Public art adds value.
Creative Placemaking inspires pride and connection between people and their neighborhood through site-specific art and other elements of interest. It is an effective tool for improving community vibrancy and mitigating blight.
Our Creative Placemaking Initiative locates new art works in locations prioritized by our community; including parks, schools, and other places where people gather. Each new work is designed to acknowledge the unique and culturally-significant aspects of our neighborhoods.
In the Fall of 2020 GBA received funding from the Maryland State Arts Council to launch a public art planning process: identify opportunities and artists for creative placemaking projects throughout Baybrook neighborhoods.
Step 1
Public Survey and Mapping
GBA surveyed the community asking for residents to prioritize the types of art they'd like to see, and where they feel art would make the most impact.
Step 2
Public Art Request for Qualifications
GBA developed and advertised a national call for professional, experienced public artists interested in creating work in Baybrook. The RFQ produced 62 artist applicants from across the country.
Step 3
Community Review Committee
A committee of 12 professional artists, designers, marketing professionals, stakeholders and residents reviewed applications from around the globe. They considered applicants' portfolios and qualifications.
Step 4
Awarded Artists
Once artists were selected, artists were paired to sites based on funding, expertise, type of work, interests of the property owner, and other logistics. GBA continues to seek funding and locations for selected artists.
(Sample works and project descriptions below)
GBA's Creative Placemaking Initiative funding was provided by the Maryland State Arts Council Planning Grant, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, BOPA, Baltimore City Community Development Block Grant, Maryland State Bond Funding and Baltimore Development Corporation.
Selected Artists & Projects
We are proud to announce the 8 artists and creative teams that have been chosen for GBA's Creative Placemaking Initiative:
01
Andy Dahl and Annie Howe
Location: Maree G. Farring EMS Tot Lot
Completed in the Fall of 2021, local artists Andy Dahl and Annie Howe collaborated on this work to improve the outdoor experience and encourage appreciation of nature for young students. This project was supported by a grant from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and Arts.
02
The Urban Conga
Location: Garrett Park
The Urban Conga is a multidisciplinary design studio that sparks community activity and social interaction through art and open-ended play. Through 2022 and 2023 the design team met with residents to develop "Interwoven," a functional piece that helps activate the existing pavilion in Garrett Park while providing space to reflect, gather, play, and enjoy the veiws.
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03
Charley Frances
Location: Hammonds Park
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Charley Frances worked with local charity The Complete Player and students from Brooklyn Park Middle to develop designs for the basketball court at Hammonds Park. They created an image that reflects the community's self-described character of unity and strength.
04
Ndubisi Okoye
Location: South Hanover Commercial Corridor
Hailing from Detroit, Ndubisi is a multidisciplinary creative with a passion for art and design that tells a story. His work creates unique stories to motivate, represent and inspire people, especially those throughout the African Diaspora. He is currently working with black-owned business Stylin' Zone to develop conceptual designs for the building's side facade.
05
Tim Scofield
Location: East Patapsco & 2nd Street
Sculptor and fabrication artist Tim Scofield is a Baltimore based artist working in collaboration with the Friends of Garrett Park on the development of gateway art for the park. His well know work in East Baltimore includes the Creative Alliance "BUS" stop, and several other public transportation structures.
06
Megan Lewis
Megan Lewis is a professional multidisciplinary illustrator. Known for her bold colors and wearable brand Blk Women Period, Lewis utilizes various mediums to create works of art that focus on stories that reflect a critical view of social, historical and cultural issues all inspired by Blk Women images.
https://www.meganlewis1illustrator.com/
Interested in working with Megan? Contact GBA's project manager, sarah@greaterbaybrookalliance.org
Location: TBD*
07
Art + Parks
Location: TBD*
Arts & Parks is an organization that seeks to blend street art and purposeful landscaping to create holistic spaces for Baltimore neighborhoods. The organization is centered around a collaboration between two Baltimore natives: Justin "Nether" Nethercut, street artist, and Elise Victoria, professional landscaper.
https://www.artsandparks.org/home
Interested in working with Art + Parks, and willing to maintain proposed landscaping? Contact GBA's project manager: Sarah@greaterbaybrookalliance.org
08
Graham Coriel Allen
Location: TBD (potential location at 3rd & Patapsco)
Building on backgrounds in public art, urban design, ecology, and neighborhood advocacy, Public Artist Graham Coreil-Allen (he/him) and team at Graham Projects produce participatory projects and in the service of pedestrians and places.
