Here's the latest info from Baltimore’s nonprofit arts council, events center, and film office.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, event details are subject to change. Please contact the hosting organization for the most up-to-date information.
EMERGE BALTIMORE IS ON VIEW NOW!
Celebrating Three Opening Receptions at Bromo
Happening now: The opening receptions at Bromo are underway. Photo credit: Barbara Hauck
A few minutes ago, guests started arriving at Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower as three emerging Baltimore artists opened their solo shows simultaneously.

This gathering is a bit more intimate than last week's opening reception for Ernest Shaw Jr.'s exhibition at the Top of the World Observation Level. For one, Bromo holds fewer people than the 27th floor of Baltimore's World Trade Center. For another, each of these shows is a separate exhibition unto itself. This creates a museum effect -- seeing these exhibitions in this incredible space is like walking through the galleries at the Walters or the BMA.

All three exhibitions are on view through Sunday, April 24, 2022. To learn more about the artists, watch the videos below. For more information about visiting the historic Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, click the button below.
ALIANA GRACE BAILEY
This exhibition explores the concept of home and themes of intimacy and love. Bailey uses screenprint, fiber, collage, painting, and photography to weave and construct a body of work that connects her with the viewer.
DERRICK 'DJ' SMITH
This series was created during one of Smith's longest depressive episodes. He provides us with a glimpse into the brief moments of clarity with this new body of work so deliberately raw and poetically rendered in photography.
RAQUEL THOMPSON
Thompson's art and vision are rooted in a personal practice of meditation and mindfulness. With intentional repetition, her work challenges the audiences’ own perceptions, perspectives, and emotional awareness.
Artist Studios for Rent in an Iconic Landmark
The historic Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower, which is managed by BOPA, houses 30 artist studios in addition to its multiple galleries. Studios in a variety of sizes are currently available for rent. One-year leases range from $300–750 depending on the size of the space. (Short-term leases can be discussed.) All studio spaces come with electric, heat/air conditioning, access to utility sinks and restrooms in common areas, and 24/7 access. There is also reduced parking for tenants within one block (subject to availability). Interested artists can download the rental application at the button below.
VISIT THE GALLERY IN THE SKY
See Ernest Shaw Jr.'s 'Continuous Line' Exhibition
Ernest Shaw Jr.'s 'Continuous Line' exhibition continues through Sunday, April 17, at the Top of the World Observation Level. There will be an Artist Talk on Thursday, March 17, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. For details, click the button below.
Photos from the 'Continuous Line' opening reception on Thursday, February 3, 2022. Photo credit: Lauren Green & Devin Shacklett
BOPA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means our programming is largely funded by donations from our constituents. If you want to support more events like these exhibitions, click below.
VISIT THE CLOISTERS WITH YOUR VALENTINE And Plan Your Own Fairytale Event
This Saturday, February 12, from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., BOPA invites newly engaged couples and their families to tour The Cloisters and meet with an array of local wedding vendors. Visitors and guests need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 24 hours to attend. For more information, click the button below.
BOPA BY THE NUMBERS
Quantifying the Impact of Arts Across the City
In addition to its many other roles supporting Baltimore-area creatives, BOPA also serves as the Maryland regional affiliate for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, presented by Arcadia. It is most prestigious creative teen recognition program for grades 7–12. This year, 1,300 teens from Baltimore and the surrounding region submitted 3,000 works of visual and literary art.

All works are blindly judged by local visual artists, novelists, poets, playwrights, educators, and editors. Award recipients receive Gold Key, Silver Key, or Honorable Mention. Here's how many awards were given out this year:
Gold Keys
Silver Keys
Honorable Mentions
Promoting and facilitating youth arts programs like the Scholastic competition is made possible by the support of sponsors like Arcadia. As this year's presenting sponsor, Arcadia is donating an additional $100 to BOPA for every new signup as a way to further support the arts.
MARYLAND ARTS DAY IS COMING!
Advocating for the Arts in Maryland
Every year during the General Assembly session in Annapolis, arts professionals and advocates from around the state spend a day networking, learning about the advocacy process, and meeting with delegates. As the Baltimore City Arts Council, BOPA manages the City's virtual delegation room and we want YOU to participate! Next Thursday, February 17, is your opportunity to tell legislators about the importance of the arts in Maryland and the specific impacts in your community. To learn more about Maryland Arts Day and register to be heard, click the button below.
OPENING RECEPTION AT THE MILL CENTRE
Goya Contemporary Gallery Presents Alan Shields
If you haven't had your fill of opening receptions by Friday, you can head over to Goya Contemporary Gallery at the Mill Centre to see Alan Shields' solo exhibition, 'Of His Time and Ahead Of His Time.' The opening reception is from 6:00–8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 11, and the exhibition is on view through March 12, 2022. For more information, click the button below.
BLAXPLOITATION PHILM NIGHTS
Hosted by The Black Genius Art Show
This Saturday, February 12, from 5:30–8:30 p.m., The Black Genius Art Show presents one of their BLAXPLOITATION Philm Nights — a series of gatherings to witness the essence of Black cinema. This event takes place in a creative environment, so guests are encouraged to come in their best vintage throwback outfits. There will also be popcorn, wine, music, and prizes. Seating is limited so you must RSVP. Reserve your spot at the button below.
The Black Genius Art Show was a participating organization of BOPA's Free Fall Baltimore in October 2021. BOPA is thrilled to provide support through programs like Free Fall to help smaller arts organizations like The Black Genius Art Show continue their work in the community.
POP-UP SIP & SHOP
Hosted by the Night Owl Gallery
Night Owl Gallery, located in the Highlandtown Arts & Entertainment District, is hosting a V-Day Pop Up Sip & Shop on Saturday, February 12, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. Peruse fine art, eclectic home decor, and unique locally-made gifts at this mini makers mart. Get something for your sweetie or treat yourself! For details, click the button below.
BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANT TOUR WEEK
Tour the City With Your Taste Buds
In conjunction with the CIAA Basketball Tournament taking place in Baltimore later this month, the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore is hosting a tour of Black-owned restaurants from Monday, February 21–Sunday, February 27, 2022. Every day during the tournament, try a different Black-owned establishment to support some of our local Black culinary artists and restauranteurs. For participating restaurants and hours, click below.
ARTS & CULTURE NEWS
In Case You Missed It
'HOT PROPERTY' DESIGNED BY FAMED ARCHITECT FOR SALE
According to the Sun's Hot Property feature: "More than a decade before he designed Baltimore’s iconic Bromo Seltzer Tower, the architect Joseph Evans Sperry drew up blueprints for [the Ruxton estate] “Overleigh.” Read more about this manor for sale at the link below.

BMA DIRECTOR TO STEP DOWN AND HEAD WEST
Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) Director Christopher Bedford announced he will be stepping down on June 3 to lead the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Read more about Bedford's six-year tenure and what's next for the BMA at the link below.

CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY WITHOUT THE CLICHÉ
For all you unconventional romantics out there, Baltimore Magazine has compiled 10 unique ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. Best of all, these offerings are local, so you won't have to go far to make it a special day. See the full list at the link below.

WHAT DO THOSE SYMBOLS MEAN ANYWAY?Giving You More Info at a Glance
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Support the Arts
BOPA is proud to serve as your arts council, event center, and film office. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to ensuring Baltimore remains a vibrant, thriving arts community. We cannot do it without the support of our community philanthropic funders, program partners, artists, volunteers, and you!

Please support BOPA to keep the arts thriving in Baltimore. Click the donate button below and follow the instructions. Thank you!