BmoreArt

This Week:  Across Asia virtual lecture presented by the Walters, 3rd Maryland State Artist Directory Triennial opening reception at MAP, Ariston Jacks opening reception at Gallery in the Sky, Mike McConnell opening reception at Hotel Indigo, Bromo Art Walk, Tephra ICA Arts Festival at Reston Town Center, Morel Doucet opening reception at Galerie Myrtis, Doomsday 2023 at Greedy Reads, Make Space auction and fundraiser, and free admission to The Culture at the BMA — PLUS Stoop Storytelling needs your stories and more featured opportunities!

 

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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< Events >

 

Virtual Lecture: Across Asia
Wednesday, May 17 :: 12:30-1pm
presented by The Walters Art Museum

Registration required.

The opening of Across Asia: Arts of Asia and the Islamic Worldprovides the opportunity to view your favorite works from the collection with fresh eyes. One masterpiece in the exhibition embodies a mix of cultural appropriation and cultural preservation championed by China’s Mongul rulers. Through the lens of one mid-18th century Chinese porcelain vase, Adriana Proser, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Quincy Scott Curator of Asian Art, will explore the Qing dynasty rulers’ physical training in the art of the hunt and their dedication to the traditions of Chinese landscape painting, calligraphy, and collecting archaic bronzes.

 

 

3rd Maryland State Artist Directory Triennial exhibition | Opening Reception
Thursday, May 18 :: 6-8pm | Ongoing through June 24
@ Maryland Art Place

In celebration of the talented and diverse array of artists across the state of Maryland, and the ever growing scope of the Maryland Arts Directory, Maryland Art Place (MAP) – in collaboration with the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) – are seeking artists for the 3rd Maryland State Artist Directory Triennial exhibition (2023).

Maintained by MAP for over 25 years, the Maryland Arts Directory originated as a regional resource conceived of by MSAC. Curators, collectors and patrons could physically visit MAP to review new visual artworks using slides. As time went by slides became outdated and an official online resource was created making access to artworks much more accessible. The Directory is a free online platform that showcases the high-caliber, diverse, and relevant work of Maryland’s artists and arts organizations and promotes the vitality of Maryland’s arts communities.  The exhibition will focus on visual artworks, literary works and performers. Collectively MSAC and MAP aim to present a comprehensive survey of Maryland artists for the Triennial exhibition.

This year’s roster of jurors includes: Jayme McLellan (visual art) – Founder and Director of Civilian Art Projects, José Ruiz (visual art) – Director and Faculty, Curatorial Practices Program at the Maryland Institute College of Art, Rahne Alexander (performance) – Intermedia artist, writer and editor and Gerry LaFemina (literary) acclaimed poet, writer, professor and critic.

The exhibition will take place on three floors of the MAP building located at 218 West Saratoga Street between Park and Howard’s streets in downtown Baltimore city. Parking will be available at the Arrow garage across the street from MAP and on street parking will be free after 6pm. This is a free event.

 

COSMOS | Opening Reception
Thursday, May 18 :: 6-8pm | Ongoing through June 25
@ Gallery in the Sky

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) is thrilled to present “COSMOS,” a solo exhibition by visionary artist Ariston Jacks, which will be on view from May 18–June 25, 2023, at the Gallery in the Sky. There will be an opening reception on Thursday, May 18, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. that is free and open to the public. Please note the last entry to Top of the World is at 7:30 p.m.

This exhibition is funded in part by a Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This unprecedented federal funding for our exhibitions allows BOPA to continue to activate Top of the World as a gallery space, providing more exhibition opportunities for local artists. Additionally, Top of the World’s impressive 360-degree view of our beloved city invites tourists from all over the world to visit, helping us to amplify these artists and their work beyond Baltimore. BOPA is also grateful for the generous support of the Maryland State Arts Council.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Ariston Jacks is an Arkansas-born, Baltimore-based, multidisciplinary artist whose art imagines reality through the use of visual analogies. He employs sacred geometry and natural abstraction with illuminated icons to depict personal narratives in a graphic style. Layers of visual exploration chronicle life, mystery, and natural laws which lead to an obsessive level of mark making and expressive techniques. Using fragments of metaphysics infused with the collective memories of his ancestors, Jacks creates portals that give insight to the future of Afro American culture.

 

 

Mike McConnell | Opening Reception
Thursday, May 18 :: 6-9pm | Ongoing through August 17
@ Hotel Indigo

Maryland Art Place in partnership with Hotel Indigo Baltimore is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Maryland-based artist, Mike McConnell. The exhibition is on view at Hotel Indigo Baltimore, located at 24 West Franklin St. from April 13 to August 17. A public reception will take place Thursday, May 18 from 6 to 9 pm in the Hotels Poets Modern Cocktails and Eats.

About the Artist: 

A 1975 graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, Mike McConnell worked for more than 30 years as an illustrator before focusing on his fine art. He often turns to nature for inspiration for the vivid visual stories he tells. He uses paint in a collage-like way, cutting out shapes with vibrant colors on handmade wood panels, paper, and found material. McConnell won the President’s Best of Show award for the 2016 Biennial Maryland Regional Juried Art Exhibition for his painting Bear Carver. He is also a 2016 and 2019 Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award winner and a 2017 finalist for the 13th Annual Bethesda Painting Awards.

 

 

Bromo Art Walk
Thursday, May 18 :: 6-9pm | After Party 9-11pm

WHO + WHAT: The Bromo Arts District is pleased to announce the return of the Bromo Art Walk: a highly-engaging, self-paced art stroll within the Bromo Arts District in the heart of Downtown Baltimore. The free event takes place Thursday, May 18, 2023 from 5-9 p.m, with an after party from 9-11pm at the Current Space Garden Bar. All are invited to experience the Bromo Arts District during a celebrated night of artistic performances, exhibits and open studios. Artwork will also be available for purchase along the route.

The Bromo Arts district covers 117 acres on the west side of Downtown Baltimore and is dotted with galleries, theaters, studios and performance art spaces. Art Walk goers can expect hands-on activities such as dance, book making, and recording sessions.

A sample of participating artistic vendors include: Black Artist Research Space & Muse 360, The Black Genius Art Show, Blakwater House, BMA Lexington Market, Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, Cotyledon Arts, Current Space, Eubie Blake Cultural Center, Everyman Theatre, Fluid Movement, The Hippodrome Theatre, Kelly Walker Fine Art, Keur Khaleyi African Dance Company, Le Mondo, Lexington Market, Maryland Center for History and Culture, Media Rhythm Institute, Studio Q and Zora’s Den.

Attendees will have access to a variety of special promotions from participating restaurants during the Art Walk, which include: Lexington Market and Mount Vernon’s many vendors, Cajou Creamery, Cuples Tea House, Vegan Juiceology and Maiwand Grill. By showing your Eventbrite registration, Bromo Art Walk registrants will receive various discounts at these and other participating food and drink vendors.

Registration is highly encouraged via EventBrite, and for the full list of participants and vendors, visit the event website.

WHERE: Participating organizations are scattered throughout the Bromo Arts District with major corridors running along Howard and Eutaw Streets, and boundaries from Park Avenue to Greene Street and Read Street to Lombard Street.

WHEN: Thursday, May 18, 2023, 5-9 p.m.
After Party from 9-11pm.

WHY: “The Bromo Arts District is home to a diverse group of creatives who represent some of the most innovative and inspiring artists in Baltimore,” said Emily Breiter, Executive Director of the Bromo Arts District. “From theater, dance and spoken word performances, to open studios and exhibits, The Bromo Art Walk promises a dynamic evening of entertainment, exploration and endless creativity. We invite all to come out, explore the district, and support your local arts community here in the Bromo Arts District.”

For more information about the Art Walk, and the Bromo Art District, visit Bromodistrict.org.

 

 

Tephra ICA Arts Festival
Saturday, May 20 :: 10am-6pm + Sunday, May 21 :: 10am-5pm
@ Reston Town Center

Now in its 32nd year, the Tephra ICA Arts Festival (formerly titled the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival) will take place on May 20–21, 2023 at Reston Town Center. Over 200 contemporary artists and artisans will travel from across the country to present original handmade artwork to share with Festival audiences. Drawing upon a robust exhibitor and collector base coupled with Tephra ICA’s contemporary art foundation, the Festival has become one of the region’s most anticipated events, attracting tens of thousands of people to the unique, outdoor environment of Reston Town Center. The Festival is comprised of one-on-one experiences, performances, and special events leaving an exciting, thoughtful mark in the region.

 

 

Water Grieves in the Six Shades of Death | Opening Reception
Saturday, May 20 :: 6-8pm | Ongoing through July 8
@ Galerie Myrtis

Galerie Myrtis is pleased to announce Morel Doucet’s solo exhibition Water Grieves in the Six Shades of Death. The opening reception will be held at Galerie Myrtis, 2224 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, May 20th from 6:00 ‐ 8:00 pm. The opening is free, and all are welcome. No appointment is necessary to attend.

“In Haitian American Morel Doucet’s first solo exhibition at Galerie Myrtis, ‘Water Grieves in the Six Shades of Death,’ the multidisciplinary artist investigates critical issues of environmental racism and displacement of Black and Brown people from their homes, particularly those living in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood. Doucet deploys ceramics, colorful silhouettes of Little Haiti residents, indigenous birds, impressions of native flora and fauna, and decorative ironwork salvaged from demolished dwellings to explore the impact of climate change and developers on this marginalized community.” – Myrtis Bedolla

The opening reception will be held at Galerie Myrtis, 2224 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Marylandon Saturday, May 20th, from 6:00 ‐ 8:00 pm. Artist Talk will take place on Saturday, June 17^th, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Events are free and open to the public No appointment is necessary to attend.

See the website for details. GalerieMyrtis.net

The exhibit runs from May 20 – July 8, 2023. Gallery hours: Tuesday – Saturday by appointment, 2:00 – 6:00 pm. Hours extended during special events. For additional information on the exhibition, please contact the gallery at (410) 235‐3711 or Ky Vassor, Gallery Assistant, at [email protected].For sales inquiries, please contact our Sales Manager, Noel Bedolla, at [email protected].

 

 

Doomsday 2023
Saturday, May 20 :: 12pm | Ongoing through May 21
@ Greedy Reads

12pm Sat, May 20 – 12pm Sun, May 21

Livestreaming from Greedy Reads Fells Point, 1744 Aliceanna St, Baltimore

Join us in our second annual Doomsday fundraiser to support the National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre.  This year, over 30 members of the Baltimore community will gather at Greedy Reads bookstore in Fells Point to participate in a 24-hour marathon reading of Poe’s works.

Readers who have already committed to the event include Maryland State Delegate Mark Edelson, City Councilmember Zeke Cohen; Dr. Asma Naem, Director of the Baltimore Museum of Art; NPR Book of the Day host Andrew Limbong; Shauntee Daniels of the Baltimore National Heritage Area; Jackie Downs of the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts; Enrica Jang, Curator of the Poe House and Museum; Paul Ruppert, CEO of Baltimore Markets; and celebrated Baltimore authors Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead, Jeannie Vanasco, and Sarah Pinsker.  To read along, order your own copy of The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe through Greedy Reads today!

The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre is the only company in the world dedicated to adapting the works of America’s grandfather of horror and suspense onstage, on the air, and in the classroom.

Please make a tax-deductible donation to help us bring another year of innovative adaptations of Poe’s works to Baltimore and beyond!

Throughout the pandemic, the theatre produced award-winning radio drama adaptations of Poe’s stories.  This year, the theatre will be partnering with Enoch Pratt Free Library to produce another season of radio dramas – recorded live at the main branch’s Poe Room.  Tickets for limited seating will be available through the library’s website as the event dates approach.

We hope you’ll watch the livestream on May 20-21 on our Givebutter campaign page or directly on YouTube

Sign up for our newsletter, the Edgar Allan Post to receive updates and reminders!

 

 

Make Space: Art Auction + Fundraiser!
Sunday, May 21 :: 12-4pm
@ Dear Globe

Calling all art lovers! Come out and join us for our inaugural art auction fundraiser in where we celebrate the future home owners, mentors , community members and all those involved. We will have a silent art auction, food, music and more!

Where do the funds go?!?

-Events, tours, program support for our inaugural cohort participants

-Stipends for speakers and mentors that are volunteering to make out program a success.

– Supplies needed to support the cohort members to complete activations and others events they will preform throughout the cohort program.

-Marketing and support to spread the word about the ” Make Space” Initiative .

– Creating our documentary and archiving the process of the inaugural Make Space cohort.

—————————-

Info on Make Space:

Make Space (501c3) was founded and designed to help eradicate the vacant house crisis Baltimore City currently faces by creating live-work spaces for creative business owners and documenting the impact. We believe that artists and creative entrepreneurs have the capacity to sustain communities if provided with the economic tools, multigenerational mentorship and support from the current residents. The Make Space team believes in making space for our creative class.

Bid Here! Art Auction : https://app.galabid.com/makespace

Art Line-up curated by : Bryan Robinson/ @theblackgeniusartshow

Features Artist:

Jon Bricks / @83bricks

Coffin / @coffin_nachtmahr

Sean “Shug” Oneal / @mr_houndztooth

Anson Asaka / @the_asaka_gallery

Bryan Robinson / @theblackgeniusartshow

Chloe Malay / @chloemalay

SYM / @graphitepulse

Quirky / @qrcky

Libby Formant / @libbyartform

Khlalil McFarlane /

Akio Evans / @akioevans

Al Morgan / @sergioneptuna

Devon Andre Clarke / @dres.ink

 

 

Free Admission to The Culture
Sunday, May 21
@ The Baltimore Museum of Art

We’re offering two more chances to see The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century for free! This month, join us on Sunday, May 21 for all-day free admission (no tickets required!) and save the date for our final free admission day: Sunday, June 18.

 

 

< Calls for Entry >

 

Call for Storytellers
deadline rolling
posted by Stoop Storytelling

The Stoop Storytelling Series has not ONE, not TWO, but THREE shows in June and we need your stories!

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS ASAP!

Glitter, Gefilte, Guilt and Guts: Stories by people who are Jewish, Queer, and Here!
Thursday, June 1, 2023 at the Creative Alliance
Submit your story here.

Stand Up for Mental Wellness
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at Beth El Congregation
Submit your story here.

These are the People in Our Neighborhood: Stories about community, conflict, culture and coming together.
Friday, June 23, 2023 at the Smith Theatre at Howard Community College
Submit your story here.

 

 

2023 Women@MIT Fellowship
deadline May 20
posted by MIT Libraries

MIT Libraries’ Department of Distinctive Collections (DDC) is seeking applicants for its 2023 Women@MIT Fellowship. We invite artists, activists, musicians, writers, and scholars who are engaged in the expansion and expression of knowledge to help inform the understanding of women in MIT’s history and the history of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are particularly interested in those who will apply the interdisciplinary lenses and methodologies of women’s studies, gender studies, and/or race and ethnic studies to their work.

The selected Fellows will work with the Women@MIT project archivist and other staff within MIT Libraries’ Department of Distinctive Collections. Successful candidates must be willing to engage in archival research either in person or in a remote environment. The fellowship is supported by a stipend of $5,000 for each Fellow.

 

 

Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence
deadline May 31

The Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence is awarded annually to one outstanding, early-career artist who is developing new works that address plants, gardens, or landscapes in the broad sense. This award is open to visual artists, literary artists, dancers, and musicians. The award includes a $10,000 individual grant and requires a 2 – 5 week stay at Oak Spring. While at OSGF, the Fellow will be able to meet with staff, explore our 700-acre landscape and our efforts in sustainable land management, and visit our rare book library that holds over 19,000 objects, including many examples of botanical art.

OSGF intends to award the Fellowship to an exceptional artist whose works show remarkable promise to contribute to a deeper understanding of the natural world, and humankind’s place in it. The Fellow will be scheduled to visit when there are other Interdisciplinary Residents or Fellows on-site. This scheduling will allow the Fellow to join in communal meals, and optional activities and field trips with other artists, ecologists, researchers, or scholars working on projects related to OSGF’s mission. Beyond time devoted to their projects, a Fellow’s typical day at Oak Spring might include a walk to enjoy the landscape or birds; an appointment to visit the Oak Spring Library; and/or a morning spent volunteering at the BCCF or in the formal garden. These optional activities provide Fellows time to learn from, and interact with our staff. None of these activities are required, and we understand that some Fellows might want to spend most of their time in their writing or working independently. We support and enable Fellows to use their time as they best see fit.

At the culmination of their stay, we encourage, but don’t require, Fellows to give a 20 – 30 minute presentation with time for questions, to Oak Spring staff and any other Fellows, Residents, or program participants who might be on site.

 

 

Still Life Themes | Call for Entry
deadline May 31
posted by Towson Arts Collective

Memento Mori, vanities, found object, Nature morte, symbolic images: theses are all traditional still life motifs. What is your take on this traditional art form?

Our Guest Artist for June 2023 is Matt Muirhead: paintings on canvas featuring Baltimore-centric themes.

The show starts Thursday, June 1 until Sunday, June 25,2023

TIMELINE:
Drop Off: Sunday, May 28 noon to 3 PM and Tuesday, May 30. Please be there by 10:30 AM.

Bring artwork, entry form, and payment to the TAC gallery located at The Shops at Kenilworth; 800 Kenilworth Drive, Towson, MD 21204; 2nd level across from About Faces
Reception: Thursday, June 1,
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
Pick up: Sunday, June 25 –
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

 

 

The Heritage Investment Grant Fund
deadline June 1
posted by Baltimore National Heritage Area

The Baltimore Heritage Area Association, the management entity of the Baltimore National Heritage Area (BNHA), manages the Heritage Investment Grant Fund. This grant is a source of federal funding designed to provide small, but strategic investments in cultural heritage tourism projects within the geographic boundary of the national heritage area and which align with the U.S. National Park Service’s priorities. The Heritage Investment Grant provides funds for non-capital projects. Eligible projects must address or complete a priority activity identified in and consistent with the goals, objectives, strategies, and actions outlined in the 2013 Baltimore National Heritage Area Comprehensive Management Plan.

The following non-capital project categories, located within the national heritage area’s boundary, are eligible (map below in FAQ). All requests can be up to $20,000 with a required dollar-for-dollar match (25% of match can be in kind).

• Capacity-building Support
• Operating Support
• Historic Preservation
• Collections Care and Conservation
• Heritage Tourism Events
• Land, Water, Environmental Conservation (to include archeology)
• Recreational Projects and Trails Programming
• Education and Interpretation
• Marketing and Outreach

* For the exception of capacity-building, operating support requests, and marketing grant applications all proposed projects must have a public facing component or plan (in-person or virtual) that is detailed in the application that will attract visitors to the project, site, collection, or demonstrate value in advancing heritage tourism within Baltimore’s national heritage area’s boundary.

 

 

City Sand ’23: Reimagining Baltimore’s Harborplace | Call for Registration
deadline June 2
posted by Baltimore Architecture Foundation

City Sand, an annual sand sculpture competition that began in 1989 at Harborplace, returns to the Inner Harbor after a 10+ year hiatus. The legacy event, sponsored by Baltimore Architecture Foundation, MCB Real Estate/Harborplace, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore and Southway Builders, will be held on Saturday, June 24 from 11am-4pm at the Harborplace Amphitheatre between the two Harborplace Pavilions.

Teams of local architects, design professionals and builders will be provided with an area of sand approximately 10’ x 10’ x 1’ thick ( 3.7 cubic yards) in which to build on the theme of “Reimagining Harborplace – The Future of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.” The creations will be judged starting at 4pm that day by a distinguished panel of experts. The winning team will receive the “coveted” Golden Pail filled with Inner Harbor prizes. The public will also get to vote for their favorite with a “People’s Choice” winner being announced.

Each team is to provide its own forms, shovels, tools, buckets, etc.. No power tools, paint, additives, armatures, frameworks or accessories are allowed. Sand and water only. Water is available at the site. Only 12 teams will be able to participate, with a maximum of 8 people per team.

Since space is limited, teams will be assigned in order of receipt of registration. Register no later than Friday, June 2, 5pm. If you have any questions, please contact Meghan Hudson, Communications Associate for Baltimore Architecture Foundation – 410.625.2585×102, [email protected].