By Jessica Damen
Everyone loves Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival. It has been growing and gaining popularity with each passing year. But not everyone can manage to dive into Mount Royal’s artistic melting pot as it boils over on what is inevitably the hottest weekend of the year (this year, July 18 – 20).
Shoe XXII by Ruth Pettus
So the fine folks at Artscape established the Artscape Gallery Network. Now in its fifth year, the network stages great exhibits all over town from June through August, so even the faint of heart can get a solid helping of Artscape all summer long. And, of course, all the events are free of charge.
By Maxine Taylor
One notable show is Dissolution & Transformation, opening at MAXgallery on Thursday, June 26 from 5 – 8 pm. This face-meltingly beautiful exhibit features regional artists who viscerally transform their curatorial theme into some damn fine art. Featured artists include several applicants for the 2014 Sondheim Prize (which, along with the Baker Prize, is Baltimore’s largest and most prestigious artist award). The line-up includes: Kini Collins, Jessica Damen, Megin Diamond, Michelle Dickson, Annie Farrar, Cianne Fragione, Pat Dennis Giroux, Artemis Herber, Daniel Herman, LaToya Hobbs, Ruth Pettus, Maxine Taylor, and Sandra Wasko-Flood.
By LaToya Hobbs
MAXgallery is the live-work space of artist and gallery owner Maxine Taylor. The venue is nearly as surprising as the artwork it contains. Imagine turning down a small alley in the middle of the city, when suddenly, nestled among Baltimore-style row homes, you come upon a wide-open expanse with a big yard. Set back from the alley is a modern, spacious, two-story stone rancher. This building would be pleasing if you saw it in California. In the middle of Butchers Hill, it is somewhat astounding.
The view from outside MAXgallery
Here are the deets: The gallery is located at 126 N. Madeira Street, Baltimore, MD 21231 (See map) . There is an opening reception on Thursday June 26 from 5 – 8 pm and a closing reception on Thursday July 31 from 5 – 8 pm.
Gallery Hours are Thursdays 6 – 9 and Saturdays 11 – 6. Gallery talks are held on Thursdays from 7 – 8 pm. For more information, contact Maxine Taylor at 410-804-7459 or maxine@maxinetaylorfinearts.com
By Artemis Herber
More art on What Weekly found here.
