Press Releases

Art on view: November 27 - January 30, 2025

See Zeke’s website for Open Hours

Opening Reception:
Wednesday, December 18  | 4 PM to 6 PM

Location:
Zeke’s Coffee |  4719 Harford Rd

Maryland Art Place (MAP) in partnership with Zekes’ Coffee Shop is excited to announce a solo exhibition featuring artwork by the late Bonnie Schupp curated in her loving memory by her surviving husband, David Ettlin. 

Bio: BONNIE SCHUPP was raised in northeast Baltimore’s Four-by-Four neighborhood off Belair Road, and was a February 1963 graduate of old Eastern High School. She earned her undergraduate degree at Frostburg, a master’s at Johns Hopkins and her doctorate in communications design – at age 60 – from the University of Baltimore.

Bonnie began taking pictures at age 7, with an aunt’s gift of a little Kodak camera. Over a span of seven decades, she never stopped – although her cameras became ever more sophisticated and expensive. She was a junior high/middle school teacher in the city from 1967 to about 1974, and in Anne Arundel County from 1988 to 2003. In between, she owned a camera store in Severna Park and for six years wrote a weekly column on photography for the Baltimore Evening Sun, Prescott (Ariz.) Courier and South Bend (Ind.) Tribune. She also managed to raise two daughters. 

Her awards over the years included $4,000 for second place in the Kodak International Newspaper Snapshot Awards (KINSA) in 1970, and honorable mentions in contests by Women in Photography International – one of them for a photograph taken as she was giving birth to her daughter in 1980.

Bonnie self-published six books, most of them combining her writing and photography. Notable among them are Dog Tag Poetry (2012, Blurb),  and 365 Gifts (2016, Amazon). A memoir, Curious Possibilities, which Bonnie completed writing three weeks before her death from pancreatic cancer in 2021, was edited and published through Amazon by her husband, retired journalist David Ettlin.

Join us on Wednesday, December 18 from 4 PM to 6 PM for the opening reception and birthday celebration of Bonnie Schupp. The exhibition will run November 27 - January 30, 2025 and will be on view at Zeke’s Coffee located at 4719 Harford Rd. Please see Zeke's website for hours of operation to view the exhibition. 

ABOUT ZEKE’s: In 2005 Thomas Rhodes sold his first pound of coffee at the Baltimore Farmers Market. One year later he opened a retail space on Harford Road in Lauraville, and further expanded his operations to a fully functioning café just down the street at 4719 Harford Road in 2017. www.zekescoffee.com.

Ainsley Burrows | A Magnetic Cluster of Suns | Hotel Indigo

On View: 
November 15, 2024 - January 16, 2025

Reception: 
Wednesday, December 4 | 5 PM to 7 PM

Hotel Indigo | 24 West Franklin Street | Free & Open to the Public

Maryland Art Place, in partnership with Hotel Indigo Baltimore is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Maryland-based artist, Ainsley Burrows. The exhibition is on view at Hotel Indigo, located at 24 West Franklin St. from  November 15 - January 16. A public reception will take place Wednesday, December 4 from 5 to 7 PM.

About the artist: 

Ainsley Burrows (b. 1974 in Kingston, Jamaica; based in Baltimore, MD) is a full-time multidisciplinary artist who explores untold stories and  unspoken emotions. Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Burrows'; creative pursuits as a poet, musician, performer, and painter deeply influenced one another. Burrows'; professional artistic journey began after a life-altering car accident in his early 20s, which led him to abandon an MBA program and fully commit to his passion for art. He toured the world as a poet and performer until 2009 when he expanded his artistic expression to include painting.

Please join us on Wednesday, December 4 from 5 to 7 PM at Hotel Indigo for the opening reception celebrating the solo exhibition of Ainsley Burrows. Hotel Indigo is free and open to the public. Please visit Hotel Indigo website for hours of operation.

UNDER $2500 Benefit Exhibition and Sale:
Friday, November 22 | 6 to 10 pm  | Tickets $30

Purchase UNDER $2500 Tickets HERE

Last Chance (physical):
Saturday, November 23 | 12 to 4 pm

Virtual Exhibition & Sale:
Saturday, November 23, 10 am – Black Friday, November 29, 12 am

To view the virtual exhibition, sponsor or donate click HERE 
Live on Saturday, November 23 @ 10 am

CALL FOR ENTRY: Have your work purchased by local buyers & collectors, just in time for the holidays! Maryland Art Place (MAP) is seeking artists for UNDER $2500, our upcoming winter benefit exhibition & affordable art sale. The exhibition will include approximately 1-3 works by each selected artist (scale dependent – in the case of smaller works more than 3 pieces may be accepted). Each individual piece must retail for $2,500 or less.

Why UNDER $2500? In the last 2 years inflation has been a huge contributing factor to rising artwork sales prices. Simply put, the cost of goods for artists to create their art is far higher than it used to be. The majority of galleries consider the most important contemporary artwork value segments to be under $5,000–$10,000 according to ARTSY (2023.) It is with that in mind that MAP is presenting UNDER $2500 as affordable.

In our 12th year of the sale, we look forward to showcasing a more diverse and broader range of artworks. Artists are encouraged to submit works retailing in both the UNDER $500 and UNDER $2500 categories to include original works, editioned prints, sculptures and more.

UNDER $2500 is MAP’s winter benefit. Proceeds from the sale of artwork will be split 50/50 between Maryland Art Place and the artist. The event is ticketed ($30) however participating artists are welcomed free of charge.

UNDER $2500 is a hybrid, physical and virtual exhibition event. The physical exhibition opens Friday, November 22 from 6pm-10pm. Artworks may be purchased by patrons and taken off the walls on a first come first served basis that night. All works will be wrapped in brown paper with MAP’s signature holiday bow. 

The virtual sale will launch the very next day, Saturday November 23 at 10 am and run through BLACK FRIDAY, November 29, 10pm. The virtual sale will include more artists than the physical sale. *Please note: applications received will be selected for either the virtual sale (featured online) exclusively, or for both the physical (featured in gallery) AND virtual exhibition (featured online). Your acceptance letter will indicate in which capacity your work will be presented.

MAP will maintain gallery hours Saturday, November 23 through Friday, November 29 on Tuesday - Saturday  from noon-4pm for any remaining physical works that may be left for purchase. *MAP is closed Sunday & Monday. 

Timeline:

October 3  – Call For Entry, 12pm

November 1  – Call For Entry Deadline

Week of November 4 – Artists Notified of Selection

Thursday, November 7 –  Tuesday , November 12– Artwork Drop Off – 11am-4pm 

Friday, November 22  (6 – 10pm) & Saturday, November 23, 2023 (12 to 4pm)– Under $500

Saturday, November 23, 10am  – Friday, November 29, 10pm – Virtual Exhibition & Sale
 

NOTE: Proposals should be emailed to under500@mdartplace.org no later than  Friday November 1, 2024 at Midnight. Subject line: Under $2500 Application. 

Submission Guidelines: To apply please submit your materials to under500@mdartplace.org, subject line UNDER $500 Application  by Friday, November 1 @ Midnight. There is NO fee to apply. OR fill out this FORM online.

TIMELINE: 

Submission Deadline: 
Monday, September 2, 2024

Notification of Acceptance:
 Week of September 9, 2024

Artwork Drop Off: 
Tuesday, September 24 - Saturday, September 28, 2024

Exhibition on View: 
Wednesday, October 23 -  Thursday, January 30, 2024

Opening Reception: 
Wednesday, October 23 | 6 to 8 pm 

Exhibition Closes: 
Thursday,  January 30, 2024

Artwork Pick Up:
 Tuesday, February 4 - Saturday, February 8

Application Form

Maryland Art Place (MAP),  in partnership with Quinn Evans, is excited to announce an open call for EXCHANGE. We are seeking artworks centric to energy in relation to the built environment.  Artworks can be literal or abstract, but must examine the dynamic relationship between energy systems and architectural spaces, and how these interactions shape our daily lives, environments, and future.

The opening reception will coincide with the NOMA conference and its theme of Exchange, on Wednesday, October 23 from 6 to 8 pm at Quinn Evans located at 100 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201.

We encourage artists to interpret this theme broadly and creatively. Submissions can explore, but are not limited to, the following aspects:

• The impact of renewable energy sources on urban and rural landscapes.
• The interplay between natural and artificial lighting in architectural design.
• The influence of energy consumption patterns on city planning and infrastructure.
• The role of sustainable practices in shaping the future of building design.
• Personal or societal reflections on energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Submission Materials:

• Up to 3 high-resolution images of artwork (JPEG format, 300 dpi). 2D work should be limited to 60” x 60” or under
• Title, medium, dimensions, and year of creation for each submitted work.
• Artist statement (max 500 words) 
• CV/Resume highlighting previous exhibitions and relevant experience.

How to Submit:

To apply please see the following application and required attachments: Please send your application to submissions@mdartplace.org OR:

Complete the online submission form HERE.

Upload all required materials through the submission portal.

Submission Deadline: Monday, September 2 2024

About Quinn Evans: We believe that design has the ability to empower the community—and the future ahead. Leading with collaboration, Quinn Evans is driven to discover design solutions that enrich lives. We’re humbled to contribute our skills and make a long-lasting, positive impact.

United in our commitment to use our creativity and expertise to achieve award-winning and extraordinary designs that sustain and renew the built environment.

About the NOMA Conference: The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) proudly presents the annual NOMA Conference and Exposition, The EXCHANGE, in Baltimore from October 23–27, 2024. Join us and the more than 1,500 professional designers, students and partners from across the globe as we EXCHANGE through conversation, educational seminars, community exploration, and networking events to share perspectives that influence the future of the built environment. We are excited to host Conference 2024 in Baltimore, a vibrant and diverse historic community located along the Chesapeake Bay.

The conference theme, The EXCHANGE, conveys the sharing of ideas, partnerships and collaborations; how our communities grow in knowledge, spirit and connection through each EXCHANGE. Our daily EXCHANGES, both big, like attending NOMA Conference, or small, like coffee with a colleague, have the power to ignite positive change and fuel our future advancements. We must be active participants in the EXCHANGE; it is these acts that facilitate a better tomorrow. Let us come together in Baltimore, in partnership with the Bmore NOMA chapter, to uphold our mission, celebrate our members and EXCHANGE in conversations to advocate for the underrepresented and create lasting change.

On View:

August 15  - November 14, 2024

Reception: 
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 | 6 pm to 9 pm

BROMO Art Walk:
Thursday, September 12 | 5 pm to 9 pm

Hotel Indigo | 24 West Franklin Street | Free & Open to the Public

Maryland Art Place, in partnership with Hotel Indigo Baltimore is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Maryland-based artist, Heather Kirtland. The exhibition is on view at Hotel Indigo, located at 24 West Franklin St. from August 15 - November 14, 2024.  A public reception will take place Wednesday, October 2 from 6 to 9 pm.

About the artist: Heather Kirtland is an artist, author, speaker, and creative instigator. She received her BFA in painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and was a Maryland State Art Council Grant recipient that same year. Her work has been exhibited throughout the US and in both Italy and Wales. In addition to her painting practice , Heather teaches encaustic, is a community founder at Carve Out Time for Art (33K) and published author of “The Motherhood of Art” selected as a 2021 Best New Book on Motherhood by Book Authority. Heather lives just outside of Baltimore with her husband, two children, and their dog.

Please join us on Wednesday, October 2 from 6  to 9 pm at Hotel Indigo  for the opening reception celebrating the solo exhibition of Heather Kirtland. Hotel Indigo is free and open to the public. Please visit Hotel Indigo website for hours of operation.

On View: 

August 2 - October 26, 2024

Reception: 
Saturday, September 21 | 4pm to 6pm.

Zeke's Coffee | 4719 Harford Road | Free & Open to the Public

Maryland Art Place (MAP) in partnership with Zekes’ Coffee Shop is excited to announce a solo exhibition "Journey in the Spirit World" by Baltimore based artist, Albert Schweitzer. 

Bio: Albert Schweitzer is a visionary artist who lives and works in Baltimore, Maryland. Although classically trained, his paintings are imbued with the naive, raw simplicity, and energy that one would associate with outsider art. As a student, Albert studied with Grace Hartigan. This association with Grace Hartigan has created a lasting influence on his work. Born in Wisconsin in 1967, Albert now lives in Baltimore, Maryland. He received his BFA degree in painting from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1990. He received an MFA in painting from the Maryland Institute College of Art. He studied under Grace Hartigan at the Hoffberger School of Painting, graduating in 1995. Albert exhibits frequently in New York, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. His work is in many private and permanent collections. IG: @schweitzeralbert

Join us on Saturday, September 21 from 4pm to 6pm for the opening reception. The exhibition will run August 2 - October 26, 2024 and on view at Zeke’s Coffee located at 4719 Harford Rd. Please see Zeke's website for hours of operation to view the exhibition. 

ABOUT ZEKE’s: In 2005 Thomas Rhodes sold his first pound of coffee at the Baltimore Farmers Market. One year later he opened a retail space on Harford Road in Lauraville, and further expanded his operations to a fully functioning café just down the street at 4719 Harford Road in 2017. www.zekescoffee.com.

TIMELINE:

Submission Deadline: 
Monday, August 12, 2024 @ Midnight

Notification of Acceptance: 
Week of August 19, 2024

Artwork Drop Off: 
Tuesday, September 3 - Saturday, September 7, 2024

Exhibition on View: 
Thursday, September 12 - Saturday, November 2 , 2024

Opening Reception: 
Thursday, September 12, 2024

Exhibition Closes: 
Saturday, November 2nd, 2024

Artwork Pick Up: 
Tuesday, November 5 - Saturday, November 9

Application Form

Maryland Art Place (MAP),  in partnership with Lumina Solar, is excited to announce an open call for reGENERATE, an upcoming exhibition exploring the dynamic, controversial, and multifaceted concept of "energy." This exhibition aims to delve into the various interpretations and manifestations of energy. We are seeking artworks centric to energy (new and old) and any interpretations thereof. Artworks can be literal or abstract, but must tie-in with ideas surrounding energy and energy conservation: Key words: light, the built environment, conservation, physical energy, the sun, atmosphere, energy collection, energy sources etc...

We encourage artists to interpret this theme broadly and creatively. Submissions can explore, but are not limited to, the following aspects:

• Kinetic and potential energy
• Renewable and non-renewable energy sources
• Cosmic and universal energies
• Environmental impacts of energy production and consumption

Submission Guidelines:

• All mediums are welcome, including painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, video, and mixed media.
• Both individual and collaborative works are eligible.
• Artists may submit up to three pieces for consideration.
• Each submission must include:
• Title, medium, dimensions, and year of creation
• High-resolution images (JPEG or PNG, 300 dpi)
• An artist statement (max 500 words) explaining how the work relates to the theme of energy
• A brief artist biography (max 300 words)
• Contact information (name, email, phone number)

How to Submit:

To apply please see the following application and required attachments: Please send your application to submissions@mdartplace.org OR fill out the Google application HERE by MIDNIGHT on Monday, August 12, 2024. 

About Lumina Solar: 

At Lumina Solar, we provide industry-leading solar installation services to the Mid-Atlantic for clients in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, and Washington DC. 

We’re dedicated to reshaping the way you think about energy. Going green offers a variety of benefits in both the short and long term: lowered energy costs, reduction of your carbon footprint, and increased property value. Whether you’re a homeowner tired of arbitrary price hikes from the utility company, or a business leader seeking ways to optimize your money, going solar is a great option for you. We provide reliable solutions that produce clean energy, reduce costs, give back control, and benefit the environment.

Young Blood 2024

On View:
Thursday, July 18 - Saturday, September 7, 2024

Opening Reception:
Thursday, July 18 | 6 pm to 9 pm

Maryland Art Place is proud to announce the return of Young Blood marking MAP’s 15th Young Blood program which has, to date, provided an important post-graduate artistic platform for transitioning Master of Fine Arts Students. Since 2008 Young Blood has continually brought recent graduates together to make new connections and present special selections from their thesis project(s). The exhibition will highlight exceptional works ranging in media.

Young Blood Exhibiting Artists:

Elly Kalantari | UMBC 

Evelyn Lee | MICA

Dan Ortiz Leizman | UMD

Andrew Liang | UMBC 

Pavlos Liaretidis | MICA 

Grusha Sabharwal | MICA

Lika (Yuyun) Su | MICA

Ann Zellhofer | UMBC

About Maryland Art Place 

Maryland Art Place (MAP) inspires, supports, and encourages artistic expression through innovative programming, exhibitions, and educational opportunities while recognizing the powerful impact art can have on our community. MAP creates a dynamic environment for artists of our time to engage the public by nurturing and promoting new ideas. MAP has served as a critical resource for contemporary art in the Mid-Atlantic since 1981.

Zeke’s: Generation: Crit III 

On View:
 May 3 - August 1, 2024 

Opening Reception: 
Saturday, June 8 | 12 to 2 pm

Location: 4719 Harford Road Baltimore, MD 

Zekes’ Coffee Shop and Maryland Art Place (MAP) are pleased to present Generation: Crit II, an exhibition featuring artworks from a local Maryland Art Crit Group from Center Arts and Studios located at the Mill Center. 

Generation, is a series of exhibitions developed by MAP to promote the work of artist groups or collectives who come together to support, critique and inspire one another.  Join us for the opening reception held at Zeke’s Coffee located at 4719 Harford Road on Saturday, June 8 from 12 to 2 pm. 

The Center Arts and Studios Critique Group offers an alternative space for artists to partake in an objective level of engagement with their own processes and ideas. 

CAS Critique Group provides access to supportive and attentive discussion regarding artworks at any level of development for artists at any level of accomplishment.

Exhibiting Artists include: 

Mark Cameron, David  Diaz, Elizabeth English,  Calliandra Hermanson, Ashley Kidner,  Karen Klinedinst, Jennifer McBrien, Helen Sgouros, Leslie Shellow and Virginia Warwick.

ABOUT ZEKE’s: In 205 Thomas Rhodes sold his first pound of coffee at the Baltimore Farmers Market. One year later he opened a retail space on Harford Road in Lauraville, and further expanded his operations to a fully functioning café just down the street at 4719 Harford Road in 2017. www.zekescoffee.com

IN UNISON
Public Screening: 
Friday, May 31 | FREE

Doors at 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm @ UNDERBar (Cabaret) 

RSVP

Maryland Art Place (MAP) is excited to host "In Unison" and film written and directed by Jeff Lukeski of JayJix Films. 

Description:

When humanity is nearly made extinct during freak meteor strikes, an elite society of thieves begin to make claims that the showers were intentional.  And upon learning the truth behind the devastation, every person on the planet gets a mysterious message at the exact same time. 

Welcome to In Unison.  Set in the near future with a twist ending you'd never see coming, and a message you'll never forget.

All a part of the movie that can actually prove you are alive. 

Written, Produced & Directed by Jeff Lukeski

World Premiere Screening Friday, May 24 @ Checkerspot Brewing Co.

Official Art Gallery Launch Friday, May 31 @ MAP 

Andrew Thorp @ Hotel Indigo 

On View: 
May 3 - August 1, 2024

Hotel Indigo | 24 West Franklin Street | Free & Open to the Public

Maryland Art Place in partnership with Hotel Indigo Baltimore is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Maryland-based artist, Andrew Thorp. The exhibition is on view at Hotel Indigo, located at 24 West Franklin St. from  May 3 - August 1, 2024. A public reception will take place Thursday, May 16 from 6 to 9 pm during the BROMO Art Walk.

About the artist: Andrew Thorp was born and raised in Tulsa, OK migrating to MD to pursue a BFA from MICA and later an MFA from Towson University..  Currently Thorp  works and resides in the neighborhood of Waverly in Baltimore, MD.

Thorp’s paintings are pictures from liminal everyday spaces painted usually with oil on canvas or panel. He states: “These images - a stray hubcap, a chain link fence, and grass growing on a median - are typical and even banal, but in them I find immense depth, presence and beauty. I enjoy the immediacy and quickness of paint, often letting the paint be itself rather than worrying too much about representation. I am interested in not only what objects are in my paintings but what they can become. I focus on presence in my work and what it means to present in a world susceptible to collapse due to climate catastrophe and economic disaster.

Please join us on Thursday, May 16 from 6  to 9 pm at Hotel Indigo  for the opening reception celebrating the solo exhibition of Andrew Thorp. Hotel Indigo is free and open to the public.

Exhibition: Thursday, May 9 - June 29, 2024

Opening Reception: Thursday May 9, 2024 

Maryland Art Place in collaboration with COFAC CoLab Directors Dr. Kalima Young and Ada Pinkston, are excited to announce a call for submissions for "Invisible Architectures." This exhibition explores the impact of geographic, economic, social, and institutional structures on personal relationships. Regional artists are invited to submit proposals for inclusion in a dynamic interdisciplinary art festival scheduled for Spring 2024 to conclude this Co-Lab sponsored project. We welcome proposals that explore the past, present and future directions social contracts may take. 

About Invisible Architectures: 

As we approach another election year in the United States, agreements about what is included in an American social contract continue to be up for debate.The term social contract started when philosophers from France to England started to think about the nature of humanity and the tensions that exist between the people who enact power and the people who do not. What are the agreed upon boundaries that exist within our social, family and political structures? How do these boundaries create or negate cognitive distance with what actually happens in any social theater? Artistic interventions have the potential to offer us much needed insights and possibilities for our collective future.  

All art media will be considered. Submissions will be rated based on the following criteria: artistic quality, artistic innovation as it relates to the theme, and proposal feasibility. Regional artists will be considered. Students, faculty, and staff of any University of Maryland school are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please Note: All applications will be reviewed and considered for the venues outlined. However, please indicate your preference of venue or any scheduling conflicts in the virtual application or email submission of your application. 

Venues

Current Space, Baltimore, MD | Exhibition Dates: March 6th - April 6th 

Current Space is an artist-run gallery, studio, and outdoor performance space, nourishing an ongoing dialogue between artists, activists, performers, designers, curators, and thinkers. Operating since November 2004, we are committed to showcasing, developing, and broadening the reach of artists locally and internationally.

StartUp at the Armory Gallery in Towson, MD | Exhibition Dates: April 12 - May 16th 

The StarTUp at the Armory is TU’s front door for start-ups, small businesses, as well as our region’s largest corporations. This state-of-the art 26,000 sq. ft. space includes 6,000 sq. ft. of free co-working space and meeting rooms where entrepreneurs and executives can connect with each other and to TU’s programs and people.

Maryland Art Place, Baltimore, MD | Exhibition Dates: May 9th - June 29th 

Juried by: Doreen Bolger 

Maryland Art Place (MAP) inspires, supports, and encourages artistic expression through innovative programming, exhibitions, and educational opportunities while recognizing the powerful impact art can have on our community. MAP creates a dynamic environment for artists of our time to engage the public by nurturing and promoting new ideas. MAP has served as a critical resource for contemporary art in the Mid-Atlantic since 1981.

Doreen Bolger Bio: 

Doreen Bolger, retired Director of The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA), served from 1998 to 2015. During her 17-year tenure, she led a successful $100 million fundraising campaign, oversaw BMA's renovation, implemented free admission, and transitioned the institution from a city agency to a private organization. Bolger holds a BA magna cum laude from Bucknell University, an MA from the University of Delaware, and a PhD from the Graduate Center at the City University of New York. Prior to her BMA role, she worked at The Metropolitan Museum of Art as Curator and Manager of the Henry R. Luce Center for American Art, Curator at the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, TX, and served as Director of the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. Since retirement, Bolger has contributed to local arts organizations including: Creative Alliance, Maryland Citizens for the Arts, Maryland Art Place, and Woman’s Club of Roland Park; curated exhibitions in the co-curation of  MICA’s 2015/2016 Graduate Exhibition; and gifted twenty works to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. She also contributed to Bmore Art’s publication City of Artists Baltimore (2023).

About Invisible Architectures in CoLab

The COFAC CoLab is an incubator for ideas, projects and collaboration. The lab is a home for interdisciplinary work. It's a hub where ideas can be cross-fertilized and put into motion. Designed as a space where fields of study are porous, the objective is to build new knowledge for an ever-evolving world. Professors Dr. Kalima Young, (Department of Electronic Media & Film) and Ada Pinkston (Department of Art + Design, Art History Art Education) were selected to be Towson University’s College of Fine Arts and Communication CoLab Directors from 2021-2024.

ANNOUNCING THE PILOT RELEASE OF 
THE BALTIMORE GALLERY & MUSEUM GUIDE (BGMG)

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - On behalf of the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance (GBCA), Full Circle Fine Art, Visit Baltimore and Maryland Art Place (MAP), we are pleased to announce the publication of the first-ever Baltimore Gallery & Museum Guide  (BGMG). The paper and web based map plots the rich, visual arts landscape in Baltimore City and will enable visitors and residents to easily navigate the arts scene alone or in groups. The online Google Map feature will also allow users to identify nearby restaurants and bars.
 
“Baltimore has a treasure trove of galleries and museums,” says Jeannie Howe, Executive Director of the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance, “and for the first time, patrons will be able to conceive of the scene in its entirety and easily plan their visits. We hope it will be used to create greater connectivity between the venues and spur new ways of thinking about how to explore Baltimore.”
 
The digital version lives on the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance (GBCA) website at www.baltimoreculture.org/guide and may also be accessed via QR code as it appears on the physical Guide.
 
A celebratory launch event will be held at MAP located at 218 West Saratoga Street on Tuesday, May 14^th from 5-7pm and will be open to the public (free). Representatives from galleries and museums throughout Baltimore city are encouraged to attend and grab physical copies to distribute to their respective  venues. Please RSVP to attend through EventBrite.
 
“This pilot will help garner additional financial support for future iterations of the Guide and will allow us to check the data and gather public feedback.” said Amy Cavanaugh Royce, Executive Director of Maryland Art Place. “Ideally future versions will be released three times a year, reflective of exhibitions opening in the fall, winter and summer.” Maryland Art Place (MAP) will be the distribution and data collection hub for the guide. The BGMG was designed by local acclaimed artist and 2024 Baker semi-finalist, Kelly Bell.
 
The Baltimore Gallery Guide is a working pilot project made possible through the generous supporter of Alvin and Louise Family Foundation, recommended by Wendy Jachman & Jeffrey Scherr, and Suzi Cordish.
 

 *****************************************

 
The Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance (GBCA) is a leading provider of support and service to artists and cultural organizations. Its mission is to create equity and opportunity In, Through, and For arts and culture in the region. Since, 2002 GBCA has served Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties: Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Baltimore County, Howard County, and Harford County: www.baltimoreculture.org
 
Full Circle Fine Art is a fine art services company located in Baltimore, Maryland offering the best in state-of-the-art imaging and art presentation services, since 1987. We are a leading resource in the creative community, producing exceptional work from start to finish. Full Circle provides strategic insights to enhance every project and to deliver with exceptional quality. Though we now serve the needs of an international customer base, we maintain the ethos of a boutique, artist run business, tailoring our work to the needs of each client, each step of the way. And as artists ourselves, we maintain a commitment to the Baltimore arts community." www.fullcirclefineart.com
 
Visit Baltimore is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that generates economic benefits for the region by marketing Baltimore as an enriching destination for leisure visitors and an ideal location for meetings and conventions. We also advocate for the local tourism community and work collaboratively with them to provide positive experiences for all guests. We also work to develop the next generation of hospitality leaders through the Visit Baltimore Education and Training Foundation. www.baltimore.org
 
Maryland Art Place (MAP) inspires, supports, and encourages artistic expression through innovative programming, exhibitions, and educational opportunities while recognizing the powerful impact art can have on our community. MAP creates a dynamic environment for artists of our time to engage the public by nurturing and promoting new ideas. MAP has served as a critical resource for contemporary art in the Mid-Atlantic since 1981. mdartplace.org

OUT OF ORDER 

OOO BENEFIT EXHIBITION & SILENT AUCTION:

Friday, April 19 | 6 pm - 10 pm

AFTER PARTY:

Friday, April 19 | 10 pm to 1 am

TICKETS
 

Maryland Art Place (MAP) is excited  for Out of Order (OOO),  MAP’s  Annual Spring Benefit Exhibition & Silent Auction, on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 6 o'clock in the evening. This year marks the 27th year of OOO. The auction will be both a virtual and physical exhibition and will be held in the MAP building located at 218 West Saratoga Street, just within the Bromo Arts District. OOO is a highly celebrated exhibition-event, and a ‘one-night-only’ opportunity for patrons and collectors to acquire contemporary art at unbelievably low silent auction prices.

This year’s theme for OOO is Untitled & Uncensored in honor of all the artwork that goes nameless. Attendees of the event can expect entertainment by DJ Aran Keating of Ridiculous Entertainment, magic tricks, and drag queens in theme the evening of the event.  The after-party in the basement from 10 pm to 1 am with a Burlesque and Drag Performance hosted by Kenny Rooster.

Come dressed to impress and join the celebration in support of local & regional artists. Tickets are $40 presale and $45 at the door. Tickets include light tastings and an open bar. All tickets also include free entry to KIDOOO, MAP's accompanying youth-driven OOO exhibition to be held on the 3rd floor of the MAP building the very same evening.  Parents/guardians of KIDOOO may attend at a discounted price of $25 presale and $30 at the door. Arrow Parking will be providing free parking for OOO guests at the Arrow Lot across the street from Maryland Art Place on Saratoga Street. To purchase tickets visit: OutofOrder2024.givesmart.com

Email Caitlin, MAP's Exhibition Director with any OOO inquiries, Caitlin@mdartplace.org. 

About Out of Order:

By covering the walls from floor to ceiling, Out of Order provides a salon-style display space for hundreds of artists to hang their work wherever they please. OOO plays host to a variety of artists and professionals practicing in the visual arts and is a great opportunity for students and emerging artists to get their feet wet in Baltimore’s creative sector.

OUT OF ORDER 
INSTALL DAY
 

OUT OF ORDER  INSTALL:

Saturday, April 6  | 7 am to Midnight

KIDOOO INSTALL DAY:

Saturday, April 6 | 12 to 4 pm 

OOO ARTIST FAQ & FRAMING WORKSHOP

Saturday, March 30 @ 2pm 

OOO EVENT & SILENT AUCTION:

Friday, April 19 | 6 pm - 10 pm

AFTER PARTY:

Friday, April 19 | 10 pm to 1 am

TICKETS

Maryland Art Place (MAP) is excited to announce Out of Order (OOO),  MAP’s  Annual Spring Benefit Exhibition & Silent Auction, on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 6 o'clock in the evening. This year marks the 27th year of OOO. The auction will be both a virtual and physical exhibition and will be held in the MAP building located at 218 West Saratoga Street, just within the Bromo Arts District. OOO is a highly celebrated exhibition-event, and a ‘one-night-only’ opportunity for patrons and collectors to acquire contemporary art at unbelievably low silent auction prices.

MAP is happy to continue KIDOOO, a youth version of Out of Order. KIDOOO was created as an opportunity for young artists to exhibit their work in a major arts venue, extending MAP's services to students in elementary, middle, and high school level art classes. MAP will host an art making workshop the day on install so participating artists can come to hang and stay to create! All craft materials will be provided! 

This year’s theme for OOO is Untitled & Uncensored in honor of all the artwork that goes nameless. Artwork Does not need to be untitled to be entered - but it is encouraged.   Attendees of the event can expect light fare, open bar, entertainment by DJ Aran Keating of Ridiculous Entertainment, ‘drag queens in theme’ and more. And let’s not forget KIDOOO, our free Out Of Order for children ages 5-16.

Come dressed to impress and join the celebration in support of local & regional artists. Tickets are $40 presale and $45 at the door. Tickets include light tastings and an open bar. All tickets also include free entry to KIDOOO, MAP's accompanying youth-driven OOO exhibition to be held on the 3rd floor of the MAP building the very same evening.  Parents/guardians of KIDOOO may attend at a discounted price of $25 presale and $30 at the door. Arrow Parking will be providing free parking for OOO guests at the Arrow Lot across the street from Maryland Art Place on Saratoga Street.  To purchase tickets visit: OutofOrder2024.givesmart.com

Submission Requirements and Install:

Any artist is welcome to hang one original work of art on a first-come, first-served basis. Installation will take place Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 7am-midnight. We will have donuts and coffee for the early birds.  No need to sign up in advance, just come by MAP's first- floor gallery space @ 218 West Saratoga Street in the Bromo Arts District! You must be able to install your own work on April 6th to participate in the exhibition.

•  All work must come framed and ready to hang.  (size requirement is 40" x 40" or less)

•  Artists must install their own work on Artist Install day, Saturday, April 6 between the hours of 7 am and midnight

•  NO Application fee to exhibit!

•  Only ONE submission per artist

•  Please document your work prior to arrival. This image will be used for virtual bidding purposes and submitted with your loan agreement.

•  The work you include in Out of Order must be for sale. The proceeds from the silent auction are split 50/50 between the artist and MAP. All works will be virtually silent auctioned Friday, April 19, 2024 from 6 -10 pm

•  Participating artists receive free admission to OOO!

Questions? Come to the Artist Information and Framing Workshop on Saturday, March 30 at 2pm held in partnership with 410 Lofts located at 410 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201. 

Visit MAP's exhibition page for more information or read the full prospectus online. This year all bidding will be entirely virtual. Loan agreements can be filled out on-site when you deliver your work. Please bring your phone to complete the loan form virtually. We will have staff and volunteers on-site to assist you with this process. Email Caitlin, MAP's Exhibition Manager with any OOO inquiries, Caitlin@mdartplace.org. 

About Out of Order:

By covering the walls from floor to ceiling, Out of Order provides a salon-style display space for hundreds of artists to hang their work wherever they please. OOO plays host to a variety of artists and professionals practicing in the visual arts and is a great opportunity for students and emerging artists to get their feet wet in Baltimore’s creative sector.

MERKIN DREAM II 

Featuring Baltimore Designer, KENN HALL 

Thursday, March 7th @ 7pm

Maryland Art Place (MAP) in collaboration with Baltimore-based fashion designer Kenn Hall is proud to present Merkin Dream II, a runway show. The first Merkin Dream show was held during the 100th Anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement during the Covid pandemic. At that time MAP leaned heavily on themes of women’s rights, sex work as work, body image, digital euphoria and absurdity.

About the merkin: The merkin first appeared circa 1450 primarily to prevent the spread of human lice amongst sex workers. The wigs were derived from goat and horsehides, and at times human hair, serving as a vehicle for hygiene. Women shaved their genitalia to combat lice, but still needed to appear clean and well groomed to solicit continued patronage. At the time a majority of sex workers were selling themselves to survive and the merkin ensured good business. The utility of merkin was also employed by male actors to cover their genitals when they were cast in a female role. 

In the mid 1700’s merkins became fashionable and were often threaded with pearls and ribbons, dyed different colors and adorned, used for decoration and to denote status. Today, Hollywood is the leading, contemporary market for the merkin outside of the fetish industry, and is utilized to bypass unwanted viewing ratings for nudity and/or to placate a shy actress unwilling to bare it all on camera.

This March we aim to take a look at the merkin through the lens of haute couture. “Very recently  John Galliano’s latest Maison Margiela Artisanal show went viral. In the light of the proliferation of perfectly plucked porn stars many are worryingly blasé about, the Edwardian-esque figures were rather quaintly refreshing. The show was also notable for its embrace of a swathe of body shapes,” says Victoria Moss  for the Standard.

About Kenn Hall: Kenn Hall’s passion for fashion began at a young age where his interest in the human form and design collided. Under the mentorship of Mrs. Deborah Williams at BSU,  Kenn got his fashion legs doing shows for various colleges and Artscape, before leaving Baltimore to fulfill bigger dreams. After relocating to New York Kenn secured an internship with a local bridal/evening designer. He began as an assistant designer eventually moving on to production and development roles for renowned names like Donna Karan, Men’s Wearhouse, and Express, where he gained valuable experience. Kenn is now back in Baltimore to expand his own brand identity, embracing the motto "Apres moi le deluge."

Merkin Dream II will be an exclusive event and limited to only 75 guests due to capacity limitations. RSVP HERE.  MAP is located at 218 West Saratoga Street between Park and Howard Streets just within the Bromo Arts & Entertainment District. 

Maryland Art Place (MAP) inspires, supports, and encourages artistic expression through innovative programming, exhibitions, and educational opportunities while recognizing the powerful impact art can have on our community. MAP creates a dynamic environment for artists of our time to engage the public by nurturing and promoting new ideas. MAP has served as a critical resource for contemporary art in the Mid-Atlantic since 1981. mdartplace.org

Application Deadline: 

Monday, January 22  @  Midnight

Calling all cartoonists and graphic book artists, Zekes’ Coffee Shop and Maryland Art Place (MAP) are seeking artworks related to cartoons and comics for TOONES, an upcoming exhibition celebrating the joy of illustration. We’re seeking artists inspired by the nostalgia of Saturday nights spent watching your favorite show(s). Submit your artwork to be considered for this opportunity, paying homage to the art form that has brought joy and excitement to audiences of all ages. TOONES is a celebration of the rich and captivating world of cartoon and comic book art. 

The exhibition will run February 6 - April 25, 2024 and on view at Zeke’s Coffee located at 4719 Harford Rd. 

Requirements:

Artwork must be 20 x 20 or under

Please deliver any selected artwork ready to hang

Artwork must be related to the theme: TOONES

Selected artwork must be delivered to Maryland Art Place located at 218 West Saratoga St. Baltimore, MD 21201 beginning Thursday, February 1, - Saturday, February 3, 2024.

TIMELINE:

Release Call to Artists: 

Week of December 21

Application Deadline: 

Monday, January 22  by midnight  

Notice of Acceptance: 

Friday, January 26th

Artwork Drop off: 

Thursday, February 1 - Saturday, February 3, 2024

Exhibition on View: 

February 6 - April 25, 2024

Opening Reception: 

TBD

ABOUT ZEKE’s: In 205 Thomas Rhodes sold his first pound of coffee at the Baltimore Farmers Market. One year later he opened a retail space on Harford Road in Lauraville, and further expanded his operations to a fully functioning café just down the street at 4719 Harford Road in 2017. www.zekescoffee.com

On View:

January 25th - March 23, 2024

Reception: 

Thursday, January 25 | 6 pm to 9 pm

Merkin Dream Fashion Show II | Kenn Hall 

Maryland Art Place is proud to announce EMBODIMENT, a group exhibition celebrating artwork about the human body. Bodies are anchors to the physical world. Through sensory experiences, they are the vehicle through which we negotiate our surroundings,  inform our identity, and thus dictate how we participate and engage with spaces and others (real or imagined). The human form, historically and anthropologically, speaks to culture, ritual, religion, familial practices, symbolism, spirituality, mortality and more. It is a subject that has continuously informed artworks - a journey of constant rediscovery.  

EMBODIMENT seeks to unveil the shared human experience by transcending cultural and societal boundaries, exploring the ever-evolving dialogue between art and the human condition. The focus is not on solving the mysteries of identity, but unraveling how artists use the human form to mutually discover the narratives it reveals about ourselves and others. This curated collection of works serves as a celebration of diversity, delving into the myriad ways we express ourselves, inhabit our bodies, and navigate the complexities of the human condition, reflecting our vested interest in articulating its intricacies and complexities. Join us on Thursday, January 25th for an opening reception from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Merkin Dream II, MAP’s second incarnation of a fashion show highlighting handmade merkins (pubic wigs) with guest designer Kenn Hall. As in Merkin Dream I, the fashion show confronts sex work as work, the commodification of women, body image, digital euphoria, performance, absurdity and humor. 

Maryland Art Place is located at 218 West Saratoga St. Baltimore, MD 21201

Osaretin Ugiagbe | Hotel Indigo 

On View:  January 23 - May 3, 2024

Reception: Wednesday, February 21 | 5 to 7 pm

Hotel Indigo | 24 West Franklin Street | Free & Open to the Public

Maryland Art Place in partnership with Hotel Indigo Baltimore is pleased to present a solo exhibition by Maryland-based artist, Osaretin Ugiagbe. The exhibition is on view at Hotel Indigo, located at 24 West Franklin St. from January 23 - May 3. A public reception will take place Wednesday, February 21 from 5 to 7 pm.

About the artist: Osaretin Ugiagbe, born in Lagos in 1986, has been moving from city to city since leaving Lagos at the age of 16. He travels within his mind, carrying his memories as baggage and reconstructing them in each new place and culture he discovers. Faces blend into an interior scene, leaving behind only an atmosphere where his memories intertwine.

Ugiagbe studied at the Royal College of Art in London and graduated in 2019 with a Master of Art (Painting Program). He has exhibited in several museums, including the Bronx Documentary  Center and the Bronx Museum of Art, and his work is part of the collection at the Museum of  Fine Art Houston. Articles about him have been featured in The New York Times and the  Financial Times in London.

By concealing the faces in his artwork, Ugiagbe invites viewers to actively engage with the narratives of his protagonists. Furthermore, he conveys not only a sense of universality but also vulnerability and protection. This duality adds layers of complexity to the artwork, encouraging  viewers to explore their own emotions and experiences.

The artist skillfully incorporates the motif of Bounty paper towels to obscure the faces of his  characters, thus providing insightful commentary on the detrimental impact of globalized consumerism which inevitably leads to homogeneity. In doing so, Ugiagbe draws a parallel  between the assimilative nature of Bounty paper towels, seamlessly absorbing and obscuring our distinctive identities. Additionally, as an immigrant himself, the artist evokes a lingering sense of displacement and transience as he navigates between contrasting realms.

Please join us on Wednesday, February 21 from 5 to 7 pm at Hotel Indigo  for the opening reception celebrating the solo exhibition of Osaretin Ugiagbe. Hotel Indigo is free and open to the public.