Michael Owen returns to Baltimore for his first public gallery exhibition in twelve years! Join the journey at The Alchemy of Art, September 3, 2026, from 6-9PM. Portals, paintings and poems transform the space and lead our way, through the peaks and valleys of life. A dozen collaborators, from Baltimore and California, expand viewpoints, diversify mediums and represent Michael’s current communities. East coast grind meets a west coast vibe. Light poles merge into palm trees. Unused spaces transform into immersive installations. The future becomes our friend.
Michael has painted over 200 murals, created commissions for Fortune 500 companies, and developed an international collectorship of his personal art. He is best known for the Baltimore Love Project, four hands shaping the word love, stretched across the city. Shortly after graduating from MICA in 2004, Michael created a group of paintings, called “Life”, unaware that he was processing the loss of his grandmother. Could beauty come from sadness, growth from decay? This personal series continued through a multi-media show, a limited edition coffee table book, and now, decades later, through XL2.
The Alchemy of Art is a local contemporary art gallery located in Fells Point, Baltimore. We focus on, but are not limited to, local Baltimore up-and-coming artists. The building, a historic convent converted into a modern space, still contains its original chapel. The large room is a unique space for exhibitions, with its abundance of natural light and its beautiful arched ceilings. There is also a small stage located in the back where we invite DJs and musicians to perform on occasion. The gallery was recently awarded Baltimore Style Magazine’s Viewer’s Choice Award for Best Gallery of 2018.