BmoreArt

This week’s news includes: 60 Minutes with Amy Sherald, a vision for the arts at JHU, Full Circle Dance Company celebrates 25 years, Creative Alliance’s 2026 Season, changes at ACC, open DC exhibitions, Crushing Colonialism’s 2nd Anniversary, a review of Richard Ayodeji Ikhide at CPM, IMMORTAL Art Fair, 2025 MdFF line-up, Baltimore Clayworks Winterfest, Rehoboth Art League’s 2025 season closes,  new exhibitions at Port Discovery, Dan Rodricks reviews Everyman, VinylCon! comes to Baltimore, and the Baltimore renaissance — with reporting from Baltimore Magazine, Baltimore Fishbowl, The Baltimore Banner, and other local and independent news sources.

Header Image: SNF Parkway Theater

Amy Sherald Says Pulling Out of National Portrait Gallery Exhibition Was Her ‘Only Choice’
by Lilyanna D’Amato
Published October 20 in ARTnews

Excerpt: In an interview with Anderson Cooper on CBS’ “60 Minutes”, painter Amy Sherald spoke about her decision to pull out of her solo exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery after the museum considered removing her painting of a Black transgender Statue of Liberty, titled Trans Forming Liberty.

“There were conversations about the work being censored,” Sherald told Cooper. “The show is ‘American Sublime.’ It was a whole narrative, and a trans woman is a part of that narrative, for me.”

According to the artist, who rose to fame with her 2018 portrait of Michelle Obama, the secretary of the Smithsonian, Lonnie G. Bunch III, proposed replacing the painting with a video discussing trans issues that would “contextualize the piece.” Sherald objected over concerns that the video would include anti-trans views.

Johns Hopkins report lays out a vision for centering the arts in university life
by Hub Staff
Published October 15 in JHU Hub

Excerpt: A vision for incorporating the arts into celebrations of Johns Hopkins University’s 150th year. An artist-in-residence program to attract prominent artists or art-related scholars to campus. A comprehensive online resource showcasing all of the university’s arts programs and assets. These are among the many ideas proposed in a bold and wide-ranging report developed as part of a major initiative to elevate and enhance the arts across the university.

Johns Hopkins has a distinguished history of commitment and achievement in the arts, including being home to a world-renowned conservatory and more than 200 works of public art. But it has lacked a comprehensive vision and strategy shaping its approach to the arts, one that fully embraces its rich and diverse array of cultural and artistic resources, programming, and expertise.

:: See Also ::

Johns Hopkins launches new fellowship with the American Academy in Rome
by Hub Staff
Published October 23

‘Rooted and Rising’ celebrates 25 years of professional dance in Baltimore
by Aliza Worthington
Published October 22 in Baltimore Fishbowl

Excerpt: Full Circle Dance Company is celebrating 25 years of being Baltimore’s professional dance company, marking the milestone with an anniversary performance at the Baltimore Museum of Art on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.

The 25^th anniversary performance, “Rooted and Rising,” includes the premiere of a new work entitled “She Did That!,” which celebrates female ancestors. It features members of the community from ages 8 to 68, alongside professional dancers. The piece is based on stories shared by Baltimoreans from all walks of life. Local fiber artist Jaszmine Howard created a quilt that incorporates the names of the real ancestors on whom “She Did That!” is based.

Artistic director Donna L. Jacobs has been on the Baltimore dance scene for more than 30 years. Jacobs has dedicated her professional life to creating artistic opportunities for dancers in Baltimore City, and Full Circle Dance Company has spent 25 years putting those Baltimore stories on the stage.

Creative Alliance Announces First-Ever Thematic Season: We the People
Press Release :: October 20

In a time when questions of identity and belonging feel more urgent than ever, Creative Alliance is launching its first-ever thematic season, We the People, beginning January 2026. This year-long exploration through performances, exhibitions, and community programs asks us to imagine who “we” are — as neighbors, as artists, as Baltimoreans, and as part of the ever-evolving story of America.

Across every stage, gallery, and classroom, We the People draws a bold through-line: that the arts are a living expression of who we are and who we’re becoming. Each performance,
workshop, and festival adds another voice to a larger conversation about home, heritage, and identity — illuminating how creativity can both honor our past and reimagine our future.

We the People season highlights include:

● Performances: Baltimore creative storytellers take center stage in 2026 with Stoop Stories’ 25th Anniversary, Mortified and Crankie Festival to remind us (The People) we thrive as a community when we share our stories and find common ground, thus sowing the seeds for today and tomorrow’s artists and visionaries. The Say Sister Festival makes its return, centering the artistry of women guitarists who, through collaboration, creativity, and connection, light up our stage with a powerful and unifying sound. From Argentina’s Orchestra of Indigenous Instruments and New Technologies and Korea’s Sang Jaru to Unidos En El Arte, each invites us to find common ground, expand our worldview, and see ourselves and one another in new ways. The 15th anniversary of Elvis’ Birthday Fight Club invites us to use satire as a vehicle for commentary on the state of the world, even embracing Americana and examining our relationship to comedy, costume and celebrity.

● Visual Arts: The visual arts programs center identity, heritage, and creative legacy through a diverse range of exhibitions and interdisciplinary projects. The season features The Goxxip Girl Collective, a dynamic showcase amplifying the voices of womxn artists and fostering empowerment through visual storytelling and cultural dialogue. The Many Americas film series invites Baltimore’s filmmaking community to examine the multiplicity of American identity through nuanced explorations of culture, race, and belonging. Returning Artists-in-Residence alums Hope and Faith McCorkle present a new multimedia installation inspired by the spirit of collaboration and creative exchange that defines Creative Alliance’s residency program and its impact on Baltimore’s artistic landscape.

● Education: Youth and families will engage directly with the season theme through programs like the Open Minds After-School Art Club, Teen Council, and CIELO
(Creative Immigrant Educators of Latin American Origin). Students will produce original exhibitions, civic storytelling projects, and public art — ensuring that We the People resonate with the next generation.

● Marquee Ball: Creative Alliance’s Marquee Ball is slated to return on May 2nd, 2026, with an exciting theme to be announced soon. The biggest party in Baltimore sustains Creative Alliance’s mission to make art accessible to all by nurturing artists, engaging audiences, and offering free creative programs to thousands of local students.
“Baltimore is a beautiful microcosm of culture, where all are welcome to define — or redefine — themselves,” said Jason Steer, Creative Alliance Executive Director. “We invite our community to join us in shaping the America we want to see — one story, one artist, one community at a time.”

To learn more about Creative Alliance and be the first to know about tickets for events in the upcoming season, the 2026 Marquee Ball theme, or keep up with the latest news and announcements, visit creativealliance.org and follow along on social media @CreativeAllianceBaltimore.

:: See Also ::

Creative Alliance dedicates first themed season to ‘We the People’
by Aliza Worthington
Published October 21 in Baltimore Fishbowl

American Craft Council Welcomes a New Era of Access and Connection
Press Release :: October 15

The American Craft Council (ACC) today announces bold steps to become more accessible to makers and appreciators of American craft, to increase our reach and impact, and to cultivate a more connected craft ecosystem.

For nearly 85 years, the American Craft Council has fostered the livelihoods of American craftspeople and worked to build a broad, nationwide audience for the handcrafted. We have provided essential resources for artists, produced unique experiences that bring makers and appreciators together, convened and supported our field, and served as the premier nonprofit chronicler of the state of American craft.

ACC programs and activities have changed many times and in many ways over the decades, and innovation and adaptation are as much a part of ACC’s story as tradition. With every era, we have found new ways to advance our vision of a world where objects matter, makers thrive, and craft connects.

Over the next year, we will take the following steps to help bring that world into being: ACC storytelling is going digital. Stories, news, and other original content about American craft will be available through our website, craftcouncil.org, as it evolves to become the go-to national resource for the craft community. While the last print issue of American Craft, Winter 2026, will arrive in mailboxes in mid-November, ACC members and other readers will continue to find an array of stories that delight, surprise, and inform us all about artists, materials, trends, and events that comprise the rich tapestry of making taking place across America. Craftcouncil.org will feature expanded content reflecting our dynamic craft ecosystem and serve as a platform for new and established voices in the field—the place to explore artists pushing the boundaries of handcraft, small-batch craft manufacturers known for exceptional design, makers representing folk and heritage traditions, and more. ACC is launching an expanded array of online resources, including a robust calendar of nationwide craft events, employment opportunities in craft, and opportunities for artists.

Beginning in early 2026, users can expect ACC to be the epicenter of news, events, and opportunities in the craft field. This initiative will spotlight the excellent work of craft organizations nationwide, increasing access to information for makers and appreciators in communities of all sizes, and providing opportunities for ACC members and newsletter subscribers to tailor news and resources to their unique needs.

ACC membership is evolving to be a passport to craft. ACC Membership will be a gateway to the vibrant world of American craft and provide critical support to both early-career and established makers. Members will benefit from exclusive privileges and special discounts offered in partnership with craft-centered organizations, businesses, and events across the country—admission discounts, materials discounts, members-only access, and more. These benefits will grow and expand over time, shaped by the needs of our members. ACC’s Library & Archives will support craft scholarship from a new home. We are excited to announce a collaboration with the Center for Craft in Asheville, NC, to foster craft scholarship and research and increase public access to the ACC Library & Archives collections.

Recognized as one of the most robust resources for exploring and understanding the history of contemporary American craft and its makers, the Library & Archives will move to the Center for Craft’s welcoming facility located in one of the country’s most vibrant craft hubs.

“The Center’s focus on serving craft researchers and writers through a variety of programs and activities made it an excellent choice to steward the nationally unique ACC Library & Archives into the future,” says ACC Executive Director Andrea Specht. This gift from ACC to the Center for Craft will help ensure that more than 25,000 digital assets, numerous physical records, and a print collection of approximately 20,000 books, catalogs, and other items are broadly accessible and well stewarded for generations to come as ACC becomes a fully remote organization in 2026.

New ACC events will join our established lineup, expanding opportunities to create meaningful connections. American Craft Made Baltimore, the East Coast’s largest juried craft fair, will return for the 49th year to the Baltimore Convention Center on February 20–22, 2026 (tickets go on sale December 1, 2025), and American Craft Fest St. Paul will return to the Twin Cities on June 13–14, 2026 (artist applications are now open, through December 2). Online Craft Forums will feature leading voices exploring timely topics in the craft field, and Object Stories, our new in-person storytelling events, will take place in several cities across the U.S. In late 2026, a national craft field conference will bring together a multigenerational audience for learning, celebration, and fellowship.

ACC will provide more than $100,000 to early-career artists through new grant programs.

Beginning this fall, ACC will offer more than $100,000 in new grants for early career artists to purchase tools and equipment, pursue professional development, and seize career advancing opportunities. The grants will be available to members who enroll on our Early Career Artist Program thanks to generous support from our foundation partners.

“We are excited to launch new approaches to storytelling, membership, and more to increase our reach and impact for the makers and appreciators of American craft,” says Andrea Specht, ACC Executive Director.

“While our programs are evolving to meet our communities’ changing needs, we are steadfast in our commitment to foster craft-centered livelihoods and develop a broad audience for the artful work of the human hand.”

According to Robert L. Lynch, ACC Board Chair, “The changes we announce today provide opportunities to collaborate in new ways with longstanding partners and develop new relationships across the craft ecosystem. With a deeper focus on digital platforms, expanding programs and events, and partnerships as core to our work, we will create unprecedented access, connection, and community for makers and craft appreciators everywhere.”

About the American Craft Council

The American Craft Council (ACC) is a national nonprofit fostering connection through the
handmade. Building upon an 80+ year legacy of tradition and innovation as a
membership-based nonprofit, ACC leverages the transformative possibilities of craft through storytelling, resources for artists and appreciators, and events. In partnership with organizations across the country, we mobilize our diverse craft ecosystem to create a world where objects matter, makers thrive, and craft connects.

:: See Also ::

Center for Craft to Acquire the ACC Library & Archives
Press Release :: October 15

Five DC Exhibitions You Can See Despite the Government Shutdown
by Emma Cieslik
Published October 16 in Hyperallergic

Excerpt: Amid a federal shutdown, an oppressive National Guard presence, and an even more threatening ICE presence, Washington, DC is wounded but not defeated. Along with major protests, the city is fighting back with underground networks documenting roadblocks and raids as well as the destruction of murals and other public art — part of the Trump administration’s efforts to “clean up” DC.

In defiance, stickers, stencils, and signs have popped up across the city — a form of local guerrilla art that proliferates every time it’s scrubbed, peeled, and sanded off of the walls. Despite, or because of, this violence and turmoil, DC’s art scene is exploding with work highlighting the communities targeted by police brutality and border patrol, and the cultural impact of artists from these communities. In various ways, the exhibitions below demonstrate the revolutionary and liberatory potential of art.

Crushing Colonialism: The Magazine Turns Two with a Celebration of Indigenous Art and Storytelling in Baltimore
Press Release :: October 20

Crushing Colonialism is proud to announce a celebration marking the second anniversary of Crushing Colonialism: The Magazine, taking place on December 4, 2025, at Baltimore Center Stage.

The event is part of the theater’s Shared Space Initiative, which transforms its lobby into a vibrant community hub showcasing the rich diversity of Indigenous art, stories, and activism. Building on the success of last year’s Indigenous Art Gallery and Crushing Colonialism’s 2024 exhibition of The Magazine’s cover art, this year’s celebration expands into a festival honoring Indigenous storytelling, creativity, and resilience.

A Celebration of Indigenous Storytelling and Community

The anniversary festival will feature traditional foods, live music, and dance performances, including a special appearance by Angela Miracle Gladue (Miss Chief Rocka) — a Cree (nehiyaw)/Greek Interdisciplinary Artist from amiskwacîwâskahikan (ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ –  Edmonton, Alberta – Treaty 6 territory) and a proud member of Frog Lake First Nation. Angela brings a unique blend of tradition and contemporary flair to her presentations as she showcases high energy and dynamic dances from The Fancy Shawl dance to the traditional Hoop dance.

Another featured performer is 9a, a bisexual and trans Oglala Lakota artist from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. A two-time Native American Music Awards nominee, 9a is known for blending pop anthems and heartfelt love songs. She collaborated with Indigiqueer musicians on Crushing Colonialism’s album HOPE and performed at Decolonized Beatz Indigenous World Pride 2025.

This event aims to bring together Indigenous communities from the Baltimore region and beyond for a joyful, accessible, and inclusive celebration. Complimentary copies of The Magazine will be distributed alongside traditional and allergy-conscious foods.

The celebration will take place in a fully accessible space, designed to welcome Deaf, disabled, chronically ill, and multiply marginalized Indigenous participants. Accessibility and inclusion remain core values of Crushing Colonialism’s work.

About Crushing Colonialism: The Magazine

Launched in 2023, Crushing Colonialism: The Magazine is a quarterly publication edited and produced entirely by Indigenous creators. Published both digitally and in print, it amplifies Indigenous voices across languages, Nations, and disciplines. The magazine features Indigenous journalists, artists, traditional storytellers, and content creators from the so-called U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, New Zealand, Guinea-Bissau, and beyond, representing the diversity and brilliance of Indigenous arts and journalism.

Event Details:
Date: Dec 4, 2025 6:00 PM (Doors at 5:30 PM)
Location: Baltimore Center Stage

Admission: Free and open to the public

Crushing Colonialism is an Indigenous-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization uplifting Indigenous people through media, storytelling, and cultural production. Its mission is to provide paid opportunities for Native storytellers, build platforms for Indigenous narratives, and promote accessibility and inclusion within Indigenous arts and media.

Editor’s Picks: Chicago, Baltimore, and New York City
by The Editorial Team
Published October 18 in Cultbytes

Excerpt: Harrowing, comforting, lush, austere, archival, spontaneous. A compelling set of contradictions exists at the heart of London-based artist Richard Ayodeji Ikhide’s exhibition, on show at Baltimore’s CPM Gallery—a space that beautifully presents Ikhide’s multitudinous portrayals of (and negotiations between) Japanese manga, Edo rituals, Renaissance engravers, and the Romanian scholar Mircea Eliade’s theories on sacred and profane space. The gallery itself becomes twisty and dynamic, as the viewer passes by each piece, absorbing the details of cross-hatched ink drawings alongside the larger-scale watercolor compositions. Here, is the essence of world-initiating, rather than simply world-building. Something new is being born. Ikhide’s use of speech bubbles to impart thought and intention is a crucial entry-point into this landscape. They hover as a kind of halo amongst and between the figures who gesticulate, contort in isolation, or merge into one another. Guidance (2025) and Bodily Response (2025) are noteworthy for enacting a curious tension between movement and stillness; the former’s speech bubble exudes from a landscape of vivid disruption while two figures transact silently in the foreground.

Baltimore Artists and Gallery Take Center Stage at Mexico City’s Groundbreaking IMMORTAL Art Fair
Press Release (from artist Joan Cox) :: October 16

IMMORTAL is not your typical art fair. It’s a bold, curated showcase of queer and allied contemporary artists from Mexico and beyond, built on an artist-first model. The fair is designed to foster discovery, dialogue, and deep connection between artists and collectors, with professional presentation and inclusive storytelling at its core. Each artist’s work—including mine—will be featured both in person and online, with sales managed through Artsy.net and stories amplified via TBQA’s podcast, publications, and community platforms.

A Living Offrenda: Painted Cranios

In a special tribute to Día de los Muertos, each participating artist will also be “painting” cranios—papier-mâché skulls—to create a collective offrenda within the fair. These skulls, each uniquely transformed by the artists, will be available for guests to bid on and take home. The cranios are intended as enduring, immortal elements of the event—lasting symbols of remembrance, transformation, and the living spirit of the community IMMORTAL seeks to build.

Baltimore’s Vibrant Presence: Artists and Gallery

This year, Baltimore’s creative community is especially well represented:

Joan Cox: I’ll be exhibiting my latest series—interventions on watercolor monotypes of lesbian women and couples, layered with acrylic marker and oil pastel, depicting faces painted as calaveras. These portraits honor Día de los Muertos and the enduring power of queer love.
Caitlin Gill: A fellow Baltimore artist whose work explores the intersection of identity, memory, and materiality. Caitlin’s practice brings a fresh, experimental voice to the fair. More about her can be found here.
Quid Nunc Gallery: Baltimore’s newest contemporary art space, led by Nancy Kay Blackwell, is also participating in IMMORTAL 2025. Quid Nunc Gallery is quickly becoming a hub for emerging and experimental artists in the city. Their involvement signals Baltimore’s growing influence on the international art stage. Learn more about the gallery here.

Curatorial Connection:
IMMORTAL’s curator, Micheal Swank, is also the curator of “Volume 10: Dismantled,” the exhibition currently on view at Maryland Art Place. This ongoing relationship further strengthens the cultural bridge between Baltimore and Mexico City, and highlights the dynamic exchange happening between our communities.

Why this matters for Baltimore and beyond:
IMMORTAL is more than an exhibition—it’s a movement. Taking place during Día de los Muertos, the fair offers a powerful space for visibility and celebration of queer voices in contemporary art, right in the heart of Mexico City. For Baltimore, it’s an opportunity to showcase our city’s creative talent and new spaces on an international platform, and to participate in an event that’s actively transforming both the physical space and the cultural conversation.

Event Details:

October 31: VIP Preview Night Halloween Costume Event
November 1–2: Public Hours (Saturday 11 AM to 7 PM & Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM
Venue: Lisboa #46, Colonia Juárez, Mexico City

Online exhibition of Immortal on Artsy: https://www.artsy.net/show/the-bureau-of-queer-art-immortal-queer-art-fair

Maryland Film Festival Announces Full 2025 Lineup of Shorts and Feature Films
Press Release :: October 16

The Maryland Film Festival (MdFF) today announced the complete lineup of shorts programs and feature films for its 2025 edition, taking place Nov. 5-9 at The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Parkway Theatre in Baltimore’s Station North Arts District.

This year’s program showcases a bold and eclectic mix of local and international voices, including 25 main-slate feature films, a compelling Opening Night Shorts program, and special screenings celebrating visionary filmmakers, Baltimore stories, and the enduring power of independent cinema.

“This year’s lineup embodies everything we love about independent film, from risk-taking to a fierce commitment to truth,” said KJ Mohr, Festival Director. “We’re especially proud to highlight stories that emerge from Baltimore and connect to the global creative community. The films in our 2025 program remind us why this festival continues to be a cornerstone of Maryland’s cultural landscape, bringing together filmmakers, artists, and audiences in celebration of cinema’s power to challenge, inspire, and unite.”

Opening Night Shorts (TRT: 95 min)

The festival opens with a collection of inventive and emotional short films exploring legacy, love, and transformation.

Highlights include Expiration Date (dir. Giles Perkins, Maryland), a moving portrait of a family farm’s final days; Poreless (dir. Harris Doran), a sharp and fabulous satire of beauty and identity; and The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí (dir. Abbessi Akhamie, Nigeria), a playful, pan-African tale of heartbreak and revenge.

Also featured are The Singers (dir. Sam Davis), Hold Me Close (dir. Aurora Brachman & LaTajh Simmons-Weaver), and The Zoo (dir. Mimi Chakarova).

Feature Film Slate

The 2025 festival lineup reflects MdFF’s commitment to cinematic innovation and inclusivity, with a slate that spans genre, geography, and perspective.

Highlights include:

• BUTTHOLE SURFERS: The Hole Truth and Nothing Butt (dir. Tom Stern): A wild, kaleidoscopic journey through the psychedelic punk band’s outrageous history.
• JUST KIDS (dir. Gianna Toboni): A searing and deeply human documentary chronicling trans teens and their families navigating restrictive laws.
• LISTEN TO ME (dir. Stephanie Etienne & Kanika Harris): A powerful Baltimore-based documentary exploring the intersection of motherhood and systemic racism.
• JUNKIE (dir. William Means): A gritty debut feature from a returning MdFF alum.
• NEXT LIFE (dir. Tenzin Phuntsog): A poetic meditation on family, exile, and spiritual rebirth.
• SHE’S THE HE (dir. Siobhan McCarthy): A heartfelt coming-of-age story about identity, friendship, and transformation.
• POWWOW PEOPLE (dir. Sky Hopinka): A transcendent vérité-style portrait of contemporary Native life and community.
• THE TALLEST DWARF (dir. Julie Wyman): A personal and thought-provoking exploration of body, identity, and belonging.

Additional highlights include LOVE CHAOS KIN, OUTERLANDS, RIDE OR DIE, TIGER (Tiguere), and DEBUT, OR, OBJECTS OF THE FIELD OF DEBRIS AS CURRENTLY CATALOGUED, ensuring a rich and varied cinematic experience.

Each main-slate feature will screen twice during the festival.

Special Screenings & Presentations

This year’s festival also features unique screenings, filmmaker conversations, and archival presentations that celebrate Baltimore’s film legacy and global cinema.

• MULTIPLE MANIACS: A rare 16mm screening of John Waters’ 1970 classic, presented with the Sweet Sixteens Cinema Project.
• SUN RA: DO THE IMPOSSIBLE (dir. Christine Turner): Presented by Elissa Blount Moorhead, followed by a conversation with editor Steven Golliday.
• RICKY (dir. Rashad Frett): Debut feature from the 2024 Maryland Film Fellow, expanding on his award-winning short from last year’s festival.
• I WAS BORN THIS WAY (dirs. Daniel Junge & Sam Pollard): Celebrating the life and legacy of Baltimore’s own Archbishop Carl Bean, a disco pioneer and LGBTQ+ trailblazer.
• Encore screening of THE STORYDANCER (dirs, Gaia Bethel-Birch & Ania Flanagan Peña), honoring Baltimore icon Maria Broom.
• ALL THAT’S LEFT OF YOU (dir. Cherien Dabis): An epic drama of hope and resistance.
• TASTE THE REVOLUTION: A rediscovered and previously unreleased mockumentary featuring Mahershala Ali in his film debut

Mohr noted that a few late additions will be revealed soon, alongside announcements of special events, distinguished guests, student programs, and free community screenings.

Baltimore Clayworks Presents Winterfest 2025 and Annual Holiday Sale Preview Party
Press Release :: October 21

Kick off the holiday season in style with Baltimore Clayworks’ Winterfest 2025 and Annual Holiday Sale Preview Party on Thursday, November 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. This festive evening invites guests to celebrate the opening of our beloved utilitarian ceramics holiday invitational and shop from a curated selection of handcrafted ceramics and gifts created by renowned and local artists.

Guests at the Preview Party will enjoy live music by The Park Jazz Collective, wine tasting courtesy of Mt. Washington Wine & Spirits, and delicious small bites while mingling with artists and fellow art enthusiasts. This exclusive event provides an early opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind works before the exhibition opens to the public.

Tickets for the Preview Party are $35 for members and $40 for non-members, while Exhibition Patron Members attend free of charge.

Winterfest 2025

November 14 – December 23, 2025
The annual Winterfest exhibition brings together a remarkable group of 13 established and emerging ceramic artists from across the country. This year’s invited artists include:

Andrew Boswell (NY), Katie Fee (IL), Casey Hanrahan (AZ), Margaret Kinkeade (MO), Colleen McCall (NY), Reiko Miyagi (NC), Sean O’Connell (NC), Shawn O’Connor (VA), Ian Petrie (PA), Justin Paik Reese (OH), Taylor Sijan (NJ), Olivia Tani (MN), and Caleb Zouhary (OH).

Visitors can explore a stunning array of functional and decorative works from mugs and bowls to vases and serving pieces – each designed with artistry and intention – making Winterfest the perfect destination for meaningful, handmade holiday gifts.

All Winterfest items will also be available in our Online Shop beginning Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Annual Holiday Sale
Running concurrently with Winterfest, Baltimore Clayworks’ Annual Holiday Sale features the exceptional talents of our resident and associated artists, filling both the galleries and the Shop with an expansive collection of handmade ceramics and gifts. From functional tableware to sculptural treasures, there’s something for every art lover and holiday shopper.

All sale items are available for immediate purchase so visitors can take home their finds the same day and share the gift of art with loved ones.

The Rehoboth Art League Concludes Its 2025 Exhibition Season
Press Release :: October 20

The Rehoboth Art League concludes its 2025 exhibition season with three new shows on display from November 7th to the 30th. A juried members’ showcase will hang in the Corkran Gallery, while the award winners from Delaware’s Individual Artists Fellowship will take over the Tubbs Gallery. Plein air painter Robert Hunter will have a solo exhibition in the Ventures Gallery.

On the evening of November 7th from 5-7 pm, the art league will host a free opening reception for its exhibitions, inviting anyone interested to visit the league’s main galleries to see these new shows.

Work from RAL’s member artists are the focus of the showcase “Landscapes: Real and Imagined.” Whether inspired by a photo, painted on location, or created from fantasy, landscapes show how artists draw inspiration from the world around them and translate it with their own unique visions. Ocean panoramas, pastoral vistas, urban settings, change of seasons, and the time of day all evoke reactions and emotions. A variety of mediums, styles and interpretations can be found in this display. The pieces featured in this exhibition were juried by contemporary painter and sculptor, Martha Spak.

“Award Winners XXV” is a traveling exhibit featuring work by Delaware’s 2025 Individual Artist Fellowships. In 2025, the Delaware Division of the Arts received applications from 191 Delaware choreographers, composers, musicians, writers, and folk, media, and visual artists. The work samples were reviewed by out-of-state arts professionals who considered the demonstrated creativity and skill in each artist’s respective art form. Twenty-one artists were awarded fellowships in the following categories: one Master’s; eleven Established, nine Emerging, and thirteen runners-up. The twenty-one selected fellows reside throughout Delaware, including Bear, Clayton, Dagsboro, Lewes, Milton, Newark, New Castle, Rehoboth Beach, Smyrna, and Wilmington. This show, which began at the Biggs Museum of American Art in May and made a stop at the Historic Odessa Foundation, will have its final viewing at the Rehoboth Art League.

Robert Hunter’s solo exhibition, “Let There Be Light,” highlights how light becomes an aesthetic medium, element, and fabric from which we weave the tapestry of our visual lives. Working primarily in oil, Robert paints a variety of subjects, from coastal landscapes, boats, farmland, fields, valleys, rivers, and figurative compositions. But he always tries to capture the visual experience — such as light, colors, and time — of each scene to convey the true essence of a piece. He says of his work: “The paintings I create, quite simply, depict a captured moment in time; an attempt to be here now. I’m an observer… So, the process of selecting a subject to draw or paint is largely determined by chance circumstances. When the light is right, and the spirit moves me – I paint.”

RAL invites the public to an opening reception for all four shows on Friday, November 7, from 5-7 pm. The exhibitions are free and open to everyone during the regular gallery hours of Monday through Saturday, 10am to 4pm and Sunday, noon to 4pm.

The Rehoboth Art League is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.

The Rehoboth Art League is a membership-based non-profit arts organization dedicated to teaching, preserving and inspiring the arts in the region. For additional information about the art league, its exhibits, classes, memberships, events and more, please visit its website at RehobothArtLeague.org or call 302.227.8408. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram @RehobothArtLeague.

Port Discovery Children’s Museum Unveils Two New Exhibits: Galactic Builders and SKIES
Press Release :: October 22

Port Discovery Children’s Museum cut the ribbon today on two new interactive exhibits, Galactic Builders and SKIES. Opening to the general public on Friday, October 24, 2025, they mark the first phase of a multi-year renovation to transform the museum into a next-generation learning hub for children, families, and educators across Maryland.

Galactic Builders is a 1,788-square-foot space-themed environment introducing children to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The exhibit encourages extended play and experimentation, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

Highlights of Galactic Builders include:

• Rocket Launches: Kids build and launch their own miniature rockets, exploring the forces of gravity, thrust, and aerodynamics.
• Rover Design and Testing: Families collaborate to design rovers capable of exploring new planetary terrains.
• Parachute Experiments: Children test different parachute designs, comparing results and developing systems thinking.
• Engineering Challenges: Rotating activities guide children to explore how parts of a system interact and how innovative solutions come to life.

Galactic Builders aims to help children think like scientists and engineers while promoting teamwork and inquiry-based learning.

For children and families seeking a quieter, more reflective play environment, SKIES offers a fully immersive, 2,250-square-foot exhibit inspired by the beauty of the sky’s daily journey from sunrise to sunset. Incorporating soft colors, gentle motion, and nature-inspired design, SKIES provides therapeutic opportunities for play, rest, and curiosity-driven exploration.

Highlights of SKIES include:

• Reading Nooks: Cozy spaces filled with books that build literacy skills and inspire positive character development.
• Pillow and Blanket Forts: Children design and assemble imaginative shelters, building fine motor skills while engaging in creative play.
• Rest and Recharge Zone: A quiet area where children and caregivers can relax and recalibrate in a low-stimulation environment.
• Sky-Inspired Experiences: Visuals of sunrises, sunsets, clouds, and moonlight provide gentle sensory engagement that sparks observation and wonder.
• Social-Emotional Support: Activities designed to foster mindfulness, focus, cooperation, and self-soothing.

“These openings mark an important milestone in Port Discovery’s journey of growth and renewal,” said Carter Arnot Polakoff, President & CEO of Port Discovery Children’s Museum. “Our vision is to create a museum that adapts to the needs of today’s families—offering joyful, interactive learning experiences that spark creativity and curiosity while ensuring every child feels welcome. Galactic Builders and SKIES are the first of many steps toward a reimagined Port Discovery that will continue to serve Baltimore and beyond for generations to come.”

Located on the third floor of the museum, the two new exhibits add more than 4,500 square feet of reimagined interactive space, offering both stimulating and calming environments for all types of learners. In the coming years, additional exhibits and redesigned spaces will expand the museum’s vision of a dynamic, inclusive learning lab where families return again and again to learn, create, and connect through play.

These exhibits have been generously funded by major community supporters, including the Harvey M. Meyerhoff Fund, the Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Memorial Foundation, The Kahlert Foundation, and the Samuel G. & Margaret A. Gorn Foundation.

The critic got it right, Everyman’s first play was ‘a promising start’
by Dan Rodricks
Published October 16 in Baltimore Fishbowl

Excerpt: It’s always interesting to reach back to see what a critic had to say about certain artists when they first debuted — especially when the critic got it wrong.

H.L. Mencken dismissed James McManus as a television reporter after WMAR’s historic, first-in-Baltimore telecast — from the afternoon races at Pimlico — in October 1947. “The young man doing the talking was poor at the job,” Mencken said of McManus, who went on to become Jim McKay, a giant of television sports in the 20th Century.

After the Beatles performed in Baltimore in September 1964, a critic for the bygone Baltimore News-American said the British group’s huge popularity would soon wane. “The Beatlemania phenomenon is slowly coming to a halt,” he wrote. “Despite their many current discs, the Beatles will soon lose their popularity for many fans around the world.”

VinylCon! Expands to Baltimore for First-Ever Charm City event!
Press Release :: October 14

On the heels of wildly successful events in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Denver, VinylCon! makes its long-awaited Baltimore debut with a two-day celebration of vinyl culture at UNION Craft Brewing on October 25 and 26.

After drawing thousands of music lovers across the country, VinylCon! brings its unique blend of community, culture, and crate-digging to Charm City for what is projected to be the largest record fair in Maryland this year. The Baltimore edition will feature over 50 record sellers from all over the region, including locally celebrated shops, such as Sound Garden and REB Records, complemented by vendors travelling from all over the East Coast and beyond.

Fans will have the opportunity to add to their collections, and connect with the greater local community of vinyl enthusiasts. In addition to vendors, the show will feature a full lineup of vinyl DJs curated by well-known DJ and collector Skeme Richards, as well as giveaways, engaging sponsor activations, great food from vinyl lovers, Carroll & Sons Fine Foods, and of course drink options from UNION Craft Brewing.

“As a collector and enthusiast myself, I felt like the record fair I wanted to attend simply didn’t exist,” says VinylCon! founder Kobi Waldfogel, who also founded Denver’s Rocky Mountain Record Show. “VinylCon! is meant to be both accessible to vinyl-curious newcomers and respected by veteran collectors. Baltimore has an incredible and loyal music culture, and we can’t wait to offer our event to the community.”

UNION Craft Brewing CEO Adam Benesch adds, “Baltimore’s always had great taste in both music and beer. Both have a way of bringing folks together, and VinylCon at UNION is the perfect excuse to do just that.” Waldfogel continues, “We are very lucky to have found the perfect host in Baltimore with UNION, their team shares our passion for music and the space is exactly what we look for in a venue”

The event takes place Saturday, October 25th, from 10:00–5:00 and Sunday, October 26th, from 9:00–4:00PM at Union Craft Brewing (1700 W 41st St #420, Baltimore, MD 21211).

Advance tickets for Saturday are just $11.33, and Sunday is $6.45 (fees included).  For the serious diggers, VIP Early Entry tickets ($27.49) grant access at 10:00AM on Saturday, giving a 2-hour head start. Parking is available for free at the UNION Collective parking lots!

For tickets and more information, visit: www.thevinylcon.com

Baltimore’s Billion-Dollar Plans to Reinvent Itself
by Alexander Nazaryan
Published October 3 in The New York Times

Excerpt: For decades, Baltimore struggled with high crime rates and a declining population. From 1950 to 2020, the city’s population shrank from nearly one million to 585,000.

But things have started looking up — even with Wednesday’s government shutdown potentially affecting funding for the city.

For the first time in a decade, Baltimore’s population grew last year, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. And through July of this year, the city had the fewest homicides recorded in over 50 years.

All of this prompted Maryland’s governor, Wes Moore, to declare in a recent interview that “the Baltimore renaissance has begun.”