Baltimore Artist Highlights The Importance Of Black History Month

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--He was an architectural engineer who decided to leave his job 16 years ago to pursue his first love. Now he's a successful artist with a gallery in south Baltimore.

In celebration of Black History Month, Ron Matz has more on a man who's living his dream in Federal Hill.

Enter the Mark Cottman Gallery and it's a world of vibrant colors.

He was working for the state when  he says he couldn't stop painting. His art stirs the soul, especially during Black History Month.

"Black history is America's history. It's important to highlight it and give the information to the public," said Cottman. "This is an inclusive society and it's important that every voice be heard.

And those highlights include Miles Davis, Billie Holiday and "Miss Sarah Waiting for Jesus."

"My painting "Miss Sarah Waiting for Jesus" represents the backbone of black America because women like her are very wise, even the preachers and reverends of the churches talk to them for advice," said Cottman.

Mark Cottman opened his gallery in Federal Hill six years ago where every day he pursues his passion.

"It was like walking on a tightrope with vaseline on it over a fire pit, that's the only way I can describe it. I opened in the worst economic conditions of my lifetime," Cottman said.

Mark Cottman is a 1976 graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic institute.

Saturday the gallery on South Charles Street is hosting a party where you can learn how to paint.

"We have a paint party on Saturday from 6 to 9:00 p.m. It's a lot of fun," he says. "People come down to the gallery and learn how to paint, we have live music and I teach people how to create a painting."

For more information CLICK HERE.