Guide To Arts At Artscape
By Abdu Ali Eaton
The biggest free arts festival is right around the corner. From July 15 – 17, Artscape will be celebrating its 30th anniversary and art-loving Baltimorians can enjoy the best in local music, local artists, street performers, art installations, interactive art, food and entertainment.
Like many Artscape fans, Jim Lucio, the visual arts coordinator for the Baltimore Office Promotion and the Arts (BOPA) is also looking forward to this year's arts festival.
"There are two major art environments at Artscape this year and I'm excited about both," says Lucio. "The first is called Rabbit Hole, located in Pearlstone Park (Preston St. between Howard and Cathedral, across from the Meyerhoff). In this area we're combining an outdoor sculpture area with a place for people to picnic, relax and really intermix with the art. It's a great location for sculpture and performance and kids will love the whimsical nature of the space including the Mini Prix-peddle powered art car races."
There are other interactive art installations to check out as well, such as LightBox, an interior art display where people can tour the studio/workshop and details of its construction. LightBox, was created by students of Morgan State University's (MSU) Bachelors of Science in Architecture and Environmental Design program and they only used reclaimed building materials. The 40' high cube box will feature drawings, photos, videos and product information by the MSU students. LightBox will be located at Mt. Royal Avenue Median at Dolphin Street.
Of course, Artscape will have the traditional Artists' Market, featuring selected artists' work—everything from clay to 2-D media. The artists will be located at Mt. Royal Avenue (between Mosher Street and Maryland Avenue).
"The park will showcase the works of a number of great artists including Dale Ihnken who designed the overall look of the space and whose work will include fantastic lighting elements that will transition beautifully from day to night," says Lucio.
Kids at Artscape this year will have a special treat just for them! Target Make It At Artscape will provide an area where children and their parents can enjoy arts and crafts. There will be hands-on activities that include jewelry making, storytelling, and art workshops. At the workshops, kids will be allowed 45 minutes to learn a new skill—how to make music instruments, button jewelry, and beaded art. (Persons interested in the art workshops must pre-register by emailing ttharrington@promotionandarts.com) Target Make It At Artscape will be located at Cohen Plaza (Mt. Royal Avenue near the Brown Center).
Debuting in 1982, Lucio says Artscape will be incorporating the 80s into the celebrations.
"The other arts environment is called 1982 and is located on the Charles Street Bridge near Penn Station," says Lucio. "The entire environment is a celebration of the 1980s and the Bridge will be hopping with 80s inspired dance, fashion, art and a fully programmed stage for karaoke, DJs, performance and live bands including the Bam Bam's and the Headwounds. I'm also really excited to have DDm performing and setting up with his collective Art Haus at 1982. DDm is an entertainer, rapper and fashionisto."
Artscape will have so many art treasures for people to explore, admire and snag. Baltimore get ready for a spectacular weekend and join Artscape as it celebrates its 30th birthday.
For more info on the art at Artscape 2011, visit http://www.artscape.org/visual-arts.
Artscape
July 15 – 17
Hours: Friday: 12-10 p.m.; Saturday: 12-10 p.m.; Sunday: 12-8 p.m.
Mount Royal Avenue & Cathedral Street / Charles Street
Bolton Hill neighborhood & Station North Arts & Entertainment District
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Abdu Ali Eaton is an arts advocate and writer living in charm city, Baltimore. His creative works can be found on EatOnThis.com.
