Explore the vibrant art scene in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor at the Light Street Pavilion. Celebrate and discover creativity at its best.
Articulated Insight – “News, Race and Culture in the Information Age”
In the summer of 2023, Joy Bramble and Paris Brown had a vision to celebrate Baltimore’s artistic community. They decided to showcase the talent of 100 Black Baltimore artists in a special issue of The Baltimore Times. This led to an event called Creatively Black Baltimore at the Inner Harbor Light Street Pavilion, featuring artists like Larry “Poncho” Brown and many others. The event will run from June to December 2024 and will include art displays, lectures, forums, and more. This initiative is important for artists who have not received enough support in the city’s art programs. It is a chance for them to showcase their creativity and connect with the community. The event aims to unite artists of all levels and backgrounds, celebrating their resilience and cultural pride.
In the summer of 2023, during a pivotal meeting, Joy Bramble and Paris Brown ignited a vision—one that would celebrate the vibrant artistic community of Baltimore. Their gaze turned toward the city’s own Larry “Poncho” Brown, a native artist whose creative spirit resonated deeply.
The initial discussions buzzed with excitement as they explored the idea of a special issue in The Baltimore Times, dedicated to showcasing the talent of 100 Black Baltimore Artists. The prospect of this artistic tapestry unfurling across the pages fueled their passion. But it didn’t stop there.
History was in the making as The Baltimore Times embarked on a groundbreaking endeavor: Creatively Black Baltimore: Inner Harbor Light Street Pavilion Pop-Up. Formerly known as Ripley’s Believe It or Not, this iconic venue would transform into a vibrant canvas—a testament to the richness of Baltimore’s Black creative community. This art initiative transcends boundaries. It unifies emerging, mid-career, and established artists, all hailing from Baltimore. Their collective voices weave a narrative of resilience, innovation, and cultural pride. Participating artists include Adiante Franszoon, Aliana Grace Bailey, Alma Roberts, Angelique Scott, Anson Asaka. Anthony Nsofor, Bobby Blazek, Brandon Lamar Jones, Bria Sterling Wilson, Candice Tavares, Darren Thompson, Jr, Derrick Smith, DJ Da Artist, Dr. Yemonja Smalls, Elijah Trice, Grayson M. Williams, Jr., Hasani Claxton, James E. Murphy Jr., Jerome Chester, Jordan P. Jackson, Kibibi Ajanku, Lamar Jones, Larry Poncho Brown, Lenett Partlow-Myrick, Linda L. Gray, Linda Tucker, Mandela E. Brown, Melku Iyosef Tafari, Oliver King Jr., Ram Brisueno, Rashad A. Muhammad, Raymond Lucas, Schroeder Cherry, Tamera Payne, Tiffani Sahara, Tiffany Harris, Valerie A. Smith, Wendell Supreme Shannon, Yewande K. Davis, and various others. For these artists, this initiative is more than an exhibition—it’s a lifeline. Many have felt the absence of robust support within the city’s existing art programs. But now, they converge at the Inner Harbor Light Street Pavilion, where their creativity will flourish.
From June 2024 to December 2024, this space will host one of the largest gatherings of Black artists in Baltimore. The address—301 Light Street, 2nd Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202—will become a sanctuary for expression, dialogue, and celebration. The event isn’t confined to static displays. There will also be a schedule of programming, art lectures, forums, panel discussions, guest speakers, etc.
As the sun sets over the Inner Harbor, the pavilion will come alive with stories, brushstrokes, and melodies. Creatively Black Baltimore is more than an exhibition; it’s a testament to the resilience of artists who shape culture, one stroke at a time.
Join us at the Inner Harbor Light Street Pavilion—where art transcends walls and becomes a beacon of unity. Let the colors flow, the conversations ignite, and the spirit of Baltimore’s Black artists soar.
#DMVartscene #Baltimoreculture #InnerHarborVibes
