Free Nov. 9 Event to Feature Artists Across Various Media
The Arts & Letters Committee of the Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter (BCAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will present W.I.M.S. (Words, Images Movement & Sound) M’ARTi Gras 2025! The event will take place Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, from 1 – 5 p.m. at the Middle River Recreation Activity Center, located at 9702 Community Drive in Middle River, Maryland. M’ARTi Gras 2025! will feature music, interactive coloring, short films, illustrations, graphic artists, Culinary Arts, and more.
The free event is open to the public and provides a platform for artists of various ages to display their work.
A commemorative Mardi Gras-themed painting created by artist Daryl Foster also known as “Blk. Artista” and a painting by Nai Turner are among the works that will be on display. There will also be a screening of an animated short film by Michael Palmer, winner of the 2023 Baltimore County Youth Film Festival.
Stacey Mitchell-Brown and Dana Brown are co-chairs of M’ARTi Gras 2025! According to Mitchell-Brown, the event will feature the works of more than 15 artists across various artistic media.
“The goal of this event is to provide an opportunity for new and emerging artists with the opportunity to share their talents with the community,” said Mitchell-Brown. “Through this event, we also wanted to provide an environment for the community to purchase the artists’ work and hire them for other events and activities.”
Event highlights will also include performances by The Keyz Band featuring vocalist Jay Elle; short films by director Shane King, Jacob Greene, and Paul Coreas; and a book discussion and Meet & Greet with author and well-known educational figure Dr. Warren. C. Hayman. A well-known educational figure, Dr. Hayman will discuss his book, “Everyone Has a Story to Tell: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Warren C. Hayman, ED.D.”
“BCAC also aims to engage generations through the arts, and this presentation includes artists ranging from high school age to seniors over 90 years of age,” said Mitchell-Brown.
W.I.M.S. is an annual program that presents artists representing all genres of art: performance, literary, and visual. W.I.M.S. was created in 2003 by the Arts and Letters Committee of the Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with the express purpose of showcasing and promoting the talent of African American artists, who are aspiring or accomplished in their art form.
Former Arts and Letters Committee Chair Deborah Peaks-Coleman was the brainchild of W.I.M.S. and led the effort to establish BCAC’s signature Arts and Letters program.
“It seemed befitting to have a signature Arts & Letters program that would showcase aspiring artists,” said Peaks-Coleman. “In the art world, consistent and substantial support of artists is needed to promote their creative endeavors.”
She added, “W.I.M.S. has been a launching pad for aspiring artists to receive exposure to the Baltimore County community, giving them the opportunity to sell their works, book future engagements, and propel them to the next level of performance/presentation. For many of the young artists, W.I.M.S. has helped them expand their portfolio of work and build confidence to hold fast to their passion for being an artist on a professional path.”
M’ARTi Gras 2025! activities also include an interactive coloring workshop with Charnice Hale and illustration by Xavia Williams. The Culinary Arts part of the event will include M’ARTi Gras bites by Tortuga Deli; desserts by Plant Baked by Sarah; and beverages by Rich & SpirLit.
“This year, W.I.M.S. is taking a different approach, shifting from being solely a showcase to presenting an arts festival Mardi Gras style while promoting the works of artists,” noted Peaks-Coleman. “W.I.M.S. is committed to being a showcase of talent, giving artists an opportunity to promote their creative works that reflect the African American experience.”
Registration is required and closes Nov. 8. Families are encouraged to attend. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/BCACWIMSMardiGras2025. For more information, contact artsletters@bcacdeltas.org.