BmoreArt’s Picks presents the best weekly art openings, events, and performances happening in Baltimore and surrounding areas. For a more comprehensive perspective, check the BmoreArt Calendar page, which includes ongoing exhibits and performances, and is updated on a daily basis.
To submit your calendar event, email us at [email protected]!
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Bluegrass in Baltimore, Book Signing
Wednesday, December 2nd : 7-8:30pm
The Ivy Bookshop
6080 Falls Road : Baltimore 21209
Get your Holiday shopping done early. Author Tim Newby will be signing copies of his new book, Bluegrass in Baltimore: The Hard Drivin’ Sound and Its Legacy By: Tim Newby. There will be a brief Q&A with the author as well music from Caleb Stine throughout the evening. For further information visist: http://
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Monument Lighting Family Festival
Thursday, December 3rd : 5-8pm
The Walters Art Museum
600 North Charles Street : Baltimore 21201
Celebrate the holiday season and the annual lighting of the Washington Monument during this free, family-friendly event! Enjoy seasonal performances, music, refreshments, and winter-inspired art activities. Get your picture taken with Waltee, the museum’s mascot, and remember the night forever. Later, watch as the Washington Monument is set aglow, followed by a spectacular fireworks display and laser show. Warm up at the Walters with 10,000 jolly Baltimoreans during the city’s longest-running holiday tradition!
Level 2 Lobby
- 5–8 p.m. Art Project: Create Warm Winter Wishes for homeless youth from Baltimore City’s YES (Youth Empowered Society) Drop-In Center
- 5:30–6:30 p.m. Take a holiday photo with the Walters’ mascot, Waltee, courtesy of Side A Photography
Sculpture Court, Level 2A
- 5 p.m. Cookies & Hot Chocolate While supplies last!
- 5:45–6:15 p.m. Denhard McCready Duo performing eclectic instrumental music introduced by students from The Wilkes School
- 6:30–7:45 p.m. Friends Apollos Choir singing traditional holiday music
Studio A, Lower Level
- 5–8 p.m. Art Project: Create a gift for the Winter Animals in your neighborhood
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Reel World: An Anthropology of Creation, Book Talk
Thursday, December 3rd : 7:30pm
JHU/MICA Film Center
10 East North Avenue : Baltimore 21218
Reel World explores what happens to life when everything begins to look and feel like cinema. Drawing on years of fieldwork with Tamil filmmakers, artists, musicians, and craftsmen in the south Indian movie studios of “Kollywood,” Anand Pandian examines how ordinary moments become elements of a cinematic world. With inventive, experimental, and sometimes comical zeal, Pandian pursues the sensory richness of cinematic experience and the adventure of a writing true to these sensations. Thinking with the visceral power of sound and image, his stories also broach deeply philosophical themes such as desire, time, wonder, and imagination. In a spirit devoted to the turbulence and uncertainty of genesis, Reel World brings into focus an ecology of creative process: the many forces, feelings, beings, and things that infuse human endeavors with transformative potential.
Anand Pandian teaches anthropology at Johns Hopkins University. His books include Crooked Stalks: Cultivating Virtue in South India, also published by Duke University Press.
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Tom Scott, Opening Reception
Friday, December 4th : 6-8pm
The Creative Alliance
3134 Eastern Avenue : Baltimore 21224
This year, Sandra Abbott’s UMBC Museum Practice class features paintings from the career of the late Tom Scott, the former Graduate Dean of the Maryland Institute College of Art, instructor at the Pratt Institute in New York, and art consultant to The Center for Urban Education. Scott worked almost exclusively with the grid at the turn of the millennium using spray paint as his medium. Simone Campbell Scott will speak about the late artist’s work in the Amalie Rothschild Gallery on Thursday, December 10th at 7pm. The Museum Practice class is additionally planning a special project for ¡Kerplunk!, the Creative Alliance’s free, drop-in art class on Saturday, December 5th.
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Jermaine T. Bell Print Sale
Friday, December 4th : 6-8pm
Jubilee Arts Center
1947 Pennsylvania Avenue : Baltimore 21217
Join Visual designer Jermaine T. Bell as he showcases 6 prints inspired by the idealized middle class culture and lifestyle presented by the Huxtables on the famed ‘The Cosby Show’ from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Bell’s prints uniquely integrates, text, graphics and color. His designs features quotes from some of America’s greatest black activists intertwined with rich patterns and bold composition.
Featuring cookies and whoopee pies from Corazon Cakery!
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“Baltimore: Block by Block, A Work in Progress,” Opening Reception
Friday, December 4th : 6:30-9:30pm
Pixilated Federal Hill
46 East Cross Street : Baltimore 21230
For the past five years I have been working on a project titled Baltimore: A History, Block by Block. It is an extension of my graduate thesis at MICA, where I photographed every building on Old Town Mall (formerly Gay Street) in East Baltimore, researched the history behind the neighborhood, how it declined, and what is being planned for its future. Currently there are ten main streets in Baltimore that I am photographing. Using a 4×5 view camera and Fujichrome Velvia slide film, I photograph these streets, building by building, block by block. So far I’ve documented approximately 75 city blocks (including Old Town Mall) with about 525 images. Some streets I’ve only gotten a couple blocks and more for others. I’ve photographed every building on Howard Street from Lombard to Read Street with the exception of a few larger modern buildings. I’ve also documented every building on West Baltimore Street (the subject of this exhibition) from Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. to Fulton Avenue. I plan on finishing the photography component of this project hopefully by next summer or whenever I run out of the stock of film I purchased for the project. I have approximately 200 sheets left, which I want to ration out to streets I’ve photographed the least, including Greenmount Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue. I will also be researching the history of individual buildings and blocks as well as overall neighborhood history and finding historic images of what these places used to be.
– James Singewald
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ALLOVERSTREET Turns 2!
Friday, December 4th : 5pm
Various Galleries
Station North : Baltimore 21201
Alloverstreet is a night of simultaneous art openings and events spanning the many art spaces of East Oliver Street in the Station North Arts and Entertainment District. Celebrate Alloverstreet’s two year birthday on Friday, December 4th with openings from 7-10pm. **Many arts spaces and individuals involved in this special event will be creating artistic responses to the recent violent offense that occurred at the Copycat building that audience members will be able to participate in.** We will be kicking off the night at the Station North Tool Library with a big celebration, happy hour, cookies, a raffle and more! This rad kick off will be from 5-8PM, make sure to stop by so you can get all the info and snacks you need to make it through the rest of the events. And join us for the best birthday party you will ever go to at the amazing Station North Arts Cafe from 9PM-12AM, featuring sets by Amy Reid, Greydolf and more. Breakfast will be served. This party is free. SEE YOU THERE!
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Beautiful Walls for Baltimore, Opening Reception
Friday, December 4th : 6-9pm
School 33 Art Center
1427 Light Street : Baltimore 21230
School 33 Art Center presents “Beautiful Walls for Baltimore,” a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Baltimore Mural Program. The multi-disciplinary exhibition encompasses each of the three galleries at School 33 Art Center and features new and re-created mural works, photography, multi-media presentations, drawings, and written histories. The exhibition is on view from Friday, December 4, 2015 through Saturday, January 30, 2016. A free opening reception takes place Friday, December 4, 2015 from 6pm to 9pm. Light refreshments will be served. School 33 Art Center is managed by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts and is located at 1427 Light Street. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm.
The murals of Baltimore speak volumes about the city’s history and values. They celebrate Baltimore’s giants like Frederick Douglass and Billie Holiday. They pay homage to its brick row homes and marble stoops. They stand tall over garden sanctuaries and bustling intersections. “Beautiful Walls for Baltimore” celebrates the Baltimore Mural Program and the mural artists who helped shape its 40-year history. The Baltimore Mural Program has produced more than 250 murals across the city, creating an outdoor public museum for the enjoyment of the people of Baltimore. The exhibition includes original works and interpretations by Nate Larson, Alan Lifton, Megan Lewis, Ernest Shaw, Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn, Sean Radaskiewicz, Gary Mullen, Khoran Lee and Dan Van Allen and is curated by Maggie Villegas. Support for this exhibition was made possible in part by the Baltimore National Heritage Area.
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The Black Codes Present: A Conversational Happy Hour, Part II
Friday, December 4th : 8:30pm
Towson Arts Collective
40 West Chesapeake Avenue : Towson 21204
The Black Codes are back for another Conversational Happy Hour! Come have a drink and connect with like minded individuals on issues that face the black community.
Kick back with our CASH BAR and indulge in some hors d’oeurvres! The topic of the night will be “The Black Psyche”. What kind of psychological warfare are Blacks really under? What are the generational effects of racism in terms of how we think? How can we cope with the daily turmoil we experience?
Finally, an event in Baltimore for young black adults to come together as one to mingle and talk about our issues, all with some drinks and some great vibes!
There will be music. There will be poetry. There will be art. Come fresh and ready for lots of pictures. Join us for a night of fun, conversation, networking, and much more. You don’t want to miss this! Happy Hour with a twist!
Get your tickets now because prices will go up as the event gets closer. Check out the last Happy Hour in the video on the right and follow us @theblackcodes_ on Instagram and Twitter and www.facebook.com/blackcodesbmore.
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Maker’s Alley Pop-Up Gift Market
Saturday, December 5th : 9am-1pm
Local Colors Flowers
3100 Brentwood Avenue : Baltimore 21218
Please join us for the 3rd Annual Makers Alley – A Pop-Up Gift Market! Stop by Local Color Flowers’ studio on Saturday, December 5th, 2015 from 9AM-1PM to shop for holiday gifts from a curated group of the finest craft and food vendors from the Maryland region. Makers Alley is family-friendly and free to attend! Local Color Flowers’ studio is located at 3100 Brentwood Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21218. More information may be found at https://www.facebook.com/
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Merry Mart 2015
Saturday, December 5th : 11am-6pm
The Creative Alliance
3134 Eastern Avenue : Baltimore 21224
Merry Mart is an annual juried holiday craft market that showcases high-quality handmade arts and crafts from indie crafters, such as members of the Charm City Craft Mafia, the Baltimore Etsy Street Team (BEST), and fine artists and craftspeople from Highlandtown and across the region.
Shop a diverse mix of handmade items by artisans from Baltimore and beyond! Items include clothing, handbags, accessories, ceramics, soaps, kids’ toys, mixed media, jewelry and great art!
Bring your kids to our FREE drop-in arts workshop from Noon – 5pm!
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Murdered Word
Saturday, December 5th : 4pm
EMP Collective
307 West Baltimore Street : Baltimore 21201
We have two guest performances this month beginning with MURDERED WORD. Taking place in the basement, this no-holds-barred happening is, well, an opera of simultaneous actions, a hyper-environment of party art and weirdness, a living sculpture of randomness…a bunch of things.
Sculptural chaos with over 30 artists crammed in a cacophony of experience.
Your ringleader for the night is Ric Royer (Psychic Readings Company). Join us for anything and everything this Saturday night. It’s gonna be a late one.
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Holiday Show @ Y:ART, Opening Reception
Sunday, December 6th : 3-6pm
Y:ART
3402 Gough Street : Baltimore 21224
The Opening Reception of Y:ART Gallery’s holiday show!
Featuring works by:
David Gerlach
Neil Feather
Peggy Fox
Julia Niederman
Cornel Rubino
Gregg Simonton
Lauren Schott – our featured jeweler
And featuring our fabulous 30+ artists and crafters in the store!
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Spirit Africa: Film + Art Fest
Sunday, December 6th : 12-4pm
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
830 East Pratt Street : Baltimore 21202
Join us for an afternoon of films, a pop-up show of children’s art, and an artist talk and workshop with Ugandan sculptor Ugandan sculptor Dr. Lilian Nabulime.
The film festival centers around Nelson Mandela and different facets of this legend’s life. Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom(147 minutes) spans Mandela’s life over seventy years, from his childhood in a rural village, his 27 years in jail, through his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Invictus (134 minutes) is the story of Mandela joining forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team, Francois Pienaar, to help unite their country. Winnie Mandela (107 minutes) starrs Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard, and is an epic story of love, sacrifice and courage. In conjunction with Nelson Mandela: Madiba – Photographs of a Legend.
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Local Lens: The Muslim Experience in Baltimore
Sunday, December 6th : 2-3:30pm
The Walters Art Museum
830 East Pratt Street : Baltimore 21202
What role can the museum play in the contemporary conversation about race and diversity? This panel discussion, moderated by Alison Kysia, ICJS Educator at the Institute for Christian & Jewish Studies, offers an opportunity for audiences to hear the viewpoints of the Latino and black Muslim communities. The panel includes Baltimore-based scholar Harold Morales from Morgan State University and entrepreneur Saafir Rabb from Interculture.
This program was also made possible by a grant from the Maryland Humanities Council, through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in these programs do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or the Maryland Humanities Council.
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GBCA Arts and Culture Happy Hour
Monday, December 5th : 5-7pm
Clifton Mansion
2701 St. Lo Drive : Baltimore 21213
Join the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance and the Greater Baltimore History Alliance for our next Arts & Culture Happy Hour! Artists as well as representatives from history museums and heritage sites will network and learn about opportunities for collaboration.
Enjoy drinks and light fare while exploring the historic Clifton Mansion, home to Baltimore’s Civic Works.
Date: Monday, December 7th
Time: 5pm – 7pm
Location: Clifton Mansion, 2701 Saint Lo Drive, Baltimore, MD 21213
Parking: There is a free parking lot at Clifton Mansion
Directions: Directions can be found here.
This event is open to the public, but your RSVP is required.
RSVP here: http://tinyurl.com/qhx7ays
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Art For Animals
Monday, December 7th : 7-10pm
EMP Collective
307 West Baltimore Street : Baltimore 21201
Entry is free – no ticket is required – and complimentary beer, wine, and non-alcholic beverages will be served. Please share the EventBrite link with all who are interested!
Join us for our annual Art for Animals event! An evening of wild art and live performances benefitting the Greater Baltimore Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (GBAAZK). The event is headlined by a silent art auction, which features unique artwork created and inspired by Baltimore’s animals – from the Maryland Zoo and National Aquarium.
Can’t make it the live auction? Check out GBAAZK’s first ever online auction!
http://
The auction is LIVE between November 22 (7PM) and December 6. Donations can also be made to the chapter in the ticket section of this web page.
All proceeds from the online and live auctions benefit GBAAZK’s conservation fundraising efforts, professional development support, and other chapter funded activities. GBAAZK is a proud supporter of several non profit organizations, and in 2015 the chapter has donated to: The Foundation for the Conservation of Salamanders, The Duke Lemur Center, Friends of Patuxent, and AAZK’s Bowling for Rhinos. GBAAZK also supports travel grants, recently aiding keepers attending The International Rhino Keepers Association 2015 Workshop in England, The Giraffe Care Workshop at The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado, and The Working Bird Husbandry Workshop in Zoo Atlanta. Without your support, none of these efforts would be possible!
