We are thrilled to announce the next BOPA exhibition at the Gallery in the Sky at the Top of the World Observation Level: Lauren R. Lyde opens her solo show, “The View from Here,” on Thursday, May 12, 2022. As a daughter of Baltimore City, “The View from Here” reveals Lyde’s excursions in childhood and self-discovery growing up in West Baltimore.

Working in oil and charcoal on canvas, most of the work was created between 2020–2022 in a corner of Lyde’s kitchen during the pandemic. Says Lyde, “The themes that I am most interested in exploring in my work are those that foster patience, kindness, consideration, and a regard for others regardless of identity or life circumstances.”

Lyde studied at the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C., and Pratt Institute in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Towson State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Community Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Her work has been shown at Maryland Art Place and the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center in Baltimore, BSB Gallery in Trenton, New Jersey, and Harmony Hall Arts Center in Fort Washington, Maryland. For more on the artist, visit https://www.laurenrlyde.art.

Curator Kirk Shannon-Butts raves, “Another of Baltimore’s unsung creatives, Top of the World is the perfect positioning for Lyde’s artistry and vision. I have traveled to Africa, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and all over the United States, and Lauren’s paintings of children are unparalleled.”

To see Lauren R. Lyde's beautiful paintings at next week's opening on May 12 for free, click the button below to RSVP. Please note, the last admission to Top of the World is 30 minutes before close.

BOPA is looking for a few Volunteer/Gallery Guides to welcome guests to Bromo. If you're interested in sharing your love of art and history, email curator Kirk Shannon-Butts at the button below.

BOPA manages several iconic properties around Baltimore, including the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower and the Top of the World Observation Level. Your tax-deductible donation helps us maintain these spaces and utilize them to their fullest potential in support of Baltimore's creative community.

The Baltimore Farmers' Market is BACK! Visit every Sunday, rain or shine, from 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Many favorite farms and vendors are returning this year, along with a new crop of local merchants and artists selling their wares.

To see the full lists of vendors, the Market map (which includes where you can park for free), and more information about Maryland's largest producers-only market, click the button below.

The Highlandtown Arts District is the largest designated arts & entertainment district in the state of Maryland, encompassing the southeast Baltimore neighborhoods of Highlandtown, Patterson Park, and portions of the Canton and Greektown neighborhoods. Their First Friday Art Walk is a great opportunity to see all the creativity this district has to offer.

Come out on Friday, May 6, from 5:00–9:00 p.m. and grab a bite, stroll through a gallery or two, and buy from a variety of handmade goods. Click below for an interactive map of the district and what venues are participating.

BOPA provides programming and technical support to the City's A&E Districts. Your tax-deductible donation helps us to support the artists and arts organizations who make Baltimore beautiful!

Hamilton Arts Collective at Hamilton Gallery is proud to present Chloe Irla's exhibition, Snowballtimore, on view from Friday, May 6–Sunday, June 26.

Irla's goal with this project is to establish Snowballtimore as an authority and archive for the summer Baltimore tradition and to publicly “certify” city snowball stands as being recognized by this project. For more information on the artist, exhibition, and gallery hours, click the button below.

Baltimore by Baltimore (BxB) is a music and makers festival series held every first Saturday of the month, May–October 2022, at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. On Saturday, May 7, from 12:00–8:00 p.m., head down to the harbor for a free celebration of the music, makers, and munchies that make Baltimore truly special. The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore team and a rotating selection of emerging Baltimore producers offer a day of unique family-friendly activities, food, and performances. For details, click below.

Hear Us Now!?! is focused on Baltimore, social justice, and the effects of Covid-19. The festival and exhibition is a follow up to the 2019 inFusion Film Festival and exhibition Are We Loud Enough? and showcases Baltimore artists, filmmakers, and artwork that is related to the struggle for justice, equity, and transformation needed in our communities now. 

The Film Festival is Saturday, May 7, 2022 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. The exhibition will be on view from May 7–Friday, June 3. For event details and gallery hours, click the button below.

Baltimore Composers Forum (BCF) presents String Theory 2022, a virtual concert of new music by BCF members featuring the Azimuth String Quartet. The concert will take place Saturday, May 7, at 8:15 p.m. and will be available thereafter online. For more information about the BCF, event details, and how to watch, click the button below.

The Stoop, in partnership with Baltimore Weddings and Baltimore Museum of Industry, present an evening of tales about weddings — from mothers-in-law and maids of honor, to caterers, couples, crashers, and more.

The event on Wednesday, May 11, begins at 7:00 p.m. with music from Geraldine and the stories start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. However, if you come in wedding attire, it's only $15! For details and tickets, click below.

The Cloisters Castle invites newly engaged couples and their families to tour the castle and meet with local vendors during the Cloisters Castle Open House Plus. Caterers, photographers, florists, and more will be available to help with all planning needs to create the perfect wedding at this historic landmark. The Open House Plus Series takes place on the following dates:

For more information about this event and the history of The Cloisters, click the button below.

Release the Gowns is a theatrical variety show written by Outcalls featuring brand new music from their upcoming record Greatest Hits, vol. 1. On Friday, May 13, at 8:00 p.m., come celebrate the journey of Britt and Melissa's friendship, bandleading partnership, and continuing survival of the patriarchy spanning over a decade of collaboration.

Directed by Genevieve de Mahy of Single Carrot Theatre and joined by an all-star team of artists, Release the Gowns will leave you heavy breathing. Vaccinations and masks are required. By popular demand, a second show has been added for Saturday, May 14. So click below to get your tickets before they sell out (again).

Everyman Theatre, in partnership with Cylburn Arboretum Friends, is hosting Jane Austen's Garden Gathering on Sunday, May 22, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. Celebrate the world of Jane Austen with members of Everyman’s Resident Company in the gardens of Cylburn Arboretum. Your ticket includes light refreshments and a tour of the Cylburn Mansion and Gardens. Festive attire is encouraged. For more information and to purchase tickets, click the button below.

Everyman Theatre's production of Sense & Sensibility runs through Sunday, May 8. Click here for showtimes and tickets.

The School of Magic Arts (SOMA) is hosting week-long virtual summer camps for creative kids ages 9 and up who want to learn the art of illusion. Campers will receive full kits prior to their sessions, which include everything needed to build props and learn magic. There's also an end-of-week magic show where campers can show off their new skills. Click below for details and to register.

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Make sure to keep virtually in touch with BOPA! Follow us @promoandarts for your dose of art, to receive local arts resources, and to learn about how Baltimore's creative community is keeping the arts thriving.

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!