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Artscape 2009 Top 5

Street shot of Artscape 2009 visitors. (c) Photography by Laura M. Kuah.

 

I had the esteemed privilege to spend a carefree Saturday afternoon with fellow Baltimore fibers
+ sculpture artist, Janie Ehle, browsing the streets of Mt. Vernon during the annual Artscape extravaganza! This was my first time there, and I can guarantee you that I will be back again in the years to come. Described as "America's largest free public arts festival", this weekend brings nationally-known bands, indie crafts artists, sponsors with corporate art collections (i.e. BP), fashion designers and MICA art students who simply want to "do their thang" to Baltimore for a celebration of the arts that is indeed second to none. The Light Gallery was also giving out free bottles of h2o and magnets, inviting visitors to check out its current exhibition. This year, Artscape even operated its free shuttle, which ran every 30 minutes, making continuous loops around the festival grounds. The food and vendors also went above and beyond your typical festival fare, which choices that extended to organic/vegan options alongside funnel cake, hot dogs and beer. YES, Baltimore... this is the BEST place to celebrate summer being 1/2 over.

 

The lively atmosphere at Artscape was contagious, as people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds were out celebrating creativity and diversity. Many of the city's residents, who are not typically involved in the art scene, came out with their families and friends to see what the excitement was all about. Events in Baltimore are highly inclusive, and there is, without a doubt, something for everyone, whether you are 8 or 85. At Artscape, you are free to be yourself and experiment with a variety of different artistic expressions.

 

Though there has been some controversy about Artscape giving too much money to the corporations instead of the artists themselves, it was still wonderful to see such a large turnout. Plus, once you are at the festival, you get to choose WHO to support.

 

Below is a photographic documentation of Artscape 2009's Top 5 Exhibitors (encompassing the strange, creative or random), according to Baltimore's Contemporary Art Examiner. Enjoy and I welcome any feedback on these selections:

 

 

Sun Cakes - solar energy at it's sweetest

 

 

Camera Obscura - taken inside the actual "camera" with a pinhole opening, where participants get to play the role of the "film"

 

 

Human Foosball - people strapped to pies across the "field", and only allowed to use their feet to kick or block the ball from their opponents

 

 

"Art" Cars - a creative way to showcase your collections (or favorite food)

 

 

Love Particle Accelerator - amplified love via vibrations from a gong and what you write down on a piece of paper

 

To see more, please visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pookalali08/sets/72157611767012547/