BmoreArt

This Week: We are featuring online events that you can participate in from the comfort of your own couch plus a few ways to get involved locally. Stay home, stay healthy, stay engaged in the arts.

For more information and resources for artists during coronavirus quarantine, please see our previous post: Actionable Items: Arts-Related Resources in the Age of COVID-19

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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We’ll send you our top stories of the week, selected event listings, and our favorite calls for entry—right to your inbox every Tuesday.

Grit Fund Emergency Recovery Grants
deadline Friday, May 15

With the partnership and support of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Grit Fund is offering Emergency Recovery Grants (ERG) ranging from $500-$1,000 to Baltimore based artists who applied to the 2020 Grit Fund, Grit Fund Alumni, and artists whose income and opportunities have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

The ERG Fund totals $100,000 and will provide approximately eighty grants to artists. These unrestricted $500-$1,000 grants may be used for immediate needs such as housing, utilities, food, childcare, healthcare, etc.

2020 ICAN Online Juried Exhibition: Spring Form
deadline Thursday, May 21
hosted by ICAN

Join this members-only, online juried exhibition showcasing the things that make us all think of spring: flower pots, flower bricks, vases, outdoor planters, and the celebration of color springing back in the world after a long winter.

The Spring Form! contest is open to all current ICAN members. Just $10 for entry. All entries must be constructed primarily of clay. Juried from digital only. A maximum of three entries per member. All entries must be submitted through Submittable, along with a $10 processing fee. (If you don’t have a Submittable account, it is free and easy to create!) No late entries accepted.

Dates to Know:
Submission Deadline: May 21, 2020

Exhibition Dates: June 4–July 9, 2020

Prizes:

Best in Show: Feature in Pottery Making Illustrated

All Finalists will be featured on the Ceramic Arts Network website for an impressive 8-week exhibition and will be permanently stored in the ICAN Online Exhibition Gallery.

All selected will have the opportunity to sell their work through the ICAN Marketplace.

2020 Community Arts Grant
deadline Monday, May 25
sponsored by BOPA

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) announces that the 2020 Community Arts Grant applications are now available online. The Community Arts Grant awards funding of up to $15,000 to Baltimore City artists and neighborhoods who work together to creatively re-imagine and enliven public spaces through new, exterior wall mural art projects. The artist-neighborhood collaborative projects must be free and open to the public and exist in outdoor, publicly accessible space. The Community Arts Grant is made possible by Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) and the generous support of the Baltimore Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland State Arts Council, and Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young, City of Baltimore. The application deadline is Monday, May 25, 2020 and applications are available here.

Working together, artists and community groups design and propose an exterior wall mural art concept for their community, submitting their proposals for the chance to win a grant to help fund the project. Artists and communities are encouraged to submit exciting art design concepts that represent the distinct character and quality of a local community, with consideration to local cultural heritage and diversity. Projects must employ community engagement in the creative process and must be openly accessible, free of charge. Applications will be evaluated by an independent panel of jurors comprised of regional arts, culture and community development leaders, local residents and stakeholders. If selected, prize winning communities work with support from the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts to realize their project concept.

TIMELINE

Applications Open: Monday, April 27, 2020

Application Deadline: Monday, May 25, 2020

Grant Award Notifications: June 2020

Project Completion Deadline: Tuesday, December 1, 2020

Visit the 2020 Community Arts Grant Application for the full application guidelines. For more information on the Community Arts Grant, contact Chris Brooks, Community Arts Specialist at BOPA, [email protected] or 410-752-8632.

NOIRANTINE! | Virtual Short Film Festival
deadline Sunday, May 31
hosted by Creative Alliance

Announcing the newest short film festival – NOIRANTINE!
Creative Alliance’s YouTube Channel 
MAY 1 – JUNE 15 | Submissions due by May 31st

The window of your bedroom slides open and the sounds of the city creep in. Birds chirping. Sirens wailing. A woman sings opera in the distance… badly. You stumble over to your favorite vintage thrift chair, whiskey in hand. You are alone. You’ve watched every 1940s noir genre film on every streaming platform imaginable and you’re waiting for Criterion Channel to release a golden oldie… No? Well, how would you do it?

Get creative and give us your best 5-minute interpretation of film noir! Submit your NOIRANTINE film by May 31st to be included in the virtual line-up on the Creative Alliance Youtube Channel in a NOIRANTINE Playlist for public voting from June 7th to June 15th. Scores will be tallied by likes over the course of one week, so be ready to share share share!!

SCHEDULE
MAY 1 – Call for Submissions Open
MAY 31 – Call for Submissions Close
JUN 7 – All Entries Public on Youtube: Noirantine Playlist
JUN 14 – Online Voting Ends and Awards are announced the next day, JUN 15!

TOP PRIZES
1st Prize: Noirantine Essentials Basket featuring (2) masks and a Fiesta Party Pack created by our local Artesanas, (1) Bottle of Prosecco, (2) VIP tickets to our Made in Baltimore Short Film Festival.
2nd Prize: (2) Masks made by our local Artesanas, (1) Bottle of Prosecco, and (2) VIP tickets to our Made in Baltimore Short Film Festival.
3rd Prize: (2) Masks made by our local Artesanas + (1) Bottle of Prosecco

SEEN: 20 Years of Baltimore Music Photography | Call for Entry
deadline: Saturday, July 18
presented by Maryland Art Place

SEEN: 20 Years of Baltimore Music Photography will highlight photography, as well as video, show posters, and ephemera that relates to the past 20 years of Baltimore music history. The show will feature local musicians and creators from all musical genres and backgrounds (from local bands that broke big like Future Islands andBeach House, to fallen artists like K-Swift and Lor Scoota, to genre definers like Scottie B and DJ Class).

THE GOAL is to present a comprehensive and culturally inclusive overview of Baltimore’s vibrant music scenes from the year 2000 through 2020 by showcasing as many different genres, cultures, and forms of representation as possible. SEEN is curated by local photographers J.M. Giordano, Josh Sisk with a panel comprised of members of the Baltimore music community.

MAP will open the show September 10 – November 14 in collaboration with WTMD Towson Radio. Promotions are scheduled to kick off at TMD on August 13.

Note: There will be satellite partners hosting extensions of the MAP show. Those venues currently include: Metro Gallery, Ottobar, The Crown, Sidebar and Union Craft Brewing. For more details on these sites, please contact their representative site manager.

SUBMISSION DETAILS AND TIMELINE:

MAP is seeking photography, videos, posters and other ephemera from 2000-2020 with an emphasis on earlier works 2000-2005, though all submissions will be equally valued.

TIMELINE

Friday, April 3:  Release Call to Artists

Application Deadline:

Saturday, July 18, 5pm

Deliberation: July 20- August 1

Week of August 3: Selected Artists Contacted

Artists Announced & Pre-Production Begins: August 10 – 29

September 1 – 9:  Installation

September 10, 6pm Opening Reception

APPLICATION: SEEN

Application Deadline: Saturday, July 18, 2020

NOTE: Submission must be sent electronically to [email protected]

For the full prospectus click HERE 

Transcending the Quarantine | Online Exhibition
presented by Baltimore County Arts Guild

The Baltimore County Arts Guild is focused on empowering artists and encouraging the creative process within each of us. Throughout the history of humanity, art and the creative process have served as a transcending force through our most difficult times.

Beginning April 28, 2020, the Baltimore County Arts Guild will present the second in a series of Transcending the Quarantine online art exhibits. https://www.bcartsguild.org/transcending

“We hope this project, which showcases the work of local artists, will inspire all of us in these difficult days and encourage us to find our own creative ways to transcend the limitations which we may be feeling,” says Guild Executive Director, Mary Catherine Cochran.

These online exhibits offer the community a new way to enjoy the work of local artists, and financially support artists who have been unable to exhibit, perform or sell their art through traditional channels as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. 100% of the proceeds from sales go directly to the artists.

“We hope the community will be inspired to support local artists so that they, in turn, can continue creating the arts that inspire each of us,” adds Cochran.

Candice Breitz: Too Long, Didn’t Read
presented by Baltimore Museum of Art

For over two decades, artist Candice Breitz has joined video, portraiture, and popular culture to question the stories we listen to as we make sense of a society rife with inequality, injustice, and suffering.

Beginning today, nearly all of the videos presented in the BMA exhibition Candice Breitz: Too Long, Didn’t Read are available for free online along with a new interactive feature that allows viewers to tell their own stories by recording and uploading a brief video response.

Candice Breitz: Too Long, Didn’t Read features two multichannel video installations—shown together for the first time—from a yet-to-be-completed trilogy: TLDR (2017) and Love Story (2016). TLDR (the acronym for “too long, didn’t read”) was made in close dialogue with a community of sex workers based in Cape Town, South Africa. Love Story contrasts the allure of fame and stardom, as represented by actors Alec Baldwin and Julianne Moore, with the trials and tribulations of six individuals who collectively exemplify the motivations and hardships of the global refugee crisis.

While we’re temporarily unable to invite visitors to explore this powerful exhibition on-site, we’re excited to present a new platform that makes the artist’s vision accessible to audiences at home. Take some time to watch each story and interview, and if you feel inspired, record and upload your response to the questions, “Who do you listen to?” and “Why do they get your attention?”

Virtual Happy Hour in the Artist’s Studio with Chris Wilson
Tuesday, May 5 • 5:30-6:30pm
presented by AVAM

Registration: Free, with registration required click here to register online.

Join us in Chris Wilson’s artist studio for a stimulating and meaningful virtual tour, followed by an audience Q&A with him. Chris splits his time between Baltimore, Maryland, and New York City and works as a visual artist and a social justice advocate. Through his work, he investigates societal injustices, human relationships, and public policies. His artwork is collected and exhibited internationally, including being on view recently at AVAM. He is also the founder of the Chris Wilson Foundation, which supports social entrepreneurs and prison education, including re-entry and financial literacy for returning citizens, as well as art-related programs. The event is free, with registration required click here to register online.

You can learn more about Chris and see his work at www.chriswilson.biz

AIA’s Sustainability Agenda: A Blueprint for Preservation and Community Resilience (CivicLAB Session 4)
Wednesday, May 6 • 5:30-7pm
presented by AIA Baltimore

1.5 AIA CES HSW/LUs available

CivicLAB‘s final session is being hosted virtually for free and open to all. Gain the skills to be an advocate for the built environment.

The final in the series of four workshops aimed at fostering the next generation of leaders and advocates. This session will feature key elements from AIA’s Sustainability Agenda, and how advocacy in historic preservation positively support sustainability principles. This virtual session of CivicLAB is free, but registration is required.

Presenters:

Ann Powell, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal, Ziger | Snead Architects

Tom Liebel, FAIA, LEED Fellow; Vice President, Moseley Architects

Image: Fra Carnavale, The Ideal City, 1480-1484, Walters Art Museum, Baltimore

Curtains | Highlighting UMD MFA Candidates
Thursday, May 7 • 6pm
presented by UMD Stamp Gallery

Join the STAMP Gallery for Curtains, our virtual midpoint show featuring the work of three second-year University of Maryland Department of Art MFA candidates. We’ll explore these artists’ studio spaces and creative processes via video.

Our first featured artist, Noah McWilliams, is a Maryland/DC sculpture and video artist who uses his art to examine how culturally agreed upon definitions of beauty are used as tools to justify the otherwise indefensible. Additional information about McWilliams can be found at his website: noahmcwilliams.com

Join us on STAMP’s Youtube channel on these Thursdays at 6pm for these premieres: youtube.com/umdstamptv

April 30 – Noah McWillians
May 7 – Heidi Zenisek
May 14 – Elaine Qiu

Amy Reid: Isolated Bliss | Album Release
Friday, May 8
On Isolated Bliss, Amy Reid stops time and space, transporting listeners to a place existing somewhere between reality and a distant world. Each track is a kaleidoscope of rich textures, soft beats, cascading synths, and natural sounds that showcases Reid’s sharp sonic instincts and musical aura. Together, Isolated Bliss is a meditative flow of sounds and feelings that oscillates between soothing rhythms and otherworldly ambience.

releases May 8, 2020

All songs written and performed by Amy Reid
Mastered by Craig Bowen at Tempo House

Mayfair: a Digital Dreambaby Cabaret
Friday, May 8 • 8-11pm

Following the magic of #DIADEM, these Digital Dreambaby Cabarets are back by popular demand! This time, we’re having something of a (belated) Beltane celebration as artists from all over the country tackle themes of fire, divine motherhood, goddess energy, the peak of spring and the coming of summer, fertility, and general witchery. Let us be your mummers, knocking on your doors—at a safe digital distance—and bringing the magic of spring to you!

Like last time, if you would like to support these artists, many of whom are out of work due to COVID-19, you can send a general donation (we recommend $10) to @dreambabycabaret on Venmo or [email protected], which will be split evenly among performers. You can also make it rain digital $$$ on individual performers by sending tips to their individual digital payment accounts. Who are these performers? I’m so glad you asked!

MAYFAIR: a Digital Dreambaby Cabaret will feature music, dance, drag, and magic from…
-Alexander D’agostino a.k.a. The Glitter Witch
-Amorous Ebony
–Gingerwitch
–Handsome Jeremy, Musical Oracle
-Isa Leal
–Moth Broth
-Precious Ephemera
-Talbolt Johnson

…with music and hosting by your songstress of ceremony, Dreambaby!

Ken & Brad Kolodner + Special Guests- Video Premiere!
Saturday, May 9 • 8pm
presented by Creative Alliance

Join us for the debut livestream of two exceptional concerts from Ken & Brad Koldner with special guests. Your donation gives you access to BOTH concerts, streamed back to back.

First up, we travel way back to year 2018 when Ken & Brad hosted our Fiery Fiddles Showcase. This set of music (35 min. in length) features Ken & Brad along with Rachel Eddy (fiddle & guitar), and Alex Lacquement (double bass).

Then, we visit those easy-livin’ days of 2019 when Ken & Brad hosted our first ever Baltimore Old Time Music Festival. This set from the kickoff concert (30 min. in length) features Rachel Eddy on fiddle and guitar.

TICKET BUYERS WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL WITH A DIRECT LINK TO WATCH THIS DEBUT ON SATURDAY MAY 9th By 6pm.

Donation tiers:

$5 – Keep the music alive

$10 – Twin Fiddles

$15 – Whiskey Before Breakfast

$20 – Jack of Diamonds

$50 – Sally Goodin

About Ken & Brad:

The dynamic father-son team Ken & Brad Kolodner weave together a captivating soundscape on hammered dulcimer and clawhammer banjo blurring the lines of old time, bluegrass, and American roots music. Regarded as one of the most influential hammered dulcimer players in North America, Baltimore’s Ken Kolodner has joined forces with his son Brad, a renowned clawhammer banjo player. They’ve sculpted their own brand of driving, innovative, tasteful acoustic roots music with a “creative curiosity that lets all listeners know that a passion for traditional music thrives in every generation.” The hypnotizing groove of the percussive hammered dulcimer and rhythmic clawhammer banjo is the core of their sound. They are joined by bassist Alex Lacquement who locks everything together with his commanding presence and the dynamic multi-instrumentalist Rachel Eddy on fiddle and guitar. The quartet won 1st place in the Neo-Traditional Band Contest at the Appalachian Stringband Festival in the summer of 2019. They released their fourth studio album “Stony Run” in March 2020.

SAT MAY 9 | 8pm

Cabin Fever Concerts w/Mr. Husband
Friday, May 8 • 8pm
hosted by WTMD

Join us on WTMD’s Facebook page for an intimate free streaming concert with Mr. Husband, presented by WTMD and Reyka Vodka.

Mr. Husband is the project of Kenny Tompkins, a staple of the Western Maryland music scene for more than 10 years, with bands like The Christmas Lights, New God and more. His music has been spotlighted in media outlets from NPR to the Frederick News-Post.

His single “Dream Driver” was in regular rotation on WTMD for months, and we recently started playing his song “Really Hoping” as well.

Cabin Fever Concerts is our new video series which takes you inside the homes of indie musicians for funny, intimate videos about how they’re coping and live-streamed concerts from their living rooms. The series is presented in part by Reyka Vodka.

We’ll see what foods they can’t live without, what they’re drinking to get through these stressful times and we’ll live-stream concerts from their living rooms.