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BMOREART’S PICKS: BALTIMORE ART OPENINGS, GALLERIES, AND EVENTS MAY 29 – June 4

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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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<><><><><><><><>Rootless Orchids | Opening Reception
Tuesday, May 29th · 6-8pm

The Asian Arts & Culture Center Gallery
Towson University : 21204

The Asian Arts & Culture Center (AA & CC) at Towson University and Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) are proud to co-present Rootless Orchids, an exhibition exploring the challenges of shifting Taiwanese identity. The show opens at AA & CC’s Asian Arts Gallery (7700 Osler Dr., Room 2037, Towson, MD) on May 29th and runs through July 22nd. An opening reception will be held on Tuesday, May 29th from 6–8 pm, with a closing reception to follow on Sunday, July 22 from 5-7 pm.

Rootless Orchids features work by Taiwanese and Taiwanese-American artists focusing on shifting identi- ties in the United States and East Asia. The U.S.-based artists share stories of assimilation and being the “other,” while those in Taiwan focus on issues of privilege and power in a rapidly changing pan-Asian cul- ture. Curated by Fang Yu Lee, a candidate in MICA’s Curatorial Practice MFA program, the exhibit looks at transforming memories of immigration and notions of diaspora into microcosms of visual experience. The artists explore the issues of stateless identity in the postcolonial present, as well as diaspora, no- madism, and labor mobility. The artists seek to create a safe space within their exhibition in which Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders can freely talk about their experiences, and let their voices be heard.

The exhibition will display the work of four artists: Chiehsun Chiu, Yi-An Pan, Pei-Hsuan Wang, and Yin- Ju Chen. Yin-Ju Chen’s three-channel projection touches on state violence and government oppression from the late twentieth century, including the Nepalese Civil War and ethnic cleansing in Indonesia. Her work incorporates occultism and astrology to examine humans as objects influenced by larger forces— the larger forces often being the government or the unknown power from the universe.

Chiehsen Chiu’s blood vessels-like map configurations reflect how humans are changing along with their environment. With his unique medium of using maps, he traces the lineage of human cultural develop- ment and intertwines it with his personal understanding of the surrounding environment. The work re- veals a correlation between globalization and a disintegration of “place.”

Pei-Hsuang Wang’s single channel video and sculptures tackle the issue of refugees in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Filmed in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Moonlight Flit features a traveling English/Australian man, a former Thai domestic helper living in Hong Kong, a Bangladeshi asylum seeker in Hong Kong, and an Indonesian caretaker in Taiwan. Through unique elements of each diasporic individual’s story, the film follows the humbled movements of restless bodies across borders and regions and begins to imag- ine the possibilities of connections in labor and mobility.

Yi-An Pan’s primary medium is paint, but her inspirations are based on Google images. She sees her paintings as maps, a way to navigate, explore, and investigate how unfamiliar places become familiar and home-like. Her imagery reflects the changing landscape of Taiwan, as well as places in the U.S. that draw her interest. These are places that may not exist anymore due to development, alongside images of places in the U.S. that she finds intriguing.

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Baltimore Portrait: Artists in Conversation
Wednesday, May 30th  · 7pm

Church of the Redeemer
5603 North Charles Street : 21210

What do you want to say to Baltimore through art?

Born in Columbus, Georgia and now based in Baltimore, Amy Sherald is best known for her portrait paintings of figures who both reflect and see beyond their everyday circumstances.  Her work addresses social justice and the construction of individual identity in response to, or outside of, political and cultural expectations.  In 2016, Sherald was the first woman to win the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition grand prize, and in 2017 she was commissioned by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery to paint the official portrait of former first lady Michelle Obama.  “What was missing that I wanted to see: different archetypes of self-satisfied people of color.”

Originally from Charleston, Stephen Towns is a mixed-media artist and muralist now based in Baltimore.  Towns draws much of his visual inspiration from Medieval altarpieces, impressionist paintings, and wax cloth prints. He says, “my work is in response to the issues that have plagued African-American culture–loss of ancestral roots, slavery, class, education, skin tone and religion. The portraits I create are not only glimpses of the sitters; they are also a reflection of myself and mirror my struggle to attain a sense of self-knowledge, self-worth and spirituality.”  Towns’ portraits invite and confront the viewer at once.  “They won’t let me go,” said one.   “I want to create beauty from the hardships in life.”

“I’m asked a lot about why I came to Baltimore, why this job, and why now,” says Chris Bedford, Director,  Baltimore Museum of Art . “When I was going through the recruitment process, I asked the chair of the search committee, ‘What do you want to say to Baltimore through art?’ Usually, when I ask something like this, nothing follows in response. But in this case, the board chair said, ‘I want the BMA to be the most dynamic, socially engaged museum in the U.S.’ . . . There’s a real willingness on the part of the museum to pursue that course, and on the other hand, an incredible appetite among you all for change on that scale.”

The VOICES Series invites contemporary voices to challenge and inform us: artists and authors, visionaries and thought leaders, advocates of change courageous enough to hold the loveliness and sorrow of the world at once, and find the wonder in both.

<><><><><><><><>The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity By Kristoffer Diaz
Thursday, May 31st – June 17th 

“The Fallout Shelter” at United Evangelical Church
923 South East Avenue : 21224

Cohesion Theatre Company is proud to announce the final mainstage production of their 2017/18 theatrical season, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, a rolicking romp through the nature of sports as performance and the heart of American identity. Directed by Daniel Douek, the play will feature professional-wrestling style stunts, costumes, and of course, kayfabe. The play was a finalist for 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Drama. The New York Times said ““Chad Deity” is punch drunk on the adrenaline, verbal as well as physical, it brings to presenting an illusion-based sport as the true American pastime.”

“The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity is a unique theatrical marvel,” said Assistant director  Jeff Miller. “It’s the perfect blend of the over-the-top spectacle that is professional wrestling, and a relatable human story. Chad Deity deals with the topical world of entertainment politics, dealing with themes such as racism, staying true to your values versus chasing your dreams.”

A timely satire that probes that nature of cultural stereotypes in our collective consciousness, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity follows Macedonio Guerra, also known as “Mace,” a Puerto Rican wrestler from the Bronx, who is constantly the “jobber,” or the fall guy in one of the biggest television wrestling companies in the country. As Mace travels through the ranks and to the top of the world of professional wrestling as entertainment, the audience is taken on a journey through notions of race, culture, xenophobia, and the American Dream.

“There has been some debate amongst the theatre community as whether or not professional wrestling constitutes a theatrical performance, but in our eyes, wrestling is one of the purest forms of theatre there is,” Miller said. “You have a clearly defined protagonist going mano a mano in a pre-determined battle against a clear antagonist. Many of the character types of famous wrestlers trace their roots back to the days of commedia dell’arte. The combat is exciting, spectacular, and in many cases, improvised, and we are so excited to be working with stage combatants who have training in the world of pro wrestling to get this cast in fighting shape. Whether our audiences have watched wrestling before or not, this show is a captivating night of theatre.”

Opening night for The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity is Thursday, May 31 at 8pm. Following opening night the show will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 4 pm from May 31 through June 17, 2019. Tickets are $20 for Adults and $15 for students and seniors and can be purchased online at www.cohesiontheatre.org

<><><><><><><><>Strength in Practice
Friday, June 1st  · 6-10pm

Waller Gallery
2420 Calvert Street : 21218

“Strength in theory is based on physicality or mental fortitude. Strength in practice is not so easily evaluated.” – Curator Joy Davis

 The exhibition “Strength In Practice” will contribute to conversations about mental health, body image, gender, violence, peace, and perception. The exhibition is not attempting to define a word, but unpack the world’s anxieties about a concept that could be equated with words like love and justice.
Strength In Practice is a collaboration between Baltimore’s Gallery CA and Waller Gallery.  The opening reception is June 1st from 6–10pm. Both galleries have focused on uplifting artists in the city, and this group show will highlight talent from different age groups and stages in their art practices. Our goal is to be a part of informing and forming communities around access to contemporary art, and to do so, CA and Waller will offer free and sliding scale programming throughout the length of the show.

<><><><><><><><>Midtown Annual Art Auction
Friday, June 1st  · 6-10pm

EMP Collective
307 West Baltimore Street : 21201

An annual art auction benefitting Midtown Academy, a public charter elementary / middle school in central Baltimore. Come check out and bid on artwork from Midtown students while enjoying music, catered food, and drink!

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Join us for our spring BYA Showcase of youth art and designs.

Friday, June 1st
6:00-8:00pm

116 W Mulberry St
Baltimore, MD 21201
Light fare & drinks

Students will be displaying their recent art and design projects. Come by and check out artwork produced by young people in the community and juvenile detention. This event is free and open to everyone. Come through and support young Baltimore artists!

Afterwards, be sure to check out Resort Fundraiser & Auction just a block away! 20% of proceeds from the auction will generously be donated to BYA. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/592732394423954/

BYA is an arts education and job readiness program that provides creative and entrepreneurial opportunities to youth, ages 14-21, with a focus on those who have contact with the justice system. Our mission is to assist youth in gaining the creative, personal, and educational skills that will enable them to become leaders in their communities. We believe that the arts are a path towards social, emotional, and educational development.

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Resort Fundraiser Event
Friday, June 1st  · 7-10pm

Resort
235 Park Avenue : 21201

Resort is a new contemporary art space located in downtown Baltimore.

With this fundraiser we are looking to raise money to help cover the costs of future programming as well as to partially recoup the costs of the renovation of the gallery space.

RESORT is having a fundraiser event and silent auction to supplement our operating budget and future exhibition programming. Part of the proceeds from art sales will also benefit Baltimore Youth Arts.

Purchase Tickets to the event, or raffle tickets for a chance to win up to $300 in custom framing credit and other prizes:
https://www.artful.ly/store/events/15342 


Friday’s event will feature DJs Hellp and JVH, Cocktails by Baltimore Whiskey Company, Union Beer, snacks, an exhibition of works in the auction and a raffle!
 
Our auction website is live and can be viewed here: https://www.32auctions.com/resortfundraiser

We have a 5 year lease on 235 Park Ave. and hope to find the resources to provide continuous free programming during the course of our tenure here. Over the past year we have independently funded the partial renovation of the building. This has included a major electrical upgrade to install lighting, heating, outlets, and exit signs.

Expect light fare, drinks, art and a raffle for $300 and $200 in framing credit with New Standard Frames.

<><><><><><><><>Baker Award Celebration for Lafayette Gilchrist
Friday, June 1st  · 8pm

Creative Alliance
3134 Eastern Avenue : 21224

A celebration of Lafayette Gilchrist upon winning a 2018 Baker Artist Award!

2018 Baker Artist Award winner pianist Lafayette Gilchrist will perform in a series of combinations with Dave Ballou (trumpet),Greg Thompkins (sax),Tarus Mateen (bass) and Eric Kennedy (drums). Other guest artists will also join Gilchrist throughout the evening.

Lafayette Gilchrist leads the New Volcanoes and the Sonic Trip Masters All Stars. Gilchrist’s bands are genre-defying; featuring a propulsive rhythm section and a dynamic horn line, which never fails to raise the roof. His solo work and trio Inside Out invite adventurous ears everywhere.

While steadily leading his Baltimore-based bands with a progressive stream of new music, Lafayette Gilchrist has toured with David Murray in his octet and quartets for 13 years. During his time with Murray, he has performed at the Berlin Jazz Festival, recorded on Murray’s Sacred Ground EP for the National Hungarian Radio and Television, and played the Winter Jazz Festival and Vision Jazz Festival in NYC to name a few. He has performed with notable artists such as Louis Moholo-Moholo,Carl Grubbs, David Murray, Cassandra Wilson, Macy Gray, Oliver Lake, Marshall Keys, Orrin Evans, Paul Dunmall, Allyn Johnson, TK Blue, Robert Shahid, Alan Blackman, Hamid Drake, William Parker, Michael Formanek, Tarus Mateen and many more. His compositions, Assume the Position and Coded Sources, are a part of the original score for David Simon’s The Wire and Treme, respectively. Assume the Position was also recently reworked for Simons latest HBO series “The Deuce”.

FRI JUN 1 | 8PM | $20, $17 MEMBERS (+$3 At the Door)

<><><><><><><><>Improvise 2.0 | Baltimore Center Stage Benefit Gala
Saturday, June 2nd  · 6:30pm

Center Stage
700 North Calvert Street : 21202

We invite you to join Baltimore Center Stage for the one of a kind 2018 Annual Benefit Gala, which will take place on Saturday, June 2. Enjoy dynamic performances, musical entertainment, and other surprises that bring Baltimore Center Stage’s recently renovated building alive with artistry, imagination, and inspiration!

The evening will open with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and then unfold into private dining rooms and bars throughout the building. After dinner, guests customize their own journey of creative experiences, while enjoying cocktails, desserts, dancing, and the silent auction.

6:30pm: Cocktails, Hors d’Oeuvres, and Silent Auction
7:30pm: Dinner
8:30pm: Adventures, Desserts, and Dancing!

Individual Ticket $500 | Table Experience $6k | Premier Table Experience $10k

Creative Cocktail Attire (What’s this?)
This event benefits Baltimore Center Stage’s Artistic, Education, and Community programs.
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Schuler School of Fine Art
59th Annual Student and Faculty Exhibition

June 2, 3, 4:  2-5:30 PM

7. East Lafayette Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21202
www.schulerschool.com

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