(L-R:) Mac Campbell, Baltimore Convention Center, Executive Director; Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott; Laura Gamble, PNC Bank regional president Greater Maryland; Katey Truhn, Birdland mural artist; the Orioles Bird; Kerry R. Watson, Jr., Baltimore Orioles EVP, Public Affairs; and Gaia, renowned artist and Birdland Murals curator participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new mural as part of their ongoing Birdland Murals series on May 2, 2024. The Baltimore Orioles, in partnership with PNC Bank, unveiled the stunning mural as part of their ongoing Birdland Murals series. This latest addition to the collection graces the west side of the Baltimore Convention Center. Photo courtesy: Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles, in partnership with PNC Bank, unveiled a stunning new mural as part of their ongoing Birdland Murals series. This latest addition to the collection graces the west side of the Baltimore Convention Center, a prominent location that echoes the project’s mission of celebrating Baltimore’s vibrant culture, rich history, and the remarkable people who call it home.

“We are excited to unveil the next installment of the Birdland Murals powered by PNC,” said Laura Gamble, PNC Regional President for Greater Maryland. “The mural series brings together the Baltimore community’s two great loves: the arts and the Orioles. PNC is proud to sponsor this beautiful new mural in downtown Baltimore.”

Laura Gamble, PNC Regional President for Greater Maryland
Photo courtesy: PNC

The mural’s placement aligns perfectly with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s Downtown Rise initiative. As a major gathering space for visitors, the Baltimore Convention Center becomes a canvas for showcasing the city’s artistic energy.

“I’m deeply grateful to the Orioles, PNC Bank, and all of our partners who have made this mural project possible,” said Mayor Scott. “As we continue our work to revitalize downtown and showcase the best Baltimore has to offer, this mural will hold a special place in that effort. The Orioles’ commitment to projects like this shows that they are not just a team in Baltimore, but a team of Baltimore. I am incredibly excited for everyone coming downtown for games — or any reason — to see this beautiful new mural and reflect on our city, our history, and the renaissance that we’re building here.”

A Symbol of Baltimore’s Future

The Birdland Murals series is more than just an art project for the Orioles. It’s a powerful symbol of Baltimore’s growth and a testament to the enduring spirit of its residents.

“We are thrilled to continue to utilize our transformative relationship with PNC Bank to bring more vibrant art to Baltimore through the creation of this stunning mural,” said Kerry R. Watson, Jr., Orioles Executive Vice President of Public Affairs.

 “This campaign symbolizes our shared commitment to enhancing the fabric of our community, fostering unity and inspiring positive growth.”

Mural created by Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn
Photo credit: Baltimore Orioles

PNC Bank: Investing in a Brighter Baltimore

PNC Bank’s commitment to Baltimore goes beyond murals. They recognize the transformative power of art and its ability to revitalize communities. Their ongoing partnership with the Birdland Murals series is just one example of how they are actively investing in Baltimore’s future.

“This project is meant to be more than just a mural on a building, but a vision of hope, progress and a brighter future for all residents of Baltimore,” Watson continued, highlighting PNC Bank’s dedication to the city’s well-being.

A Masterpiece by Baltimore’s Own

The Baltimore-based artistic duo known as Jessie and Katey have spent the past decade transforming public spaces across the country with their large-scale murals and installations. Their signature style is on full display in the Birdland Murals series’ newest addition.

“The mural was created by Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) graduates, Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn,” the Orioles announced. “The artists’ bold geometric mural depicts a visual interpretation of the energy and pride that is felt when the community comes together around a collective event. The vibrant colors and symmetrical composition celebrate the city’s spirit.”

Unterhalter and Truhn take pride in the way their work interacts with the public space and the viewers who encounter it. Their murals are a captivating blend of color, bold geometric shapes, and underlying narratives inspired by the surrounding architecture and historical context. This dedication to storytelling through art has garnered them national recognition, with features in publications like Huffington Post, NPR, Complex, Art & Design, Washington Post, and The New York Times. Their work can also be found in public and private collections throughout the United States, including Union Craft Brewing in Baltimore, Appalachian State University in North Carolina, and Facebook Headquarters in Washington, DC.

A Flourishing Initiative

The new mural joins a growing collection. Since its inception in 2019, the Birdland Murals series has blossomed into a collection of nine murals. Seven of these murals grace the walls around Oriole Park, the heart of Baltimore baseball fandom, while another brightens the Waverly community.

Fans eager to explore the complete Birdland Murals series can find more information and potentially plan a self-guided art tour through Baltimore’s vibrant neighborhoods on the Orioles’ website, https://www.mlb.com/orioles/ballpark/birdland-murals.

The Birdland Murals series serves as a permanent reminder of Baltimore’s artistic spirit, its unwavering sense of community, and its unwavering commitment to a brighter future. As Baltimore continues to rise, these murals will stand as a testament to the city’s creative energy and the enduring talent of its homegrown artists.

Karanja Gaçuça
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