluring negative space.  It invites viewers first to follow the graceful lines of the sculpture, and then to “frame" from a new perspective the cultural landscape that surrounds it. Though I am not a “native” of New Britain, whenever I look at “Home,” it fills me with a strong sense of New Britain identity and pride. 

Christie Ward - Independent Business Owner, Former University Educator/Administrator


Whether he uses torch, saw, or hammer and chisel, Craig Frederick’s deft hand and keen eye exhibit an artistry and craftsmanship uniquely his own. Each sculptural creation is one of a kind, … and yet, each one seems so familiar on a primal and intrinsic level. Craig’s work is easy to engage, whether it is stone, wood, metal or other. He sculpts cold stone to somehow seem warm, he makes hard wood appear comfortable, and he works metals to portray grace and strength. Frederick’s works range in scale from the very intimate, to the grand, and they all resonate an energetic power that has a timeless presence.

Clinton A. Deckert - Artist, Curator, Juror


In a review of Craig’s sculpture, “Sparrow,” Steve Starger of The Art Guide writes in the January 2007 issue of the Northwest edition, “The piece is simultaneously complex and simple, strong and vulnerable, a visual haiku that releases the poetry immanent in natural objects.”

The residents of Arbor Rose recently enjoyed an entertaining and enlightening presentation by sculptor Craig Frederick. Craig's program was well thought out, informative and very impressive. Our residents were captivated by the images of the various pieces Craig has created. He described in great detail how he went about forming his masterpieces, but did so in a way that was descriptive and easy to understand.  He also included a short film during which others praised Craig's artistic vision and incredible talent. The program lasted approximately one hour and everyone was captivated from start to finish.

Donna Valente - Events Coordinator, Arbor Rose Assisted Living Center

Upon driving into New Britain for the first time I couldn't help but notice a strikingly beautiful sculpture smack in middle of the downtown. Subsequently, I bought the building behind it! Art is a significant part of economic redevelopment in any city. Many a time the development has to come prior to an artist and/or city investing a large amount of money and sweat equity. In this case CRAIG took the initiative and in many ways helped the development community (including myself) kick off the revitalization of Our Downtown."

Avner Krohn - Jasko Development


Craig Fredrick believes in our city and artists like Craig will be an important part of the city's renaissance.  Funding of the arts is not only important for our spiritual enlightenment, but also a driving force in creating jobs and encouraging economic development.  I don't think it's a coincidence that a tremendous amount of investment has gone into the area surrounding this wonderful sculpture.

John C. Geragosian - Former CT State Representative


Art inspires the spirit and revitalizes the soul. It is transcendent- it channels Truth, Beauty and Inspiration to create Form. It represents the most profound distinction of humanity and is woven into the fabric of every evolved and civilized culture.

Art leads by example. It comments- sometimes scathing, sometimes exalting- but it is always truthful.

Art is symbolic. It signifies all that the artist believes and all that the viewer wants to believe. It is the most accurate and telling reflection of our society and our heritage.

And here in New Britain we are blessed to have our reflection be that of Home, Craig Frederick's ribbon-like, polished steel sculpture now celebrating the 10th anniversary of its unveiling.

It's hard for me to believe that Home has gracefully stood watch over Downtown New Britain for 10 years now. Strangely though, I can't seem to remember a time when it wasn't there. For me, it's as much a part of the city as the architectural icons of Trinity-on-Main and The South Church that sit just across the street…only perhaps more important because it's symbolic of our society, our New Britain, today.

Greg Friedle - ScreenPlay Writer, Director, Producer


I was a member of the selection committee charged with choosing the sculpture to be placed in downtown New Britain. As a large work of art in the heart of the city, we, on the committee, understood the high profile it would have, and we took the selection very seriously. We wanted a sculpture that would, at once, represent the rich, hard working history of our community and the dynamic vision of the future for which our city is striving.

"Home" captured that vision beautifully. This work shows the deep passion for our city that its creator, Craig Frederick, has as a New Britain native. It is a strong and solid work, yet formed into graceful arches, symbolizing the strength and creativity of our city's people. Like most visionary art, it raised a lot of eyebrows when it was first unveiled, but it has been a continuous creative presence in the heart of a downtown that we are working to revitalize with the arts as a core. I am proud that this great creation will continue to stand in the center of our city as we work to build a strong future for our community.

Tim O’Brien - Former City Council Representative, Former CT State Representative and Former Mayor of New Britain


As one walks into the dimly lit, yet airy space of the gallery, visitors are met with a sprawling array of three-dimensional pieces surrounded on four sides by paintings, drawings, fiber arts, and mixed media.  Front and center is arguably the show's tour de force: Adjunct Prof. Craig Fredrick’s limestone sculpture "War."  Sitting atop a two and a half foot steel cube, Frederick’s white stone sculpture rises from his base like an organic, sinuous phoenix from the ashes, reaching skyward as it twists and turns around itself in calligraphic splendor.  The craftsmanship is masterful and exemplifies the quality of skill and experiences the CCSU arts faculty offers its students.

Ryan Dolan - Student Art Critic, 2010 CCSU Art Faculty Exhibition