Joy Bramble, founder of The Baltimore Times, invited me to a meeting to discuss creating an art initiative. During our conversation, she proposed launching a new art initiative and sought my suggestions, given their 39 years in business and my longstanding relationship with her. I suggested dedicating an issue of The Baltimore Times to “100 Black Artists in Baltimore You Should Know.” Paris Brown, then Associate Publisher, was also present, and together we began brainstorming ideas for this special edition to highlight Baltimore’s talent.
Our discussions began in May 2023. In a subsequent meeting, Bramble and Brown inquired about the possibility of planning an exhibition to coincide with the feature’s release. I agreed, noting that it would add a unique dimension to the project—something unprecedented in my 45 years as a professional artist. As a Baltimore native educated in the city, I’ve found the support for the local arts scene frustratingly lacking.
Despite numerous art institutions and museums, there has been little interest in promoting and uplifting African American artists. Baltimore artists from the seventies often banded together, and some even opened galleries to provide support. However, today, with more creatives than ever, the conversation about specifically African American initiatives has become almost nonexistent. Under the diversity and equity umbrella, African American causes often seem to be a low priority.
Baltimore artists have faced these challenges for decades. Opportunities were scarce, and many artists were excluded from events and grant systems. While some have managed to succeed despite the bias, many are left frustrated by rejection and bureaucratic hurdles. We named our project “Creatively Black Baltimore” to celebrate Black excellence in the Baltimore arts community and to reconnect two to three generations of artists separated by a lack of opportunities. The Black Arts District is a fine example of an arts organization dedicated to empowering Black creatives and their communities.
Our first challenge was finding a suitable space for the exhibition. Initially, we considered the space above The Baltimore Times offices, which was large enough to accommodate the artwork if we limited the size. However, as time passed and finding a venue became more difficult, we eventually revisited an opportunity at the Inner Harbor’s Light Street Pavilion.
In the fall of 2023, The Baltimore Times hosted a pop-up exhibition at the Inner Harbor to celebrate Black cyclists through technology as part of our media partnership with the Maryland Cycling Classics race. The success of this exhibition led MCB Real Estate to approach The Baltimore Times with the prospect of our current project. They offered us the old Ripley’s Believe It or Not! space, approximately 12,000 square feet. The space was in a state of disrepair, with most displays ripped from the foundation. During our initial walkthrough, it wasn’t clear how things would come together, but with some imagination and ingenuity, we decided to make this the home of “Creatively Black Baltimore.” Many are aware of the development scheduled to occur in two years at the Inner Harbor. Ironically, I was at the space in 1979 when it first opened to the public, making it a full-circle moment to be there for both its opening and closing with “Creatively Black Baltimore.”
The beginning was slow as I attempted to connect with artists in the region. We started with a few pieces and quickly expanded to over 400 works by more than 80 artists. The exhibition showcases a diverse cross-section of talent from emerging, mid-career, and established artists. The only criteria were that participants lived in or had worked in Baltimore; all other limitations were removed. The show emphasized participation and engagement, eliminating the jury process. Artists could submit their work regardless of their experience levels. Some participate professionally, while others are exploring it, but our goal was to provide a venue where all could be seen together in a pop-up environment.
Pop-up exhibitions have become a creative trend in many cities, converting uninhabited buildings into art spaces. In this regard, the Ripley’s space became a unique pop-up opportunity. As we began minor repairs and painted the space white, things quickly came together as the art began to arrive.
We are not adhering to the traditional rules of museums or galleries but are fully expressing ourselves with creativity. This pop-up environment has certain restrictions based on space, electrical access, and lighting, especially since most fixtures, electronics, and wiring were removed when Ripley’s relocated. We collaborated, used our ingenuity, and secured resources to make the space minimally operational—and the rest is history. Our mission is to nurture and uplift Baltimore’s African American art scene.
There is much work to be done, and we can never have too many opportunities. Baltimore has a legacy of wonderful artists who have historically put us on the map. Now, we want to present a platform where others can be seen and supported. We intend to make this pop-up exhibition interactive, inspired by the lingering energy of the Ripley’s space. We encourage all artists to animate their works. Additionally, we will offer a 3D virtual tour of the exhibition and schedule events that include lectures, art talks, demonstrations, paint parties, small exhibitions, and other forms of community outreach.
Access to the show is free, and all works are available for purchase. We hope the community will support this project. Being at the Inner Harbor location has allowed several youth groups and private organizations to plan events with the Creatively Black Baltimore exhibition as the backdrop. People are often surprised to see so much African American talent in the city, which always amazes me.
The public is invited to the opening reception of “Creatively Black Baltimore” on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Light Street Pavilion, 301 Light Street, 2nd Floor. The brief program begins at 4:30 p.m.
Fantastic opportunity for artists and art lovers.