BmoreArt

Happy Thanksigiving! This week’s news includes: the BMA celebrates 110 years and raises $1 million, Tubman statue restored at BDTM, Mount Vernon Conservancy announces Monument Lighting, AVAM’s new exhibition, Poe Theater to be broadcast on WYPR, John Waters is America’s Next Top (Spokes)model, Baltimore Small Stage Coalition auditions, Art with a Heart hosts HeARTwares, BRUSH Mural Fest looking for a home, and ‘A Very Cinematic Holiday Weekend’ at the Parkway,  — with reporting from Baltimore Magazine, Baltimore Fishbowl, Baltimore Brew, and other local and independent news sources.

Header Image: Joyce J. Scott Araminta with Rifle and Vévé (2017), at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum  / photo credit: Christian Smooth

BMA Raises $1 Million from 110th Anniversary Ball & After Party
Press Release :: November 26

The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) raised a record-setting $1 million during the spectacular BMA Ball and After Party held on Saturday, November 23, in celebration of the museum’s 110th anniversary. The proceeds raised from this event will help the BMA continue its outstanding artistic and educational programs—such as the Turn Again to the Earth environmental initiative—and expand upon its mission of fostering artistic excellence and social equity for the benefit of communities throughout Baltimore and beyond.

More than 400 guests attended the BMA Ball and another 200 attended the After Party. Guests were greeted by the Twilighters Marching Band on the historic front steps of the museum in the early evening and the Morganettes Dance Team later. Among those who attended were Maryland Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore (honorary co-chairs); former Governor Martin O’Malley and Katie O’Malley; former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke and Dr. Patricia Schmoke (honorary co-chairs); artists Derrick Adams (BMA Trustee), John Akomfrah, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Jerrell Gibbs, Mark Thomas Gibson, Devin N. Morris, Amy Sherald, SHAN Wallace, John Waters (BMA Trustee), Kennedy Yanko, and Monsieur Zohore; venture capitalist George Petrocheilos (BMA Trustee) and Diamantis Xylas (co-chairs); Amy Elias (BMA Trustee and co-chair) and Richard Pearlstone; and philanthropists Michael Sherman (co-chair), and Betsy Sherman.

Highlights of the evening included the presentation of the inaugural Artists Who Inspire Awards to acclaimed artists John Akomfrah and LaToya Ruby Frazier and the first Changemaker Who Inspires Award to renowned civil rights lawyer and BMA Trustee Sherrilyn Ifill. R&B GRAMMY® winner John Legend (honorary co-chair) participated with a surprise video congratulations to Sherrilyn Ifill and sang Happy Birthday to the BMA. Governor Wes Moore’s lively remarks recounted some of the museum’s significant milestones and recognized the importance of the arts for the state and Baltimore to thrive. After a sumptuous dinner catered by Linwoods, DJ Tanz and the Lethal Ladies kept the energy high and the dance floor full during the After Party, co-chaired by BMA Trustee Darius Graham and Tonya Miller Hall, Senior Advisor of Arts & Culture, Mayor’s Office. […]

Tubman Statue Restored at BDTM
Newsletter :: November 22

We are thrilled that the public can view the newly restored monumental sculpture Araminta with Rifle and Vévé (2017) by the incomparable Dr. Joyce J. Scott. Come visit the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum to experience this masterpiece in its full glory, as Harriet Tubman carries a new vévé in her hand!

“Joyce’s hands, both in crafting and restoring this symbol, channel Tubman’s unbreakable strength and enduring power. Her artistry breathes life into Tubman’s spirit, allowing her legacy to reach and inspire all who stand before it,” said Martina Dodd, Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum’s Curator of Collections & Exhibitions, who worked with Joyce, Goya Contemporary Gallery, and team on the reinstallation.

Standing 10 feet tall at the museum entrance, this powerful Harriet Tubman monument, crafted from painted milled foam, found objects, blown glass, and mixed media appliqués, is a powerful symbol of her unwavering fight for freedom. In late December 2022, the staff was stolen, but later recovered in February 2023 due in large part to press coverage and concerned citizens. Having the vévé reinstalled just prior to the renaming ceremony is an important step in our museum’s new chapter. Thank you to Luke Parker and The Capital for capturing this moment in the museum’s story on Monday’s front page!

Araminta with Rifle and Vévé is on long-term loan to the museum, and you can contribute to the effort to raise funds to purchase it so that it can remain at the museum permanently on our Donate page.

Mount Vernon Place Conservancy Announces Monument Lighting at Mount Vernon Place – Dec. 5, 2024
Press Release :: November 27

The Mount Vernon Place Conservancy (“the Conservancy”) announces that Baltimore’s annual holiday classic – Monument Lighting at Mount Vernon Place – will take place in the squares surrounding the Washington Monument on Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Presenting sponsor Mercy Medical Center is participating for the second year, and is doing so in celebration of Mercy’s “Heart of Mercy” 150th Anniversary.

Under the recent management of the Conservancy, the Monument Lighting, now in its 53rd year, will continue the Conservancy’s goal of supporting Baltimore-based food vendors, breweries, and musicians—as the Conservancy does with Flower Mart.

Over 20 local food vendors will provide food options from sweet to savory, and the Conservancy’s beverage concessions will provide local beer, mead, and wine. Responding to community feedback, efforts continue to reduce wait times by having even more and diverse food vendors and bar concession locations.

Lance Humphries, the Conservancy’s Executive Director notes: “We’ve have created a layout that we hope will be easy to navigate. We’ll be running five bars throughout the West, North, and South Squares featuring local beer, wine, and hot and spiked apple cider. A map is available on our website and via QR codes as you enter the event so guests can quickly find their favorite food vendor, or to try something new. There will be lots of excitement and joy in the air!”

The non-profit Conservancy was founded in 2008 to enter into a partnership agreement (2012) with the City of Baltimore to restore, maintain, and manage the Washington Monument and surrounding park squares of Mount Vernon Place.

Monument Lighting assists the Conservancy in raising awareness about what the organization does every day for the city. Since 2012, the Conservancy restored the Washington Monument for its bicentennial rededication in 2015, which all year-round welcomes guests from Baltimore and around the world. Each summer the Conservancy provides free programming in the parks with the Summer in the Squares series, and in 2019 the Conservancy took on the management of Baltimore’s oldest festival—Flower Mart.

“While we’ve restored the Washington Monument,” Humphries notes, “there remains much work to do to restore the parks for the future. If you look closely, the historic fabric is literally crumbling. We are currently in the middle of a $13 million capital campaign to restore the North and South Squares.”

On stage will be local musical favorites playing holiday-themed music, like the Baltimore School for the Arts, Baltimore Symphony’s OrchKids, the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Choir, the Peabody Brass Ensemble, Ray Winder and Friends, and the Morgan State University Choir.

Fireworks, designed by Baltimore’s own Image Engineering, will go off at 8pm. The event will be emceed by WBAL-TV 11 News Anchor Jason Newton.

NOTE: A detailed vendor map and list of performers can be foundhere.

Facebook: @mountvernonplace
Instagram: @mountvernonplace

ABOUT THE CONSERVANCY:

In 2012, the City of Baltimore entered into a partnership with the Mount Vernon Place Conservancy to restore, manage, and maintain the Washington Monument and the four park squares of Mount Vernon Place. The Conservancy’s first project restored the Washington Monument, reopening it on its Bicentennial July 4, 2015. The next phase of restoration will focus on making the North and South Squares more accessible and sustainable.

Annually, the Conservancy maintains the Monument and keeps it open to the public. The Conservancy also provides free events and concerts held in the four parks throughout the spring and summer, including Flower Mart and Monument Lighting. Today, the Conservancy continues to improve the quality of Mount Vernon Place.

AVAM’s New Mega-Exhibit Brings Art and Sports Into the Same Arena
by Ron Cassie
Published December 26 in Baltimore Magazine

Excerpt: Sports and art generally operate in different arenas, rarely crossing paths on the ball field and court, museum and gallery. So, leave it to Federal Hill’s unconventional
American Visionary Art Museum to mount an exhibit featuring works by a diverse group of visionary artists focused on sports and play, and the struggles, values, and just plain fun they bring to the human experience.

Curated by Maryland Institute College of Art graduate Gage Branda, the wide-ranging Good Sports: The Wisdom & Fun of Fair Play covers sports and competitions from baseball, basketball, and boxing, to old-school pinball. The various mediums include painting, photography, sculpture, linocuts, mixed-media works, artifacts, oral histories, and a diorama of a historical soccer match, whirligigs of runners, and a visual homage to Mexico’s lucha libre professional wrestling.

It’s not all whimsy, however. Included are stories of social justice, childhood, camaraderie, and even religious transcendence.

Poe Theatre picked up for broadcasting by WYPR
by Aliza Worthington
Published November 25 in Baltimore Fishbowl

Excerpt: WYPR will begin broadcasting The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre’s material on their Sunday Night Radio Theater radio show once per quarter, according to Poe Theatre’s founder and artistic director, Alex Zavistovich.

Each quarter, the show will air on a Sunday evening at 8 p.m. on 88.1 FM in Baltimore.

Poe Theatre’s first broadcast on Sunday Night Radio Theater will take place on Dec. 8, the first broadcast consisting of a compilation of the first six streaming programs they did with WYPR, along with some recitations of Poe poems.

‘Top model’: John Waters is starring in holiday campaigns for Saint Laurent and Nordstrom
by Ed Gunts
Published November 27 in Baltimore Fishbowl

Excerpt: Just in time for the holiday shopping season, Baltimore filmmaker John Waters is starring in promotional campaigns for two well-known retailers, Nordstrom and Saint Laurent.

Both companies this week are rolling out their campaigns, which are unrelated except that they’re aimed at holiday shoppers and Waters is featured in both.

“Wonder All the Way” is the theme of Nordstrom’s campaign, which involves a “refreshed app” for online shoppers and a new look for its flagship location in New York City. Waters and actress Fran Drescher were enlisted to help introduce the changes shoppers will see in Nordstrom’s store at 225 W. 57th Street, by lending their voices to inflatable figures on display there.

BSSC Announces Third Round of Non-Equity Auditions
Press Release :: November 22

The Baltimore Small Stage Coalition will hold its third semiannual weekend of open auditions for actors and theater companies January 4 and 5, at The Voxel (9 West 25th Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218). Building on the success of their 2024 events, BSSC again invites performers and auditors to register for attendance at www.bmoresmallstages.org/. Advance registration is required; the deadline is January 2.

There is no charge for performers. Each will have a total of two minutes for their audition. Once registered, actors will receive an email with instructions to submit a resume and headshot electronically. An accompanist will be provided on Saturday from 10:00 to 11:30am and Sunday from 4:00 to 4:30pm for musical auditions. Sheet music must be provided in the desired key, with a 24-bar selection indicated.

Theater companies can register to send up to four representatives to all or part of the two-day event for $50. Individual directors can join for a fee of $25. The registration fee includes year-round access to a digital database of participating auditioners.

This event is made possible by a generous grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

BSSC was established in 2022 with the express purpose of restarting collective auditions for small and non-equity theaters in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The group is committed to mutual support, advocacy, and collaboration to benefit the rich network of non-equity theaters and practitioners in the region. Founding member companies are Arena Players, Inc., Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre, Baltimore Rock Opera Society, Fells Point Corner Theatre, On the Road Theater Company, Rapid Lemon Productions, Strand Theater Company, and Vagabond Players.

Art with a Heart Hosting HeARTwares Grand Opening, Nov. 30
Press Release :: November 22

Just in time for the start of the holiday shopping season, Art with a Heart (AWAH) will host the grand opening of HeARTwares, its social enterprise store located on The Avenue in Hampen, at 1104 W. 36th St., Baltimore, MD 21211.

On Saturday, Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., guests can enjoy a unique shopping experience, plus interactive art activities, music and light refreshments. Festivities will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by City Council Member Odette Ramos.

Admission is free, with complimentary shuttle service between HeARTwares and the Mill Centre. Guests can park in the Mill Centre lot (3000 Chestnut Avenue) and board the FreedomCar van, which will run to and from HeARTwares from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

HeARTwares stands out on The Avenue with eye-catching window displays handcrafted by local artist, Bree Rock (formerly of Trohv). Upon entering the 7,600-square-foot space, visitors will be greeted by friendly store associates – all of whom are AWAH teachers and volunteers – and cheerful artwork which sparkles in the sunlight coming from the large storefront windows.

The overall aesthetic is handmade and eclectic. Decor includes repurposed materials such as shutters from Second Chance, and shelving and a table donated by the Baltimore retail icon, The Store Ltd. Overall, HeARTwares features a wide variety of hand-made and one-of-a-kind artwork, jewelry, houseware items, garden ornaments and assorted gifts.

Each sensory aspect reflects the AWAH ethos of fun and whimsy, as well as creativity and inclusiveness. Merchandise includes mosaic lamps, coasters, children’s tables and chairs, wish dolls, ornaments, photo frames, note cards, mirrors, t-shirts, notepads, candles and more!

A common theme of HeARTwares is “shopping with purpose” and buying gifts with meaning. Each item is unique and was crafted with enthusiasm by community volunteers, and students and apprentices in AWAH’s workforce development program, HeARTworks, which is also housed in the new space. Now in its 20th year, HeARTworks provides a collaborative space for young people, ages 14-24, to experience a structured work environment while building job readiness and life skills.

Based in Hampden, AWAH chose to open a centrally-located satellite location where the artwork of its students and volunteers could be seen, appreciated and purchased by many more people. The new space is more than double the size of the previous HeARTwares location.

Most of the first floor is dedicated to the HeARTwares store, including a spacious main store room, two smaller store rooms, a gallery wall and spacious classroom. The second floor comprises staff offices, a computer lab and large classroom, which serves as the main hub for the HeARTwares team.

With more meeting spaces in the new location, AWAH plans to increase its workforce development collaborations and community art projects. The nonprofit aims to become a community hub for people from all over Baltimore, where everyone is welcome.

About Art with a Heart
Art with a Heart’s (AWAH) mission is to enhance the lives of people in need through visual arts. Founded in 2000, the Baltimore-based nonprofit uses visual art for positive civic and economic change in its community programming, workforce development, community art, service learning and leadership development initiatives. Over the last year alone, Art with a Heart provided nearly 16,000 art classes to children, youth, adults, and families in schools, shelters, community centers, hospitals and senior facilities. For more information, visit www.artwithaheart.net or follow on social media: @AWAHBaltimore on Facebook and @artwithaheart_ on X & Instagram.

BRUSH Mural Fest Calls for Walls as It Seeks A Home For Year Three
Press Release :: November 22

BRUSH Mural Fest (BRUSH) is in search of the next location for festival murals and year three celebration site. The space should be able to accommodate twelve to fifteen, 200 square foot permanent murals to be installed on the same wall or within 5 min walking distance of one another as well as offer a suitable space to house Festival Celebration Day, the day long celebration commemorating the public unveiling of the murals.

Created for artists, by artists, BRUSH’s mission is to uplift the artistic community by providing opportunities for education, engagement, and employment. As such, those interested in offering their space for the 2025 festival should share that commitment to showcasing Baltimore’s artistic excellence.

“While providing the right space is crucial, we’re not just looking for a location,” said Jaz Erenberg, BRUSH Mural Fest co-founder and Director of Programming. “We’re looking for a community partner that truly believes in the power of public art and shares our commitment to uplifting local artists.”

“Providing a space for our 2025 murals is just the beginning,” continued BRUSH Mural Fest co-founder and Director of Operations, Saba Hamidi. “Together we will build a mural festival that highlights the talent and charm of Baltimore City through the transformative power of public art, focuses on fostering economic independence through mentorship and workforce development and creates an inclusive and supportive public artist community.”

Sites can be submitted as a community collective composed of various local business and public spaces or a large singular site. All walls should ideally be smooth surfaces – such as metal, concrete/cinder blocks, brick or stucco – and should not show any signs of crumbling, damage or being severely cracked. Other mural site requirements include, easy public access, easy 24/7 site access, accessible Electricity (220 V) and an accessible restroom. In addition, festival sites should offer a wide open gathering space that can accommodate a 12-foot stage and safely hold up to 400 people outdoors.

The date of the year three Festival Celebration Day is targeted to take place on a Saturday in September 2025. Those interested in serving as the host of Brush Mural Fest 2025 can find the complete criteria for consideration at https://www.brushmuralfest.com/host-brush-2025 or can reach out to BRUSH directly at [email protected]

About Brush Mural Fest:

BRUSH Mural Festival, founded in 2022 by three local muralists, is Baltimore’s very own hyper-local mural festival dedicated to empowering the city’s muralists. Created for artists, by artists, BRUSH’s mission is to uplift the artistic community by providing opportunities for education, engagement, and employment. We focus on fostering economic independence among Baltimore’s muralists through a comprehensive workforce development program that enhances financial literacy, facilitates mentorship, and offers creative business resources. Artists are given the chance to unleash their creativity on murals, enjoying the freedom to express their vision while adhering to collaborative guidelines.

In addition to supporting artists, BRUSH Mural Fest strives to deepen the community’s appreciation for public art by transforming Baltimore’s landscape into a colorful tapestry of creativity and expression. We engage the public through initiatives like our Muralist Roster and Community Paint Day, which invite residents to connect with the diverse muralist community. We believe in the transformative power of public art and prioritize community over competition, ensuring fair standards in payment and contracts. By focusing solely on Baltimore-based artists, we aim to keep economic development within the local creative sector and celebrate the unique voices that contribute to the city’s artistic identity.

www.brushmuralfest.com or follow @brushmuralfest on Instagram.

The SNF Parkway Hosts “A Very Cinematic Holiday Weekend” Film Screenings and Festive Activities Planned December 12-15, 2024

The SNF Parkway Theatre is ushering in the holiday season with a four-day event series, A Very Cinematic Holiday Weekend, featuring a curated selection of festive films and complementary activities to celebrate the season’s spirit on the big screen and in the community.

The weekend includes screenings of holiday classics, international films, and cult favorites, alongside special activities such as nightly happy hours, themed trivia, an ugly sweater contest, and happens during the nearby North Avenue Holiday Market. Taking place from December 12-15, the series aims to engage audiences of all ages with a variety of cinematic and interactive offerings.

Programming Highlights: Nightly Happy Hours: Enjoy seasonal beverages, including Parkway Holiday Nog and signature spiked punch, before evening screenings.

Themed Events:
Friday, December 13 at 7 PM – Guests are invited to come dressed in their 1950s best for this special screening of Carol, Todd Haynes’ acclaimed drama starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.

Saturday, December 14 from 12:30-5:30 PM – Shop and sip at the North Avenue Holiday Market, featuring local vendors.

Saturday, December 14 at 7 PM – Tinsel & Trash Trivia and an ugly sweater contest hosted by Mondo Baltimore in the Lounge.

Saturday, December 14 at 8 PM – A special screening of Santa Claus vs. the Devil, introduced by Mondo Baltimore’s Dad Ghost and Frau Ankenstein.

Featured Films

The lineup includes a range of titles offering diverse perspectives on the holiday experience:

Fanny & Alexander (Ingmar Bergman, 1982, Sweden, 188 min) This autobiographical holiday classic follows two siblings navigating family life in early 1900s Sweden. Acclaimed as one of Bergman’s finest works, the film won four Academy Awards, including Best Foreign Picture.

This Christmas (Preston Whitmore, 2007, USA, 120 min) The Whitfield family reunites for a holiday filled with surprises, conflicts, and the rediscovery of family bonds.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick, 1993, USA, 76 min) This Tim Burton-produced stop-motion film explores what happens when Halloween meets Christmas, creating a visually iconic and universally beloved classic.

Carol (Todd Haynes, 2015, USA, 118 min) Set in 1950s New York, this poignant drama depicts a forbidden romance between a married woman and a younger store clerk, earning critical acclaim for its performances and direction.

Santa Claus vs. the Devil (René Cardona, 1959, Mexico, 95 min) A surreal and unconventional holiday film where Santa Claus battles a devil named Pitch to protect children from mischief.

Elf (Jon Favreau, 2003, USA, 90 min) This family-friendly favorite follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf, on his journey to New York City to reconnect with his father and save Christmas.

About SNF Parkway Theatre:

The SNF Parkway Theatre, a cornerstone of Baltimore’s Station North Arts District, is renowned for its rich history and cultural significance. Originally opened in 1915, the Parkway has been a longstanding hub for cinematic arts, showcasing a diverse range of films from around the world. Home to the Maryland Film Festival, the Parkway is dedicated to fostering a vibrant film culture and serving as a hub for creative expression and community engagement.