This week’s news includes: Devin Allen to curate 2026 SCOUT Fair at Artscape, Inviting Light’s final installation by Ekene Ijeoma, Matisse at the BMA, Visit Baltimore Appoints Kireem Swinton as President and CEO, Paula Phillips’ SBM Gallery exhibtion, changes at WYPR, AZIZA PE&CE becomes SNF Parkway’s first Organization-in-Residence, Seppia opens in Hampden, BSO’s April shows, Baltimore Book Festival returns to Waverly, and a little April Fool’s fun from Hyperallergic.
Devin Allen Named the 2025 Curator of SCOUT Affordable Art Fair at Artscape
Press Release :: March 27
Create Baltimore is proud to announce that acclaimed photographer Devin Allen will serve as the 2026 curator of SCOUT, the city’s premier affordable art fair presented as part of Artscape.
“Baltimore is a city where creativity drives both culture and economic opportunity, and Devin Allen embodies that spirit in every way,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “SCOUT creates real pathways for artists to generate income, build sustainable careers, and connect with new collectors. With Devin at the helm, we’re strengthening Baltimore’s position as a city where artists can thrive and where creativity fuels opportunity for all.”
Harmony Park, final art installation in Baltimore’s $1M ‘Inviting Light’ initiative, opens April 17
by Ed Gunts
Published March 30 in Baltimore Fishbowl
Harmony Park, the fifth and final art installation in Baltimore’s $1 million “Inviting Light” initiative, will open to the public on April 17. Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Central Baltimore Partnership and Mayor Brandon Scott have scheduled a grand opening ceremony for artist Ekene Ijeoma’s artwork from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 1707 Barclay St., where it is currently taking shape.
According to an announcement on social media, Ijeoma is reimagining an underutilized urban space to create a gathering spot “where human energy powers light, connection and a renewed sense of safety.”
Visit Baltimore Appoints Kireem Swinton as President and CEO
Press Release :: April 1
Visit Baltimore announces Kireem Swinton has been appointed by the Baltimore Convention and Tourism Board to serve as the organization’s permanent President and Chief Executive Officer. Swinton, who has served in the interim role since July 2025, will lead the city’s official destination sales and marketing organization in its mission to improve the quality of life for Baltimore residents by attracting visitor spending that creates jobs, supports local businesses and attractions and generates revenue for the city and state.
Swinton has been a vital part of Visit Baltimore’s leadership team since 2017, previously serving as Vice President of Sales & Customer Experience. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in securing major events, including the 2033 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting & Exposition and the extension of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament through 2029. His steady guidance as interim leader has ensured a seamless transition and maintained the organization’s forward momentum.
“The Board has full confidence that Kireem is the ideal leader to guide Visit Baltimore into its next chapter,” said Chuck Tildon, Chair of the Baltimore Convention and Tourism Board. “During his time as interim President and CEO, Kireem demonstrated exceptional leadership, a deep understanding of our industry, and an unwavering commitment to Baltimore. His efforts have been crucial in maintaining our city’s trajectory as a premier destination for meetings, conventions and leisure travel. We are thrilled to make his appointment permanent.”
A new exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art shows Henri Matisse’s work as an architect as well as a muralist
by Ed Gunts
Published March 27 in Baltimore Fishbowl
Henri Matisse (1869 to 1954) was a French artist who is best known for his work as a painter and sculptor in the first half of the 20th century, but he also worked toward the end of his life as an architect.
A new exhibit that opens March 29 at the Baltimore Museum of Art, entitled Matisse in Vence: The Stations of the Cross, tells the story of Matisse’s only architectural project and the art he created for it.
The building Matisse helped design is the Chapel of the Rosary (Chapelle du Rosaire) in Vence, France, a Catholic edifice that remains open today. Matisse dedicated four years of his life to its creation, from 1948 to 1951, and considered it one of his greatest achievements.
‘Power’ exhibit showcases work by Baltimore-based artist and former MICA professor, Paula Phillips
by Jamannie Morgan
Published April 1 in The AFRO
An April 3 opening reception at SBM Gallery will soon celebrate the solo exhibition of Baltimore-based artist Paula Phillips.
The exhibit, titled “Power,” will offer a look at Phillip’s decades-long career, consisting of pieces created between 1998 and 2025.
The breadth of Phillips’ work in the exhibit highlights her evolution over time. The mixed-media offerings will be on view until April 24 at SBM Gallery, located at 422 S. Highland Ave. in Baltimore. The opening reception on April 3 will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will be followed by an “Artist in Conversation” session at SBM Gallery on Saturday, April 4 at 6 p.m.
WYPR radio station to end ‘Midday’ program, overhaul schedule
by Aliza Worthington
Published March 30 in Baltimore Fishbowl
A wave of changes is coming to WYPR’s daily programming schedule, including the station’s flagship show “Midday” ending on Thursday, April 2.
“Midday’s” conclusion is part of a comprehensive update to the public radio station’s schedule, which aims to deepen local coverage and integrate news throughout the listening day.
Tom Hall, “Midday’s host and senior news analyst, announced his retirement in December 2025, prompting the show’s end. WYPR (88.1 FM), Baltimore’s NPR radio station, plans to replace it with another show devoted to commentary, debate, and civic engagement, but has not yet shared details of the format or host.
SNF Parkway Theatre gets its first Organization in Residence, AZIZA PE&CE
by Ed Gunts
Published March 30 in Baltimore Fishbowl
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Parkway Theatre, a cornerstone of Baltimore’s Station North Arts District and home of the Maryland Film Festival, is getting its first Organization in Residence.
AZIZA PE&CE, a Baltimore-based organization that’s dedicated to renewing the health and well-being of marginalized and underserved youth, is moving its programs and operations this spring to the landmark theater at 10 W. North Ave.
The Dish: La Cuchara owners want to re-create ‘magic’ with new Hampden restaurant
by Matti Gellman
Published April 1 in The Baltimore Banner
Chef Ben Lefenfeld is no stranger to opening restaurants. But unveiling his latest project, Seppia, a few months after a fire shut down his other eatery, comes with a new type of anxiety.
“It was very numbing and surreal,” the owner said of the January incident.
His first restaurant, La Cuchara, was a melting pot in the Jones Falls area buzzing with family gatherings, business meetings and celebratory dinners. For more than a decade, the Basque eatery inside an 8,000-square-foot wooden warehouse on Clipper Mill Road served a range of dishes from classic Spanish tapas to hulking, 46-ounce ribeyes. The place was vibrant and rustic with cuisine Lefenfeld describes as “grandmotherly.”
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s April Performances Span Classical Masterworks, Gospel Traditions, and Family Favorites
Press Release :: March 30
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s (BSO) spring season continues with a vibrant April lineup featuring internationally acclaimed artists, community celebrations, family fun, and beloved orchestral masterworks. From a rare recital by pianist Seong-Jin Cho to the return of GospelFest and a live-to-film presentation of Encanto, the month showcases the breadth of the BSO experience across Baltimore and North Bethesda.
Seong-Jin Cho in Recital
A Live at the Meyerhoff Series
A rare opportunity to hear one of today’s most celebrated pianists in an intimate solo recital featuring works by Bach, Schoenberg, Schumann, and Chopin. Please note: the BSO does not perform on this program.
Monday, April 6, 7:30 PM – Meyerhoff
GospelFest: A Tribute to Richard Smallwood
Celebrations Collection
GospelFest returns for a one-night-only tribute to legendary composer Richard Smallwood, featuring powerhouse performances by four leading HBCU choirs alongside the BSO.
Thursday, April 9, 7:30 PM – Meyerhoff
Disney’s Encanto in Concert
Popular Collection, Film Series
Experience the beloved Academy Award-winning film on the big screen as the BSO performs the score live.
Friday, April 10, 7:30 PM – Strathmore
Saturday, April 11, 7:30 PM – Meyerhoff
Sunday, April 12, 3 PM – Meyerhoff
Peppa Pig: My First Concert – From Mozart to Muddy Puddles
A Live at the Meyerhoff Series; Family Collection
A joyful and interactive introduction to live orchestral music for young audiences. Please note: the BSO does not perform on this program.
Monday, April 13, 6 PM – Meyerhoff
Appalachian Spring & Beethoven 6 with Marin Alsop (EARTH | Songs Festival)
Classical Collection
Music Director Laureate Marin Alsop leads a nature-inspired program featuring Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony, and the East Coast premiere of Brett Dean’s Fire Music.
Thursday, April 16, 8 PM – Strathmore
Saturday, April 18, 8 PM – Meyerhoff
Sunday, April 19, 3 PM – Meyerhoff
Tchaikovsky 5 & the Bruch Violin Concerto
Classical Collection
Music Director Jonathon Heyward leads a powerful program featuring violinist Benjamin Beilman in Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, alongside Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 and Jonathan Leshnoff’s Starburst.
Friday, April 24, 8 PM – Meyerhoff
Saturday, April 25, 8 PM –Strathmore
Sunday, April 26, 3 PM – Meyerhoff
Tickets and Information
Visit BSOmusic.org for tickets and additional details. For press access or interview requests, please contact the BSO Press Office.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall | 1212 Cathedral Street | Baltimore, MD 21201
The Music Center at Strathmore | 5301 Tuckerman Lane | North Bethesda, MD 20852
About the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra
For over a century, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been recognized as one of America’s leading orchestras and one of Maryland’s most significant cultural institutions. The orchestra is internationally renowned and locally admired for its innovation, performances, recordings, and educational outreach initiatives, including OrchKids.
The BSO performs annually for more than 275,000 people throughout the State of Maryland. Since 1982, the BSO has performed at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and since 2005, with the opening of The Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, MD, the BSO became the nation’s first orchestra performing its full season of classical and pops concerts in two metropolitan areas.
In July 2022, the BSO made history with the announcement that Jonathon Heyward would succeed Music Director Laureate and OrchKids Founder Marin Alsop as the Orchestra’s next Music Director. Maestro Heyward began his inaugural season in September 2023.
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
Baltimore Book Festival is returning to Waverly on Sept. 12 and 13
by Ed Gunts
Published April 1 in Baltimore Fishbowl
The Baltimore Book Festival will return to Waverly in 2026, with the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment (MOACE) as the lead organizer in collaboration with 14th District City Council member Odette Ramos’ office and area book stores.
Baltimore’s spending panel, the Board of Estimates, on Wednesday approved a request from the Mayor’s Office to approve $450,000 to help pay for the 28th annual book festival; the SAIL250 Maryland and Airshow Baltimore event in June; and other cultural programs for the period from July 31, 2026, to June 30, 2028.
“The Baltimore Book Festival, previously produced by Create Baltimore and later by Waverly Main Street, will now be produced by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment,” according to a briefing statement on the spending board’s agenda for April 1.
Spirit Halloween to Temporarily Take Over Kennedy Center
by Rhea Nayyar
Published April 1 in Hyperallergic
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, has signed a temporary lease agreement with Spirit Halloween to supplement funds for the institution’s two-year, $250 million dollar renovation project set to begin this summer.
Requesting anonymity out of fear of “being forced to wear a Ghostface costume and scare shoppers” this fall, an employee at the Kennedy Center told Hyperallergic that the board fielded the seasonal retailer’s tenancy as an alternative revenue source, as millions in federal funding originally intended for the capital project have since been allocated to and exhausted by the Department of War.
Become a Member
Artist Memberships Include 2 Tickets to Each Magazine Release Party!
