This Week: ICON13 Illustration Conference at MICA, Voyages: Chapter 8 at The National Aquarium, Block Party! at The Walters, Frederick Arts Council Celebrating 50 Years of Creative Community reception, Manor Mill’s Represented Artists Takeover reception, and Homage to Baltimore + Mirror Mirror closing reception + artist talks at Current — PLUS North Avenue Market Request for Proposals 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.
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ICON The Illustration Conference
Wednesday, July 15 – Saturday, July 18
@ Maryland Institute College of Art
Recognized as one of the premier international events for illustrators, educators, students, art directors, and creative professionals, ICON brings together a wide range of voices across editorial, publishing, animation, design, fine art, and commercial practice. Now in its thirteenth edition, ICON13 continues this tradition with four days of programming that celebrates the past, present, and future of visual storytelling.
Programming will be hosted primarily at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), a nationally recognized leader in art and design education. Additional events will take place at partner venues, the Parkway Theater and the American Visionary Art Museum.
ICON13 reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to provide a space “of, by, and for” the illustration community—where established professionals and emerging voices come together to share work, ideas, and process in an open, collaborative environment.
Thursday, July 16 :: 6-11pm
@ The National Aquarium
You are cordially invited to the wedding of the National Aquarium and Baltimore. Join us for Voyages: Chapter 8 and explore Aquarium exhibits through a deconstructed wedding reception inspired by sustainable food from the mind of local food personality and creator Tim “Chyno” Chin (also known as @boywiththebluebeard and @thebaltimorefoodie).
Inspired by months of research at the Aquarium and insights from Ben Halpern, a scientific leadership member of the Blue Food Assessment, Chyno created “A Celebration of Baltimore, Water, and the Meals That Connect Us All.” This immersive dining experience encourages guests to rethink their relationship with food. It promises to serve up a menu you won’t soon forget, featuring local culinary superstars Chef Amanda Mack, Chef Cia Carter, Chef Samara Greene-Scott, and Chef Kiara Young. After exploring the exhibits, close out the night with your fellow voyagers at a wedding dance party performed by USVNI and the Bloom Orchestra with special guest vocalist Black Assets.
This is where art and science meet. This is a one-of-a-kind celebration of all things Baltimore and the connection we share with the natural world. This is the Aquarium like you’ve never experienced it before. This is Voyages. Are you ready to embark on a journey into the deep?
Saturday, July 18 :: 11am-4pm
@ The Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum’s inaugural summer block party celebrates Baltimore’s boundless creativity through art, music, and community. During this fun-filled day of festivities, neighbors of all ages can come together inside and outside of the museum to enjoy a local music showcase featuring CIELO of Creative Alliance, Grupo ETNIA, Drum Dr. Dot, Gyzelle Garcia Band, and Daoure Jazz Band; artmaking activities and workshops; local food vendors; and more.
Block Party performances have been curated by the event’s community advisors John Tyler, Viridiana Colosio-Martinez, and Alexis Tyson.
Artspiration: Celebrating 50 Years of Creative Community | Reception
Saturday, July 18 :: 3-5pm
@ Frederick Arts Council
The Frederick Arts Council Presents “Celebrating 50 Years of Creative Community”, an exhibition at the Artspiration art gallery featuring more than 50 Frederick Artists
The “Celebrating 50 Years of Creative Community” exhibition will run July 4th though July 26th, 2026 and will feature many of the same artists from the Annapolis Treasury Building exhibition earlier this year.
In celebration of the Frederick Arts Council’s 50th anniversary, participating artists from across Frederick County present works that reflect their unique interpretations of and contributions to the region’s vibrant arts community.
“The Frederick Arts Council’s 50th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate not only our history, but also the remarkable artists whose creativity continues to shape our community. This exhibition honors the diverse voices and talents that have helped Frederick’s arts scene flourish while reaffirming our commitment to supporting artists for generations to come.” said Louise Kennelly, Executive Director of the Frederick Arts Council.
A reception will take place on July 18th from 3-5p providing an opportunity for creative conversation with artists and arts supporters. Light food and beverages will be available. The event is free, please register on Eventbrite.
Manor Mill’s Represented Artist Takeover | Reception
Saturday, July 18 :: 4-7pm
@ Manor Mill Gallery
Come view the amazing artworks from the artists who usually display their works in our first floor gift shop/gallery. These Represented Artists are at the core of Manor Mill Gallery and we are excited to have a larger body of work from each artist filling our two floors of main gallery space! This highly anticipated exhibit will be filled with a wide array of styles, mediums, and subject matter.
Homage to Baltimore: A Quilting Exhibition | Closing Reception + Artist Talk
Sunday, July 19 :: 4-6pm
@ Current Space
Please join us for the Closing Reception & Artist Talk on Sunday, July 19th from 4-6pm at Current Space! Viewers Choice Winner announced at the Closing.
Including:
Janice Adams-DeVance
Denise Bailey-Jones
Sharon Coffman
Piecing with a Purpose Quilt Collective
John Collins and family
Elaine Foster
Linda Frost
Liz Holland
Brenna Horris
Danamarie Hosler
Colleen Hughes
Kianga Jinaki
Marnee Keith
Karen Middleton
Jantzen Nolan
Claudia Pearce
Ursula Populoh
Sheila Reiss
Angelia Rice
Lauren Stephens
Baltimore Heritage Team
Kimberly Tucker
8th Graders in Ms. Downing’s Class at Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women
Mirror Mirror by Amy Boone-McCreesh and Libby Rosa | Closing Reception + Artist Talk
Sunday, July 19 :: 4-6pm
@ Current Space
Current Space is proud to present “Mirror Mirror,” an exhibition of works by Amy Boone-McCreesh and Libby Rosa. Please join us for the Closing Reception & Artist Talk!
“Mirror Mirror” features Baltimore-based artist Amy Boone-McCreesh and Philadelphia-based artist Libby Rosa in a mixed-media exploration of how domestic traditions and decorative arts shape female identity. The exhibition engages themes of vanity, class aspiration, and the shifting power dynamics between human-built environments and the natural world. Central to this narrative is the history of self-portraiture as a radical act of agency. Historically excluded from formal training and the study of the figure, women artists often turned to the mirror as their primary subject. In this exhibition, reclaiming the self as subject becomes a source of empowerment. Working across painting and sculpture, the artists treat the gallery as a mutable site for intervention, using painted theatrical curtains and engaged architectural sculpture to suggest hidden sectors existing beyond the physical walls.
Featured Opportunities
North Avenue Market | Request for Proposals
deadline July 17
North Avenue Market is launching an open Request for Proposals (RFP) for prospective tenants interested in becoming part of one of Baltimore’s most visible and transit-connected adaptive reuse and historic preservation projects. The RFP will be open from June 8 through July 17, 2026, and invites applications from artists, makers, food operators, retailers, cultural producers, and independent businesses looking to grow within a collaborative, community-driven environment.
Located at one of the city’s busiest intersections in the heart of the Station North Arts District, North Avenue Market is a mission-driven initiative designed to bring together creative businesses, arts-focused nonprofits, and experiences that feel distinct, intentional, and rooted in Baltimore. The project accelerates the momentum and positive energy shaping the district while creating more opportunities for people to gather, discover new ideas, support local businesses, and engage with creative work in meaningful ways. Strong foot traffic, immediate public transit access, and proximity to major cultural anchors position the North Avenue Market as both a neighborhood asset and a citywide and regional destination. It will create the critical mass of public-facing businesses, arts organizations/institutions, and exhibition/event spaces that’s needed to make the portion of North Avenue in the Station North Arts District a thriving commercial district in addition to a destination for theaters and arts venues.
The Kyoto Retreat
deadline July 17
The kyoto retreat offers artists, curators, and writers an opportunity to spend TIME in Japan for research and exploration.
Kyoto stands as a timeless testament to Japan’s rich history. As the country’s ancient capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto is a harmonious blend of historical grandeur and modern innovation, offering an unparalleled place for inspiration.
Graham Slaughter Biannual Photography Competition
deadline July 20
posted by Dorchester Center for the Arts
The Dorchester Center for the Arts is accepting submissions for the Graham Slaughter Biannual Photography Competition – Unspoken. The visual style of this exhibition is also open ended, and submissions can include portraiture, documentary, abstract, mixed media, photographic interdisciplinary practices, and more. They’re looking for photography that expresses our everyday and extraordinary existence.
Grand Marais Artist Colony Printmaking Residencies
deadline July 21
Grand Marais Art Colony invites applications for two printmaking residencies that run concurrently from September 28 to October 10. A Printmaking Community Resident will provide printmaking art activities to area youth through school partnerships and drop-in events, and a Printmaking Teaching Resident will provide printmaking opportunities to the broader community through classes and a drop-in activity. Each residency includes a $2,500 stipend and free lodging if the artist is from outside the area. There is a $5 submission fee for each opportunity.
10th Anniversary Saltbox Auction / Artist Application
deadline July 25
posted by Open Works
Inspired by artist Juliet Ames, the Baltimore Crabtown Project, the Baltimore Beat, and the hardworking folks at Baltimore City Department of Public Works, Open Works is auctioning off 10 artist-designed saltboxes as part of their 10th anniversary celebration on September 26th.
Call for Submissions
deadline August 2
posted by New Visionary Magazine
New Visionary Magazine is a print and digital publication featuring contemporary artists, exclusive interviews with art world professionals, and valuable art career resources. Published by Visionary Art Collective, a New York City-based Contemporary Art & Artist Development company, our mission is to uplift artists through features, virtual exhibitions, podcast interviews, and mentorship programs. This issue will be curated by Michelle Brandt, Founder and Director of Brandt Gallery and Pecha Projects, a project space dedicated to immersive, culturally specific exhibitions and underrepresented voices. Through her work as a gallerist, curator, and arts advocate, Michelle has spent more than a decade supporting artists and fostering meaningful connections within the contemporary art community. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Brandt has served on the Short North Alliance Board of Directors, chaired public art projects throughout Columbus, juried numerous regional and national exhibitions, and curated major projects, including a 50-state veterans portrait exhibition at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. She continues to champion inclusive, multigenerational artistic perspectives through her gallery programming, public art collaborations, and cultural initiatives.
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