“City Images” Blowups of the work of Annapolis award-winning photographer, Marion Warren adorn the bare walls of buildings at Stan and Joe’s parking lot on West Street in Annapolis. Photo Courtesy of annapolisartwalk.org
By: Melissa Lauren
The art scenes in Annapolis, on the Eastern Shore, in Baltimore, and in DC are full of passionate artists and art lovers. For me, the Winter months are my favorite time of year to go gallery hopping and enjoy many museums. I encourage you to do the same! Art therapy is the best way to chase away the Winter Blues. This quick guide features alternative galleries and must-see museums.
The city of Annapolis is a prime example of an alternative gallery as it displays sculpture, photography, and painting around every corner outside! Public art works by creating local culture while honoring heritage artists. The impact of public art versus commissioned traditional art is significant. The Art in Public Places Commission promotes the arts in our local environment by introducing the whole community to art they may not otherwise experience. Art in Public Places began in the 1930's as an economic tool under the Federal Art Project to make art accessible to all and to stimulate national pride. By the 1970's local governments were adopting Art, both visual and performing, to enhance the urban environment and stimulate a sense of place and community. Ellen Moyer, former Mayor of Annapolis and Chair of Art in Public Places Commission explains with the pride the significance of public art, "The city has an amazing amount of art works by award winning artists with interesting stories including some monuments recognized as the first of their kind. We just don't talk about them. It is time to ag a bit about the quality of the art all around us." To experience all that Annapolis Outdoor Art has to offer, visit http://www.annapolis.gov/government/boards-and-commissions/art-in-public-places-commission and view their phenomenal resource guide in pdf format, “Art in the City of Annapolis: An Art Gallery Without Walls”. You are sure to appreciate the beauty of these treasures when you explore and experience this alternative gallery.
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts located at 801 Chase Street in Annapolis is chock full of visual arts of all mediums on display for viewing. Maryland Hall’s mission is to provide exceptional opportunities for lifelong community participation in arts education. Maryland Hall provides an artist in residency program, which gives resident artists the resources to produce their work while teaching art classes that are open to the public. Currently on display now through Fe uary 21st is the Digital Visions Exhibit, which includes work from members of the Digital Photography Club of Annapolis. To find out more visit marylandhall.org
In Baltimore you will find a stunning mural project and alternative gallery, The Billie Holiday Project. The murals were unveiled in April of 2014 in Upper Fells Point on the 200 block of South Durham Street. The Billie Holiday Project is a neighborhood improvement effort cele ating the life and music of Billie Holiday as this vocal jazz legend grew up on the streets of Baltimore. For more information visit billieholidayproject.org
Fun Factoid – Did you about the ‘non-art’ movement of Dada Art? Dadaism originated in Zurich in the 1920’s. Dada ironically had only one rule: never follow any known rules. Dadaists felt their art was the art of protest – a nonsensical commentary on society.
Source: arthistory.about.com
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“Progressive art can assist people to learn not only about the objective forces at work in the society in which they live, but also about the intensely social character of their interior lives. Ultimately, it can propel people toward social emancipation.” - Salvador Dali
On the Eastern Shore, the Academy Art Museum is a must-see museum that provides the knowledge, practice, and appreciation of the arts to enhance cultural life on the Eastern Shore by making the Museum’s expanding collection, exhibitions, and oad spectrum of arts programs available to everyone. The Academy Art Museum has expanded its role beyond the traditional museum to ensure all citizens the opportunity to fully participate in a oad spectrum of exceptional cultural offerings. The Museum welcomes visitors to experience national and regional exhibitions, concerts, lectures, educational programs, and visual and performing arts classes for adults and children. Bill Viola’s video installation, The Dreamers is on display now through March 1, 2015. He has been instrumental in the establishment of video as a vital form of contemporary art and has helped to greatly expand its scope in terms of technology, content, and historical reach. Viola's video installations are total environments, which envelop the viewer in image, sound, and employ state-of-the-art technologies.
The art of wine tasting is a delicious art form of culinary arts. Composition, color, light, are all components of the art of wine tasting. Learn more at Broadneck Grill & Cantina's Wine Pairing Dinner, Monday, January 12th at 7pm. Sit by the fire for a warm and hearty wine dinner with 3 courses and 4 wines. Guest speaker, Kim Dawson from Constellation Wines will teach guests about the art of wine tasting. Broadneck Grill & Cantina is located at 74 Central Avenue West, Edgewater, Maryland 21037. Call 410-956-3366 or visit oadneckgrill.com for more information.
