Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2025

Contact: p) 917.545.5385 email) amy@mdartplace.org 

MARYLAND ART PLACE (MAP) ANNOUNCES EXHIBITING ARTISTS IN INAUGURAL FINE ART EXHIBITION CELEBRATING THE PREAKNESS STAKES

April 30, 2025: MARYLAND ART PLACE (MAP,) in partnership with the Preakness Festival Committee and The Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (SECMD,) will proudly open “Best in Show,” a fine art exhibition celebrating Maryland’s rich equestrian life on, Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 5-9pm as part of the many incredible program offerings of the Preakness Festival 150.

Between late February and April 2025, MAP welcomed a diverse range of submissions from artists across Maryland to be considered for this inaugural contemporary art exhibition. The ‘open call’ submissions were juried by MAP’s executive staff and Program Advisory Committee Member Amanda Burnham, Professor & Foundations Coordinator, Department of Art+Design, Art History, Art Education, Towson University.

Selected artists include: Alexander Yaggy (photography), Benjamin Jancewicz (photography), Bria Edwards (photography), Jack Novosel (painting), Jennifer Hudson (mixed media), Joseph M. Giordano (photography), Jude Asher (sculpture), Kevin Hailey (painting), Leonard Streckfus (sculpture), Lo Younge (painting), Magan Ruthke (painting), Michael Stevenson (painting), Murat Sener (sculpture), Rebecca Raubacher (painting), Salih Zeki Sayer (sculpture), Sharon Pierce McCullough (painting), Sophie Chao (mixed media), Trisha Kyner (sculpture), and Louise Wallendorf (lithography)

Opening night on Thursday, May 15, will coincide with the ever-growing Bromo Arts & Entertainment District’s Spring Art Walk. During the evening, MAP’s guest Prize Juror, Amy Raehse, will select the top three works exhibited. Winning artists will receive cash awards: Best in Show ($1,000), Not Just a Runner Up ($500), and Honorable Mention ($250) Each winning artwork will be placed with a ribbon. MAP is located at 218 West Saratoga Street in Downtown Baltimore City. On-street parking available & nearby garages are accessible.

“I am proud to support the partnership between Maryland Art Place and the Preakness Festival as we showcase the incredible talent of our artists and honor our state’s rich equestrian tradition,” said Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore. “Preakness Festival 150 is a celebration of Maryland’s spirit, history, and creativity, and ‘Best in Show’ is a shining example of how the arts can unite communities, celebrate heritage, and inspire future generations. We are grateful to the artists whose extraordinary work captures the heart of Maryland and the timeless beauty of this milestone year.”

Prize Juror Amy Raehse is the Executive Director and Partner at Goya Contemporary Gallery, which focuses on exhibiting, representing, and managing global artists and their careers in the field of Contemporary Art in both primary and secondary markets, and is the only gallery in the state of Maryland to be recognized by the ADAA for upholding the nation's highest standards of connoisseurship, scholarship, and ethical practices in the field of fine arts. Raehse has worked across various sectors including museum, gallery, not-for-profit, commercial, and academic arts over three decades. Her contributions have led to the placement of thousands of artworks in esteemed museum, public, and private collections worldwide..

Preakness Festival 150 is a weeklong celebration leading up to the iconic Preakness Stakes, blending world-class horse racing with cultural experiences, live entertainment, community events, and economic opportunities. The festival aims to drive tourism, showcase Maryland’s equestrian heritage, fuel business growth, and invest in communities. Preakness Festival 150 is produced by The Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and an affiliated foundation of the Maryland Sports Commission, a division of the Maryland Stadium Authority.

Maryland Art Place (MAP) inspires, supports, and encourages artistic expression through innovative programming, exhibitions, and educational opportunities while recognizing the powerful impact of art on the community. MAP is supported by the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC). Founded in 1967, MSAC champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and the arts as a celebrated contributor to Maryland’s quality of life.

The Bromo Arts District was established in 2012 to encourage and support a thriving downtown arts neighborhood. With a continually growing art scene, its 117-acre district is home to over 30 cultural organizations and hundreds of artists

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On View:

November 15, 2024 - February 28, 2025 (extended)

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 - February 28. 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.

Exhibition on View:
February 21 - March 15, 2025

Reception:
Thursday, March 6 | 6 PM to 8 PM

Maryland Art Place (MAP) | Gallery Hours | Tuesday - Saturday | 12 PM  to 4 PM

Location:
218 West Saratoga St. | Baltimore, MD 21201

Maryland Art Place is excited to present The Art of Impact: Celebrating 20 Years of Community Connections – an exhibition and art placement event organized by the Art Connection in the Capital Region (ACCR). For over a decade, MAP has collaborated with ACCR to enrich underserved communities through initiatives like Out of Order and by hosting signature exhibitions. Together, we aim to recognize the many talented artists in our community while supporting the important work of local nonprofits. By working together, we can create nurturing and supportive environments that promote dialogue, build a sense of community, and improve overall well-being for the individuals, children and families receiving services from our nonprofit partners.

We invite you to join us in celebrating ACCR’s significant impact over the past 20 years by attending the opening reception and nonprofit matching event on Thursday, March 6 from 6 PM to 8 PM. Maryland Art Place (MAP) is located at 218 West Saratoga St. Baltimore, MD 21201 in the BROMO Arts District. Following the exhibition’s conclusion, the artwork will be permanently gifted to vetted nonprofits and will become a part of the selected nonprofits public collection(s).

We believe that visual art plays a crucial role in our capacity to heal and thrive. We hope you do too, and encourage you to attend in support of this initiative.

About Art Connection in the Capital Region (ACCR):

The Art Connection in the Capital Region (ACCR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing access to original visual art while creating meaningful opportunities for artists to donate their work to nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

Our comprehensive donation program features direct placements and engaging in-person and virtual exhibitions, allowing participating nonprofits to select artwork that resonates with their mission and vision.

Through our initiatives, we transform lives by cultivating inspiring and supportive environments within the public areas of partnering nonprofits. We are committed to making a lasting impact within our community, enriching the experiences of the individuals receiving services and the dedicated staff and volunteers who support them.

Furthermore, ACCR invites collectors to donate artwork in support of our mission. In addition to the satisfaction of your contribution, you will receive a tax acknowledgment letter for your records.

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.